The 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell will make history next week when a woman takes over as the command sergeant major for an Army Division.
Division of Public Affairs Officer Lieutenant Colonel Kari McEwen says Command Sergeant Major Bryan Baker will relinquish responsibility as the senior enlisted advisor of the 101st Airborne Division to Command Sergeant Major Veronica Knapp during a change of responsibility ceremony.
Lt. Col. McEwen says Command Sgt. Maj. Knapp is the first leader in this historic division to have led both men and women at every level, from team leader to squad leader, all the way through brigade command sergeant major.
According to McEwen, Knapp’s selection additionally constitutes a milestone for the U.S. Army, as she is the first woman to serve as the command sergeant major for an Army Division.
McEwen says selecting a leader like Knapp opens the door for their soldiers to experience the outstanding leadership of those outside the combat arms branches, and that’s something they’ve been missing.
