Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Phillips was selected as the 10th Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) for the Pennsylvania National Guard on August 27, 2023. His primary responsibility is to ensure all Soldiers and Airmen are informed of the standards and policies of the Pennsylvania National Guard. He also ensures that the State Headquarters is responsive to the needs and concerns of Soldiers and Airmen, and their families and employers.
CSM Phillips was born in Fort Devens, MA and graduated from Northern Lebanon High School in 1989. He entered the Pennsylvania National Guard, 121st Transportation Company, in 1988 and completing Basic Combat Training and 88M AIT at Fort Dix, NJ in 1989. In November of 1990, the 121st TC activated for duty in preparation for Desert Shield/Desert Storm and in January 1991 he deployed to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq. Upon returning from Desert Storm, he remained on active duty, repairing and resetting equipment, starting his maintenance career. In 1995 he moved to the 1-108th Field Artillery where he served as a mechanic and recovery vehicle operator. His next assignment took him to the 2-103rd Armor in 1996 where he served as an M1 Tank mechanic and maintenance supervisor. In 2004, as the Motor Sergeant for B Co, 2-103rd AR, he deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom II and III under the presidentially mandated Iraq Survey Group. He was promoted to First Sergeant in D Co., 228th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron Forward Support Company in support of 1-104th Cavalry Regiment in 2010. This assignment would grant the opportunity for another deployment to Kuwait supporting Task Force Saber. In April 2013 he was promoted to CSM in the 328th Brigade Support Battalion of the 56th Stryker Brigade where he served for six years until taking a position as the 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade CSM. CSM Phillips’ most previous assignment was with the Joint Force Headquarters as the Joint Operations Center Operations Sergeant Major at Fort Indiantown Gap.
CSM Phillips’ military education include the Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Pre-Command Course, the Battle Staff NCO Course, the Joint Domestic Operations Course, the Homeland Response Force Pre-Command Course and many others as well as all required NCO leadership courses, culminating with the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy.
CSM Phillips' awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (4th award), the Army Commendation Medal (4th award), the Army Achievement Medal (2nd award), the Meritorious Unit Commendation (2nd award), the Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (11th award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Southwest Asia Service Medal (4th award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (5th award with 2 “M” devices), the Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon (5th award), the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), the Combat Action Badge, the Driver and Mechanic Badge, and is a Prestigious member of the Honorable Order of Saint George Nobel Patron for Armor and has received numerous other federal and state awards.
He currently resides in Jonestown, PA with his spouse, Sandy.