California State Guard Command Sergeant Major

Command Sergeant Major Peterson enlisted in the United States Army in 1973.  Over his career, he served in roles of increasing responsibility beginning as an Infantry squad leader, assignments in multiple Military Police units, Physical Security NCO during Operation Noble Eagle, Operations Sergeant at the MP BNCOC, NCO Academy at Ft Leonard Wood, MO, Detachment NCOIC/MP-ANCOC Course Manager and later Battalion School Sergeant Major in Aurora, CO, and culminating in the Brigade School Sergeant Major with the 2d Brigade (MP),102d Division, USAR, at Ft Snelling, MN. Command Sergeant Major Peterson retired from the United States Army in 2015. Soon after, Command Sergeant Major Peterson joined the California State Guard, where he was assigned to both the 115^th Group and 223^rd Training Support Regiment prior to his current position in June 2022 as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Commanding General of the State Guard.

Command Sergeant Major Peterson is a graduate of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy Non-Resident Course Class 37, Instructor Training Course, Small Group Instructor Training Course, Military Police Basic and Advanced Non-Commissioned Officers Courses, Military Police Advanced Individual Training, Basic Non-Commissioned Officers Course-Combat Arms, and Infantry Advanced Individual Training.

Command Sergeant Major Peterson’s awards include: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (1OLC), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (1OLC), Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (1OLC), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2 Service Stars), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (“M” Device and Hourglass Device), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (“5”), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, US Air Force Outstanding Unit Citation, and the California Medal of Merit.

Command Sergeant Major Peterson was born in Glendale, California. He is married to the former Lise A. Brackett of Sacramento, California. They have four daughters: Katie, Sabrina, Chelsea, and Samantha. They currently reside in Quartz Hill, California. He holds an Associate of Arts Degree from Los Angeles Harbor College and Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Certificates from the California Commission for Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Command Sergeant Major Peterson is a retired Police Officer from the city of Burbank, California.