Europe region CSM leverages wartime experience to serve Soldiers, Families

WIESBADEN, Germany -- It's been two decades since the height of U.S. combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and as many of the career Soldiers from that era begin to transition out of the Army, the experience borne from that service still resonates and compels one infantryman to use his current leadership position to take care of Soldiers and families.

"I've always been driven by a deep commitment to lead and take care of Soldiers, ensuring they have the support, resources, and guidance they need to thrive both professionally and personally," said Installation Management Command-Europe Command Sergeant Major Christopher Carbone.

His three deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan, where his patrols were subject to enemy sniper fire, mortar attacks and IED detonations, instilled a sense of taking care of his troops that he continues to exemplify. As the senior enlisted advisor for IMCOM-Europe in support of nine garrisons across Europe, he helps oversee programs that impact the welfare, safety, morale, and quality of life for service members, civilians, their families, and retirees.

Those early deployments left an impression on the Johnson City, Tenn., native. It wasn't long after he enlisted in the Army in July 2000, that young Carbone's initial assignment as a rifleman and team leader found him in the harsh environs of the Middle East as part of the 3-505th Parachute Infantry Regiment with the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

"My first deployment remains the most memorable," he recalled. "I was just 20 years old and had never set foot outside the United States. Looking back now, I have a better respect for the numerous young men and women who choose to serve our country in uniform. At the time, I thought I had it all figured out, but I quickly realized how much I had yet to learn. Fortunately, my first sergeant took me under his wing, offering guidance and wisdom that continue to shape who I am today."

Another thing that helped shape his path was that military service runs deep in his family.

"My father graduated from the Coast Guard Academy and served in Vietnam, dedicating 20 years of his life to the nation," said Carbone. "My brother also answered the call, serving as a signal and field artillery officer in the Army. Growing up, I admired their commitment, discipline, and sense of purpose. Their example instilled in me a strong desire to serve and contribute to something greater than myself. Joining the Army was a natural path - it allowed me to honor their legacy while forging my own journey in service to others."

It's seemingly been a lifetime for Carbone since Operation Mountain Sweep in the rugged terrain of Afghanistan in 2002 where his company found numerous weapons caches and detained suspected Taliban forces, but the plaques, coins and other mementos spread around his office from that time provide a daily reminder of why he continues to serve.

"The most gratifying part of my job is knowing that the work we do at the regional level has a far-reaching impact - not just on service members, but also on their families, civilians, and retirees," said Carbone. "That broader scope of influence is incredibly meaningful to me. In this role, I've been given the opportunity to expand that mission. Now, I'm able to shape programs, policies, and initiatives that touch the lives of entire communities. Whether it's improving quality of life, streamlining services, or advocating for better support systems, I see the ripple effect of our efforts every day."

Carbone has been serving at IMCOM-Europe Headquarters for the past 14 months, advising region director Tommy R. Mize on key areas like housing, barracks, manning, and Soldier and family programs, while helping guide the execution of a $2 billion annual budget. He also coordinates with senior leaders across U.S. Army Europe and Africa to ensure readiness and support remain top priorities.

"If it impacts the quality of life for the military communities in our theater, he's directly involved to ensure our Soldiers and families get the absolute best services possible," said Mize. "He is relentless when it comes to supporting our people and determined to improve programs and processes, as well as championing barracks and family housing improvements. He ceaselessly advocates for the best interests of our command."

Typically, the Command Sergeant Major is the most seasoned Soldier in the organization, but, as Carbone related "in IMCOM-E, I'm surrounded by professionals whose depth of experience and insight often surpass my own. That dynamic challenges me to lead differently - by listening more, adapting my approach, and building meaningful connections across a diverse and highly capable workforce."

Another challenge, said Carbone, is being part of an organization that is responsible for 117 sites spread across 9 garrisons in seven different countries. "With such a broad scope, it's essential that every interaction I have with IMCOM personnel carries weight - ensuring each engagement is purposeful, impactful, and contributes meaningfully to our mission."

While there have been meaningful quality-of-life improvements this year, such as saving money with the new VAT App (https://www.dvidshub.net/video/950272/vat-app-psa) to saving time by streamlining vehicle registration processes, Carbone knows there is still work to be done - specifically, when it comes to new arrivals in theater.

"If I could change one thing immediately, it would be to guarantee that every service member, civilian employee, and their family receives an exceptional in-processing experience from day one," he said. "Sponsorship is the first impression of our Army community - and it sets the tone for everything that follows. One failed sponsorship is one too many. We only get one chance to make that first connection, and it needs to be seamless, welcoming, and professional. A strong start builds trust, boosts morale, and lays the foundation for long-term success and readiness."

Carbone remains engaged on this topic, and others, through his network of garrison and USAREUR-AF senior enlisted leadership, to the extent that he is steadfastly focused on making a difference now. After 25 years of service, when asked about his own plans after retirement, he evidenced his current priorities to serve others: "I honestly haven't thought about that too much…probably should."