CSM Jason D. Kirkman was born in Frederick, MD and grew up on various Army bases. He enlisted in the Army on 16 February 1996 in Pittsburgh, PA and attended both Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training on Fort Jackson, SC as a 75D Records Specialist, later converting to a 75H, and further to a 42A.
His assignments include the 444th Personnel Services Battalion, United States Army Recruiting Command, 2d Brigade, 85th Division (later 181st Infantry Division), 378th Combat Support Battalion, 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), two separate assignments at Army Human Resources Command (Fort Knox, KY), Army Support Activity – Fort Dix, two separate assignments at Office of Chief, Army Reserve (OCAR), United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, 350th Civil Affairs Command, and Deputy Chief of Staff, G1, Directorate of Military Personnel Management at the Pentagon.
CSM Kirkman has served at every level of enlisted leadership ranging from team leader through acting CSM at the nominative level. His additional assignments include Battalion and Brigade S1 NCOIC, NCOIC of Enlisted Promotions (RA & AGR (HRC)), First Sergeant, Operations NCO, two times as G1 SGM, Distribution and Readiness SGM (HQDA, DCS G1), and most recently as the Force Management SGM for both OCAR and USARC.
He has attended every level of NCOPDS ranging from Primary Leadership Development Course to Sergeants Major Academy, Resident Class 68. He has also attended the Army Recruiting Course, Battle Staff Noncommissioned Officer Course, Airborne Course, RC National Security Course, SFA Foreign Weapons Course, Master Resiliency Trainer Course, How the Army Runs Course, Force Management Course, and Force Integration for Senior Leader Course in addition to many others.
His military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (10th award), Army Commendation Medal (2d award), Army Achievement Medal (4th award), Air Force Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (8th award), Humanitarian Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, and Army Superior Unit Award (3d award), Army Recruiting Badge Gold, Army Staff Identification Badge, Drivers Badge, and Parachutists Wings amongst others. He is also the recipient of the Horatio Gates Medal (bronze) and the Norwegian Foot March Skills Badge.
CSM Kirkman holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Emergency Management from Excelsior College.
CSM Kirkman is married to Mrs. (CW3) Amy Kirkman and has two adult daughters, Marissa and Maisie, both 24 years old.