Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Carden enlisted in the U. S. Army in October 2001 from Cullman, Ala. He earned the military occupational specialty Print Journalist/ Public Affairs Specialist after completing Basic Training at Fort Knox, Ky., and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Meade, Md.
ASSIGNMENTS
His assignments include: Public Affairs Specialist, 82nd Airborne Division; Public Affairs NCOIC, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn Div; Journalist, American Forces Press Service, Office of the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs; NCOIC, 49th Public Affairs Detachment (Abn); Operations NCO, G7/ Information Operations, 82nd Abn Div; First Sergeant, Operations Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 82nd Abn Div; First Sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, HHBN, 82nd Abn Div; Public Affairs Advisor to the 15th Sergeant Major of the Army; and Command Sergeant Major for U.S. Army Garrison Carlisle Barracks.
Command Sgt. Maj. Carden’s deployments include three supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, one supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and one supporting Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. He also participated in Hurricanes Katrina and Rita relief efforts, Hurricanes Gustav and Ike relief efforts, and Operation Enduring Freedom in the Southern Philippines.
EDUCATION
Command Sgt. Maj. Carden completed all levels of NCO professional development and is a Class 68 graduate of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. His civilian education includes a Master’s degree in Communications and Organizational Leadership from Park University, a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Media Studies from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and an Associate's degree in General Studies from Central Texas College. He is also an Associate Professional in Human Resources. CSM Carden completed all of his civilian education using Army Tuition Assistance while serving on Active Duty.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (1 OLC), Purple Heart, Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge, Combat Action Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge. He was also awarded the Joint Meritorious Unit Citation (1 OLC), the Meritorious Unit Citation, the Army Superior Unit Award, and foreign jump wings from Ireland, Brazil, Indonesia, and the Netherlands. Additionally, he’s earned several Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware awards for excellence in Army journalism and photography.
Command Sgt. Maj. Carden is married to his wife Christina, a former Army Paratrooper and DINFOS graduate. They have three children – Abby, Chloe, and Tommy.