Next sergeant major of the Army named

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond F. Chandler III was named the sergeant major of the Army, Secretary of the Army John McHugh announced Monday.

Chandler, current commandant of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, assumes his new post March 1, succeeding Kenneth Preston, McHugh and Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. said in a joint announcement released by the Defense Department.

"We have the utmost confidence in Command Sergeant Major Chandler and look forward to having him join our leadership team," McHugh said. "He has the right qualities and credentials to assume this vitally important duty that Sergeant Major of the Army Preston has skillfully and adeptly performed for the last seven years."

Chandler "is the right soldier to lead our NCO Corps," Casey said.

In June 2009, Chandler became the first enlisted commandant of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, the Pentagon said.

"Being named the 14th sergeant major of the Army is truly an honor," Chandler said.

In his new post, Chandler will be the Army chief of staff's personal adviser on matters concerning the enlisted force, the Defense Department said.