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CSM James Hughbanks

Command Sergeant Major, First Infantry Division

Entry info: Command Sergeant Major Hughbanks was born in Riverside, California. His military career started in July of 2000 when he enlisted as an infantryman in Marine Corps. In 2002, he experienced his first deployment, which was to Iraq. During his time in the Marines, he served as a: Team Leader, Squad Leader, and Section Leader of a heavy weapons platoon.

Training Data: In August of 2005, he enlisted in the Army as an Ammunition Specialist and deployed to Iraq in 2006. Upon his return in 2007, he re-classed to a Cavalry Scout. Sergeant Major Hughbanks went to One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Position Data: Throughout his Army career, he has served in various duty positions, including Gunner, Driver, Team Leader, Section Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Ranger Instructor, Company First Sergeant, and Senior Military Science Instructor (SMSI), Operations Sergeant Major, and the Command Sergeant Major of 2-12 CAV.  

Assignment and deployment data: Command Sergeant Major Hughbanks has been assigned to the following units: 2nd FAST (Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team) Company located in Yorktown Virginia, 2nd Battalion 2nd Marines Weapons Company in Camp Lejeune North Carolina, 63rd Ordnance Company in Fort Lewis Washington, 6th Squadron 1st Cavalry Regiment in El Paso Texas, 5th Squadron 1st Cavalry Regiment at Fairbanks Alaska, 4th Ranger Training Battalion at Fort Benning Georgia, 4th Squadron 3rd Cavalry Regiment in Fort Hood Texas, SMSI for Central State University, and an Operation Sergeant Major for 1-68AR, BN Command Sergeant Major for 2-12 CAV THUNDERHORSE, and 1ABCT (IRONHORSE BDE) 1st Cavalry Division. He has participated in multiple deployments to Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve, and Operation Atlantic Resolve.   

Military and civilian education: Command Sergeant Major Hughbanks’ military and civilian education include the Warrior Leaders Course, Small Land Warfare UAV Course, Advanced Infantry Squad Leaders Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Advanced Urban Warfare Course, Maneuver Senior Leaders Course, Ranger Course, Tactical Certification Course, Army Basic Instructor Course, Master Combatives Course, Airborne School, Jumpmaster Course, US Army Air Assault School, a bachelors an leadership and workforce development, and a bachelors in Homeland Security, and Sergeants Major Academy. He is currently pursuing a private pilot’s license.

Awards Data: Command Sergeant Major Hughbanks’ award and decorations include Meritorious Service Medal (3 oak leaf cluster), Army Commendation Medal (3 oak leaf cluster), Army Achievement Medal (2 silver leaf cluster, 2 oak leaf cluster), Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Army Valorous Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal (4th award), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (3rd award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army NCO Professional Development (numeric 3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (numeric 3), Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, NATO ribbon (1 bronze star), Air Assault Badge, Parachutists Badge, Senior Parachutists Badge, German Parachutist Badge, Combat Action Badge, Ranger Tab. Command Sergeant Major Hughbanks is also a recipient of the Infantry Order of Saint Maurice (Bronze) and the Armor Order of St. George (Bronze).

Family Status: In 2009, Command Sergeant Major Hughbanks married then SGT Andrea Marie F. Denton, while stationed at Ft. Bliss, TX. They have been married for 14 years and have one daughter named Annabell.