Sunday, August 2, 2015  –   RICHMOND, Va. – Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Wills handed the senior noncommissioned officer duties of the 80th Training Command (TASS), headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, over to Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Darlington during a change of responsibility ceremony here, Aug. 2, 2015.

Maj. Gen. A.C. Roper, commander 80th TC, administered the ceremony, which honored Wills as the departing command sergeant major and officially recognized Darlington as the new command sergeant major.

“In both CSM Wills and CSM Darlington we see more than two exceptional senior NCOs,” Roper said during his speech to the Soldiers, family members and Department of the Army Civilians in attendance. “We see two men who have completely dedicated their lives to maintaining the honorable legacy of the NCO Corps.”

The command sergeant major is the commander’s primary advisor, and sets the standard across the command for enlisted Soldiers. The CSM is responsible for the Soldiers’ performance, training, appearance, and conduct.

“You have successfully served as the command sergeant major during an intense period of transformation, turbulence and financial uncertainty,” Roper told Wills during the speech. “You’ve provided sound council, and loyal service and you’ve been the voice and advocate for our Soldiers and their families.”

Wills’ accomplishments include, helping to initiate The Army School System Leader Course designed to orient Army Reserve leaders and senior staff into The Army School System as prescribed by United States Army Training and Doctrine Command. He also established quarterly readiness forums, which led to a personnel readiness increase of more than 20 percent.

“For me to leave the 80th Training Command as the command sergeant major is pretty tough in my heart,” said Wills, whose next assignment is command sergeant major of the 99th Regional Support Command headquartered at Fort Dix, N.J. “It’s not to say that every mission in the Army Reserve is not important, but there is none more important than what happens at the 80th Training Command.”

During his speech, Darlington highlighted the challenges facing the command, which includes compliance with One Army School System in accordance with TRADOC policies and procedures. Under the OASS active component and Reserve Soldiers, as well as National Guardsmen can train at 80th TC facilities. He also mentioned the latest instructor accreditation standards established by TRADOC, along with the rapid rate at which the Army is changing.

“There’s a lot of work to do; I got that,” Darlington said. “I’m confident our team can accomplish those missions with the NCOs taking care of business, taking care of Soldiers and working with the civilians and the officers.”

Darlington then turned to Roper and said, “With that sir, Blue Ridge Seven reporting for duty, HOOAH!”