Sgt. Maj. Arthur L. Coleman Jr. accepts responsibility as CSTC-A CSM

Photo By Seaman Timothy Newborn | Sgt. Maj. Ruben Espinoza (left), Maj. Gen. Robert Cone (center), Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan commanding general, and Sgt. Maj. Arthur L. Coleman (right) salute the colors during a command sergeant major change of responsibility ceremony on March 13 at Camp Eggers. (U.S. Navy Photo/Seaman Tim Newborn)  

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

03.13.2008

Courtesy Story

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan

By Seaman Timothy Newborn
Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan — Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur L. Coleman Jr. accepted responsibility as senior enlisted adviser and principle adviser to the commander in a change of responsibility ceremony, March 13, at Camp Eggers.

After the invocation and presentation of colors, the 82nd Airborne Division Band played the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and U.S. national anthems prior to the passing of the flag.

During his speech, Coleman discussed, his goals for his position at Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan.

"I have three challenges to myself, to build and continue to build the Afghan army through training, equipping, advising and securing the force in hopes that one day this army can protect itself and secure its country. Secondly, to provide assistance to the Afghan police force. And the third is to provide assistance to the Afghan command sergeant major so the Afghan army can be well-established and have a well-disciplined non-commissioned officer corps," said Coleman.

"Command Sgt. Maj. Coleman is a combat-proven warrior with an outstanding reputation ...," said the officiating officer, Maj. Gen. Robert Cone, CSTC-A commanding general. "He is exactly the right man at the right time in this very vital position."

Coleman, a native of Fort Deposit, Ala., enlisted for active duty in October 1978. Since then, he served three different commands including the 101st Airborne Division. He has a degree in criminal justice and has earned several prestigious awards to include Bronze Star medal.

After his 15-month tour, Sgt. Maj. Ruben Espinoza, outgoing CSM, will return home and prepare for retirement after 30 years of service.

"As I leave I will tell our story, I will tell them how great CSTC-A truly is," he said.

• Date Taken: 03.13.2008
• Date Posted: 03.13.2008 10:45
• Story ID: 17327
• Location: KABUL, AF