Raymond F. Chandler

Raymond F. Chandler
Born (1962-08-25) August 25, 1962
Whittier, California, U.S.
Allegiance  United States of America
Service/branch  United States Army
Years of service 1981-2015
Rank Sergeant Major of the Army
Awards Army Distinguished Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit (2)
Bronze Star
Meritorious Service Medal (8)
Army Commendation Medal (8)
Army Achievement Medal (2)
Signature

Raymond F. Chandler (born August 25, 1962)[1] the 14th Sergeant Major of the Army in the United States. He was sworn in on March 1, 2014 and active on duty until January 30, 2017. Chandler has served in all tank crewman positions and has had multiple tours as a troop, squadron and regimental master gunner. He has served in the 1st Infantry Division (FWD), 2nd Infantry Division, 4th Infantry Division, 1st Cavalry Division, 3rd Armored Division, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, United States Army Armor School, and the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy. He also served as First Sergeant in four different detachments, troops and companies. As a Sergeant Major, he served as Operations SGM in 1/2 ACR and as CSM in 1/7 Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army Garrison Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and the United States Army Armor School CSM. Chandler was assigned as the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy CSM in December 2007. In June 2009, Chandler became the 19th Commandant of USASMA and the first enlisted commandant in USASMA history.

Early life

Chandler is a native of Whittier, California, was raised in Massachusetts, and entered the Army in Brockton, Massachusetts in September 1981. He attended both Basic Training and Armor Advanced Individual Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Military career

Chandler being sworn in as 14th sergeant major of the Army by Gen. George Casey

As Sergeant Major of the Army, Chandler served as the Chief of Staff of the United States Army's personal adviser on all enlisted-related matters, particularly in areas affecting soldier training and quality of life, including the adoption of the new Army Service Uniform, which phases out the Green Service Uniform in 2015. The Sergeant Major of the Army is routinely invited to testify before U.S. Congress.

Throughout his 30-year career, he served in every enlisted leadership position from all tank crewman positions to his position as Sergeant Major of the Army. Other assignments he held as a sergeant major were Operations SGM in 1/2 ACR and as CSM in 1/7 Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division; United States Army Garrison Fort Leavenworth, KS; and the United States Army Armor School CSM. Chandler was assigned as the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy CSM in December 2007. He deployed once, that being with 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division to Iraq in 2004-2005.[2]

Chandler became the 14th Sergeant Major of the Army on March 1, 2011 and was succeeded by CSM Daniel A. Dailey on January 20, 2015.[3]

Education

Chandler's military education includes Noncommissioned Officer Education System, M60A3 and M1/M1A1 Tank Master Gunner Course, Battle Staff NCO Course, First Sergeant Course, Basic Instructor Training, Total Army Instructor Trainer Course, Small Group Instructor Trainer Course, Video Tele-Training Instructor Trainer Course, Army Management Staff Course, Garrison Command Sergeant Major Course and various other professional development courses. His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in public administration from Upper Iowa University.

Awards and decorations

Combat Action Badge
Expert Marksmanship Badge with Pistol bar
Army Staff Identification Badge
7th Cavalry Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia
1st Cavalry Division Combat Service Identification Badge
2 Overseas Service Bars
11 Service stripes
Army Distinguished Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal

Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster
Bronze Star Medal

Meritorious Service Medal with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters

Army Commendation Medal with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters

Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster
Meritorious Unit Commendation
Superior Unit Award
Army Good Conduct Medal 11 awards
Bronze star

National Defense Service Medal with one service star
Bronze star
Bronze star

Iraq Campaign Medal with two service stars
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Korea Defense Service Medal
NCO Professional Development Ribbon with bronze award numeral 4
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon with award numeral 4

Chandler is a recipient of the Order of Saint George (Bronze Medallion), the Distinguished Order of Saint Martin and the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
SMA Chandler also serves on the Board of Directors for Army Emergency Relief.

References

  1. According to the State of California. California Birth Index, 1905–1995. Center for Health Statistics, California Department of Health Services, Sacramento, California. Searchable at http://www.familytreelegends.com/records/39461
  2. "New Sgt. Maj. of Army Chandler 'right person at the right time' for NCO corps. He is also a Ranger from the 75th Brigade.". Stars and Stripes. 28 Feb 2011.
  3. Carroll, Chris. "Infantryman named new sergeant major of the Army", Stars and Stripes, November 3, 2014. (accessed 3 November 2014)

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Raymond F. Chandler.
Military offices
Preceded by
Kenneth O. Preston
Sergeant Major of the Army
2011–2015
Succeeded by
Daniel A. Dailey
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