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. He graduated from Northern Lebanon High School in 1989. He entered the Pennsylvania National Guard, 121st Transportation Company in 1988, completing Basic Training and 88M AIT at Fort Dix, NJ in 1989. In November of 1990, the 121st Trans 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 2004, as the Motor Sergeant for B Co 2nd 103 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 ARS, FSC in support of the 1st Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment. 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 BSB of the 56th Stryker BDE 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 Operations Sergeant Major at the Joint Operations Center at Fort Indiantown Gap.
CSM Phillips’ military education includes Battle Staff, Joint Domestic Operations Course, Commanders Safety course and all required leadership courses, culminating with the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy.
CSM Phillips' awards include Bronze Star Medal, 3 Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medal with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, 2 Army Achievement Medals, Meritorious Unit Commendation with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Liberation of Kuwait Medal, Combat Action Badge, Prestigious member of the Honorable Order of Saint George Nobel Patron for Armor and numerous other federal and state awards.
He currently resides in Jonestown, PA with his spouse, Sandy.