CAMP BLANDING JOINT TRAINING CENTER, Fla. — U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers of 2-485th Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), welcomed their new command sergeant major during a Change of Responsibility Ceremony on April 9, 2017.
As part of the ceremony tradition, the outgoing acting command sergeant major, Master Sgt. Scott Miranda passed the saber to the battalion commander, Lt. Col. James “Jim” Nelson, as a symbol of a mission complete. Nelson in turn, then passed the saber to his incoming command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Torey Mosley, showing the responsibility for battalion Soldiers is now his.
Nelson, an Orlando, Florida resident, told his troops and his brigade commander, Col. Stephen Iacovelli, that Miranda had not only stepped up to the plate, but hit a home run during his short time as the acting command sergeant major for the battalion. “Your leadership and commitment to the battalion is evident and is why we are one of the most ready battalions in the division. In a short time, you developed a consolidated Drill Sergeant Candidate Program that we will be implementing this month and will be the foundation for Command Sergeant Major Mosley’s candidate program of the future.”
Miranda who is from New Bedford, Massachusetts, was thankful for the opportunity to serve as acting command sergeant major, and said he was largely successful because of all the dedicated Soldiers in the battalion. “Working with the best Soldiers in the best battalion of the division has been inspiring, and I look forward to working in the operations section and setting an even higher standard for all other battalions to emulate.”
As Miranda moves back to the battalion’s plans and operations shop, he said his first task will be to implement a consolidated battalion Drill Sergeant Candidate Program. “I will be looking for the same support that you have given me as your acting command sergeant major to ensure the program is a success.”
So as Miranda steps aside to work in operations, Mosley, an Atlanta, Georgia resident who last served as the first sergeant for the Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Bragg, N.C., takes his place.
With the additional power to aid his mission, Nelson warmly welcomed his new command sergeant major.
“You came highly recommended, and I’m honored and excited to have you as my battle buddy. You’re no stranger to the 98th Division and your experience is going to take this battalion to new heights! We have a great group of Soldiers and leaders in this battalion, who I’m very proud of, and I’m confident you will lead them with distinction.”
Mosley accepted his new role with humble thanks and said he was excited to synergize with other leaders of the team. “I’m so blessed to be selected as the command sergeant major of this wonderful battalion. I’m looking forward to working with each of you over the next two years.”
He continued to say that as the command sergeant major, he can only be successful when he builds up the team, helping each Soldier excel.
“Combine the strengths of people through positive teamwork, so as to achieve goals that no one could have done alone. Utilize the strengths of those on the team to enhance your leadership skills. Sharpen your sword!”