53rd IBCT welcomes new CSM

Photo By Staff Sgt. Aidana Baez | Soldiers of 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Virgil L. Robinson and bid farewell to Command Sgt. Maj Jeffrey L. Young during a change of responsibility ceremony at the C.W. Bill Young Armed Forces Reserve Center in Pinellas Park, Fla., July 12, 2015.  

PINELLAS PARK, FL, UNITED STATES

07.12.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Aidana Baez 

53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team

PINELLAS PARK, Fla. - Soldiers of 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Virgil L. Robinson and bid farewell to Command Sgt. Maj Jeffrey L. Young during a change of responsibility ceremony at the C.W. Bill Young Armed Forces Reserve Center in Pinellas Park, Florida, July 12, 2015.

Robinson was selected for the position July 10, 2015 after Young’s appointment as the state command sergeant major for the Florida National Guard.

“At various points in my career, I have had the opportunity to work with senior NCOs throughout the brigade,” said Col. Ralph Ribas, commander, 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. “In each of these experiences, CSM Robinson has impressed me with his ability to interact with Soldiers and effectively focus them on mission accomplishment.”

Prior to his appointment as the command sergeant major, Robinson served as the senior enlisted advisor to the commander of the 53rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Lt. Col. Betsy Evans.

“Command Sgt. Maj. Robinson is a career Citizen-Soldier; he excels in his career field on the civilian side and he excels in his military career with the Guard,” said Evans. “I could not think of a better NCO to lead this brigade with Col. Ribas.”

“It is obvious through this interaction with his peers that he is very respected,” said Ribas. “His background as an infantry, cavalry, and special troops battalion command sergeant major provide him insight into the leadership challenges throughout the brigade.

As the senior enlisted advisor to the brigade commander, Robinson will uphold traditions that can be traced back to the 15th century.

“The command sergeant major of a unit is directly responsible to the commanding officer for all matters pertaining to dress, discipline, conduct, performance, standards, and morale of the brigade’s NCOs,” said Ribas. “He serves as mentor of, and advocates for, the enlisted Soldiers in the command.”

“It is truly a great honor to be selected as the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s command sergeant major,” said Robinson. “This is like the pinnacle of your career for a battalion command sergeant major.”

While being selected for the position is a great honor, Soldiers and training remain at the heart of what it means to be an NCO in the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

“This is a tremendous feeling assuming the responsibility of the largest Army National Guard formation in Florida,” said Robinson. “The past history and performance of this brigade clearly defines what is priority; it all starts with having great Officers, NCOs and Enlisted Soldiers working with each other creating a quality product.”

• Date Taken: 07.12.2015
• Date Posted: 07.12.2015 16:33
• Story ID: 169803
• Location: PINELLAS PARK, FL, US
• Hometown: PINELLAS PARK, FL, US