Photo By Shawn Eldridge | Brig. Gen. Dan Duncan, the commander of the Joint Munitions Command, passes the...... read more read more
Christopher “Chris” Reaves relinquished his responsibilities as the command sergeant major of the Joint Munitions Command to Paul “PJ” Ellis during a change of responsibility ceremony held Sept. 19 in Heritage Hall at the Rock Island Arsenal.
“Serving as the command sergeant major of JMC has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Reaves said. “This team is the backbone of munitions readiness, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. I leave knowing the mission is in capable hands.”
Reaves, who is from Greenwood, Mississippi, assumed responsibility in May 2023, and the event marked the conclusion of his time with JMC and the beginning of Ellis’ tenure.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Reaves has been a steadfast pillar of leadership, integrity, and commitment. His tenure here at JMC has been defined by unwavering support for fellow Soldiers and the members of our workforce,” said Brig. Gen. Dan Duncan, JMC’s commander. “His leadership has left a lasting imprint on this command. He has led with humility, mentored with purpose, and served with honor.”
Ellis, born in Jamaica and raised in Queens, New York, has carved a path defined by resilience, adaptability, and distinction. His journey has taken him from tugboat operations to airborne units, movement control teams, and elite special operations forces. Before joining JMC, Ellis, who enlisted in the Army in August 1999, served as the G-3/5/7 Sergeant Major, Combined Arms Support Command, Fort Lee, Virginia.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Ellis’ leadership philosophy is simple yet powerful: ‘Dominate your space,’ and ‘Be 1% better than you were the previous day,’” Duncan said. “These aren’t just slogans. They’re a reflection of a mindset that values growth, accountability, and impact.”
Ellis, who has earned an Associate of Arts in general studies and a Bachelor of Science in liberal arts from Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia, and a Master of Arts in management and leadership from Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be selected as the command sergeant major of the Joint Munitions Command,” Ellis said. “I thank God for guiding my steps to this moment. without his hand, I would not stand before you today.”
Ellis had impactful words for the members of JMC’s workforce.
“The Joint Munitions Command has always stood ready, reliable, and lethal. From the industrial base that powers our Army to the depots and arsenals that sustain the fight, your work has written history,” Ellis said. “Every round produced. Every shipment moved. Every lot inspected. Those actions save lives on the battlefield and give Soldiers confidence that when they pull the trigger, their weapon will not fail them.
“That is why you exist. That is your calling, and that does not change,” Ellis added. “Here is the bottom line: our mission remains non-negotiable. Soldiers in the field depend on us to deliver safe, reliable, and lethal munitions.”
| Date Taken: | 09.23.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.23.2025 09:44 |
| Story ID: | 549036 |
| Location: | ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, ILLINOIS, US |
| Web Views: | 33 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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