Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Edwards is the senior enlisted leader of the Vermont Army National Guard. In this role, he advises the adjutant general on all issues related to Vermont's enlisted Soldiers.
Edwards was born and raised in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and moved to South Burlington, Vermont, in 1988 after graduating from the University of Massachusetts, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1981 and attended basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and advanced training at the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia as an Infantryman.
He was initially assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry, and later attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as an Infantry second lieutenant in 1983. Edwards served in a variety of assignments as a commissioned officer, including rifle platoon leader, heavy mortar platoon leader, company executive officer, and company commander. He also held battalion staff positions in the Personnel, Intelligence, and Logistics sections.
After his commissioned service he returned to the enlisted ranks and served as a rifle squad leader, mortar squad leader, drill sergeant, operations sergeant, Army ROTC instructor, 11B NCO Education System chief instructor, company first sergeant, and as a command sergeant major at both the battalion and brigade levels.
Edwards has served in the 182nd, 304th, and 172nd Infantry regiments. He has served combat tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom and in Operation Enduring Freedom.
PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION
Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced courses
Infantry Mortar Platoon Course
Combined Arms and Services Staff School
Army Mountain Warfare School (winter and summer phases)
Drill Sergeant School
Air Assault School
Total Army Instructor Training Course
Small Group Instructor Training Course
First Sergeant's Course
Sergeants Major Academy
Command Sergeants Major Course
CIVILIAN EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Political Science, University of Massachusetts
Master of Science, Management, American Military University
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster
Meritorious Service Medal
Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster
Army Achievement Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
Combat Infantryman's Badge
Combat Action Badge
Air Assault Badge
Ram's Head Device
Driver and Mechanic Badge
Drill Sergeant Identification Badge
Order of Saint Maurice Centurion Award