Command Sergeant Major
Jerry F. Eller

Jerry F. Eller was born on August 26, 1941 in Wilkesboro, North Carolina and joined the Army on October 22, 1958. After completing Basic Combat Training at Fort Hood, Texas, he attended Advanced Individual Training as a Cannoneer and was awarded the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 140.10. However, in 1960, he switched to Ordnance and served as a Wheel Vehicle Mechanic with the 14th Field Artillery at Fort Hood, and as a Track Vehicle Mechanic with the 34th Infantry Regiment in Germany and the 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood. In 1965, SGM Elller assumed his first leadership position as a Company Motor Sergeant in the 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas.

Following a tour as the General’s Vehicle Inspector with Transportation Motor Pool #3 at Fort Hood, CSM Eller served as First Sergeant for the 526th Chemical Company in Vietnam from 1970-1971. Following this assignment, he served as the First Sergeant, D Company 27th Maintenance Battalion, Division Support Command, 1st Calvary Division.

In 1972, CSM Eller returned to Fort Hood to become the vehicle inspector for the Headquarters Company, Fort Hood Garrison. Following this assignment, he returned to Germany to serve as the materiel readiness NCO for the 31st Medical Group.

In 1975, CSM Eller continued as materiel readiness NCO for the 15th Ordnance Battalion in Germany. CSM Eller was instrumental in the establishment and operation of a Total Army Rebuild Program (T.A.R.P.) for the M-127 Trailer. The M-127 trailer was used widely throughout Europe to transport supplies from depots to all units within the V Corps area of operation. His management skills, leadership ability, and technical expertise played a major part in ensuring that the total operation was a success. Units throughout the V Corps area enjoyed a significant improvement in supply and transport operations as a result of this success, which, in turn, translated into increased readiness across US Army Europe.

In 1978, CSM Eller became the Maintenance Operations Sergeant for the Headquarters Detachment, 169th Maintenance Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas. He played a key role in developing the concept of rapidly refueling the division’s combat equipment. The Refuel on the Move (ROM) operation allowed the division to arrive at the battle location more quickly and engage the enemy longer. This combat multiplier greatly enhanced the effectiveness of the division's combat power and contributed directly to ensuring decisive victory on the battlefield.

Following an assignment as the Senior Automotive Inspector for the Headquarters Company, 2nd Infantry Division in Korea from 1980-1981, CSM Eller served as the First Sergeant for C Company, 27th Maintenance Battalion, Division Support Command, First Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. From 1982-1984, CSM Eller served as the Command Sergeant Major for the 27th Maintenance Battalion.

In 1984, CSM Eller culminated his career as the Command Sergeant Major for the Division Support Command for the 1st Cavalry Division. One of the initial changes was the design and implementation of Forward Area Support Teams (FAST). The FAST deployed forward with the maneuver brigade, providing on-the-spot maintenance support. It was a combat multiplier which greatly enhanced the overall combat power of the division.

Command Sergeant Major Jerry Eller retired in 1988.