
Justin Rogers, a 1997 graduate of Chattooga High School, has made his hometown proud yet again. After years of elite service in one of the world’s most respected special operations forces—the U.S. Army Rangers—Rogers is transitioning to a new leadership position. A recent Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Fort Stewart marked the moment he stepped into his next chapter: Command Sergeant Major of the 1st Battalion, 306th Regiment.
Rogers now holds the rank of Command Sergeant Major, the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Army (E-9).
At the ceremony, Rogers was pinned by his uncle, Donald Rogers—a Vietnam veteran and former Staff Sergeant. The pinning is a military tradition where the new rank insignia is placed on the uniform to mark the promotion. ‘Uncle Donald’ was given the former rank insignia to keep as a keepsake.
Rogers joined the Army in January 2004. After completing Basic, OSUT, Airborne School, and the Ranger Indoctrination Program, he was assigned to the 2nd Ranger Battalion, serving from PV2 to Sergeant First Class. In 2014, he was assigned to the 1st Ranger Battalion, where he served as a Platoon Sergeant and Operations NCO in the S3. In 2018, he transitioned to 2/69 Armor Regiment as the Headquarters and Headquarters Company First Sergeant.
After completing the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program 2, Rogers was again assigned to the 1st Ranger Battalion, Delta Company, where he served as a First Sergeant and Operations NCO. In 2021, he returned to the 2nd Ranger Battalion as Operations Sergeant Major, then back to the 1st Ranger Battalion in 2023.
His military and civilian education spans all levels of Professional Military Education, culminating in graduation from the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. He’s also completed some of the most demanding courses offered by the military, including the Army Ranger Course, Infantry Mortar Leader Course, Jumpmaster Course, Military Mountaineering Course, Regimental Master Breacher Course, EMT-B, and the Joint Special Operations Senior Enlisted Advisor Course.
CSM Rogers has deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve—proving his dedication through countless global missions.
Now, as Command Sergeant Major of the 1st Battalion, 306th Regiment, Rogers steps into a pivotal role where his leadership will shape the next generation of soldiers. He will be the highest-ranking enlisted advisor, guiding the unit’s culture, training, and combat readiness.
Rogers’ transition to Command Sergeant Major is a moment of honor for his family, a tribute to his extraordinary service, and deep gratitude to God for his protection through years of deployments. From his roots in Chattooga County to missions worldwide, Rogers has exemplified the strength, leadership, and commitment that define a true American soldier.
As one chapter closes and another begins, Command Sergeant Major David Justin Rogers remains a pure badass.
And for those who know him back home, that’s precisely the kind of person they’ve always known him to be. From his days wearing a Chattooga High School football jersey or wrestling singlet, Rogers never had an ounce of quit in him.
