Official Biography

Command Sergeant Major Rene Rivera was appointed as the Battalion Sergeant Major of the 1^st Battalion 258^th Field Artillery, New York Army National Guard on January 19, 2001. A career soldier, CSM Rivera has held many leadership positions within the Field Artillery Community.

As Command Sergeant Major, Rivera serves as the Battalion Commander’s personal advisor on all enlisted-related matters, particularly in areas affecting soldier training and quality of life. The CSM devotes the majority of his time to traveling throughout the Battalion observing training, and talking to soldiers and their families. He sits on a variety of councils and boards that make decisions affecting enlisted soldiers and their families and is routinely invited to testify before Brigade and Division Commanders.

CSM Rivera was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 22, 1962. He entered the Military Service in October, 1980 and attended basic training and advance individual training at Fort Sills, Oklahoma.

CSM Rivera has demonstrated his personal commitment to the Army and his soldiers as he advanced to positions of higher responsibility. He has held a variety of important positions culminating in his current assignment as the Battalion Sergeant Major. CSM Rivera is currently in the Title 32 Active Guard Reserve.

Throughout his 21-year career, CSM Rivera has held every key leadership position including: Howitzer Section Chief, Gunnery Sergeant, Chief of Firing Battery (PLTSGT), Operations Sergeant and First Sergeant. His military education includes the Primary Leadership Development Course-AC, Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course-AC, Advance Non-Commissioned Officer Course-AC, First Sergeants Course and Currently enrolled in the Sergeants Major Academy. He is also a graduate from a variety of other military and civilian courses.

His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3^rd Awd), Army Achievement Medal (3^rd Awd), Good Conduct Medal (4^th Awd), Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (5^th Awd), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (X Device), Humanitarian Service Medal, Reserve Overseas Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3), Army Service Ribbon, NYS Military Commendation Medal (3^rd Awd), NYS Long and Faithful Medal (XX Device), NYS Recruiting Medal (5 Device), NYS Aid to Civil Authority (4^th Awd).

CSM Rivera is affiliated with the following organizations: Sergeant Major’s Association, Army National Guard Enlisted Association, NYS Free and Accepted Masons, NYS Scottish Rites.