Brian Sann always has had challenging jobs — active duty Army soldier, correctional officer and a Maryland National Guardsman in Iraq.
But his newest job as the command master sergeant of the Maryland Guard just might be his toughest yet.
“My role is to ensure that we’re mentoring [non-commissioned officers] property, and that they are taking care of soldiers,” Sann said.
“But what it mainly is, is leading by example and holding the standard.”
A command master sergeant, or CSM, is typically the highest-ranking enlisted military official at a command — and in charge of all the troops.
Sann, 43, also will be an advisor to the adjutant general of the Maryland Guard, Brig. Gen. James Adkins.
“We serve two roles: We fulfill national security and assist in the global war on terror, and we serve the citizens of Maryland in their time of need,” Sann said.
Born in Baltimore City and now lives in Essex in Baltimore County, Sann was one the 128 Guardsmen who went to Iraq this past year to provide support for a major international military base in Baghdad.
“Working in Iraq was extremely challenging,” Sann said.
“We had to oversee contractors to help sustain the base. If it had anything to do with making the base function, the Maryland brigade was in charge of it.”
Sann is a 22-year veteran of the Guard, having served four years as an active enlisted soldier. In the Guard, he has worked as an engineer, infantryman and military police officer.
Prior to his new position, Sann worked in the firearms range of the Maryland Correctional Division and trained armed correctional guards.
He retired as a lieutenant after 22 years of service.
