FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Dec. 6, 2018) — Command Sgt. Maj. James Breckinridge assumed the role of top enlisted leader at the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood in a ceremony held Monday in Nutter Field House.

Maj. Gen. Donna Martin, MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, said Breckinridge demonstrated his extensive knowledge and incredible leadership while in his prior position as U.S. Army Military Police School’s Regimental Command Sergeant Major.

“I have no doubt he will continue to provide this expertise and guidance as the command sergeant major of the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood,” she said. “I am confident he has the ability and empathy to understand the needs and concerns of our young Soldiers and our noncommissioned officers while simultaneously identifying the strategic challenges we must solve to ensure the right maneuver support capabilities are available when and where our nation calls.”

Martin said Breckinridge has graduated from every military school required of noncommissioned officers in the NCO Corps and has served in leadership positions from team leader to the nominative level.

She said this will be the third time they have served together.

“You are the right person to help me guide and mentor our team of teams as we develop the next generation of warriors and leaders of character,” Martin said. “I am proud to call you my battle buddy, and I look forward to continuing to serve with you.”

Breckinridge said he and his family are looking forward to the opportunity to stay in the Fort Leonard Wood community for another tour.

“It’s going to be a great ride, and I look forward to working with every single one of you,” he said. “We will maintain the greatness that we call Fort Leonard Wood and take it to the next level.”

Breckinridge entered the Army in 1989 and completed One Station Unit Training at Fort McClellen, Alabama.

Martin took command of the installation during a ceremony held in August, when Command Sgt. Maj. Henney Hodgkins assumed the role of her interim command sergeant major.

Command Sgt. Maj. James Breckinridge takes the colors from Maj. Gen. Donna Martin during a ceremony held Monday in Nutter Field House.