Edgardo Centeno

Directed a team of five supervisors and 800 personnel specializing in the detection, identification, and transportation of nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) weapons. Set goals and priorities to ensure proper training and compliance with organizational needs, and managed, supervised, and ensured the wellbeing of staff and their families. Processed administrative and human resource actions — including promotions, reductions, and leave requests — and distributed counseling packets on a monthly basis.

Evaluated and assisted in all training functions, and ensured staff completed Weapons Qualification exercises. Instructed 300+ team members in firearms and survival techniques prior to combat deployment, and safely conducted numerous live-fire exercises using small arms and rifles. Coordinated physical fitness programs and monitored the accountability and serviceability of Chemical Defense Equipment valued in excess of $5 million.

• Successfully selected for the rank of Command Sergeant Major; served as Command Sergeant Major for the 346th TC Battalion in Puerto Rico, directing over 762 Soldiers in all readiness matters and ensuring units were ready to deploy and answer the nation's call.
• Led over 140 Soldiers as First Sergeant while assigned to the 329th CBRN Company in Orlando, Florida.
• Activated to serve in support of the active-duty component on the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF), covering over five states in case of a terrorist attack to support civil authorities.
• Led chemical and biological inspection functions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, completing three tours in Iraq — one with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, which conducted a combat jump, and two others supporting 5th Special Forces Group.
• Developed Standard Operating Procedures for the execution of 30+ combat air assault missions, resulting in no serious injuries or loss of life.
• Personally selected to teach, coach, and mentor 60 foreign Special Forces personnel on critical NBC survivability tasks.
• Consistently met or exceeded all job requirements; received written commendations for loyalty, honesty, and meeting challenges without compromising authority or integrity.
• Previously served in leadership, supervisory, and team member roles at Camp Ederle, Italy; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and Fort Riley, Kansas.