Command Sergeant Major John T. Raines was appointed as the 13th Command Sergeant Major of the Army National Guard on 1 February 2022.
He began his military career in August 1989 and has served in both the Army National Guard and United States Army for over 32 years. He completed basic military training and Advanced Individual Training at Ft Jackson, South Carolina and Ft. Gordon, GA. respectively before reclassifying as an Infantryman at Ft. Benning, GA. CSM Raines was promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major on 1 May 2008. Prior to becoming the 13th ARNG CSM he was the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of the MSNG, the MSARNG State CSM, the J3 Senior Enlisted Leader for US INDO-Pacific Command as well as holding numerous key leadership positions in the MSARNG. CSM Raines deployments include Desert Shield and Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has also been activated in support of Operation Noble Eagle as well as served in the Republic of Korea. CSM Raines has deployed all around South Asia and the Pacific coaching and mentoring joint US forces as well as numerous foreign partners in the INDO-PACOM region.
CSM Raines military and civilian education includes all levels of the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development System to include the Keystone Course and Nominative Leader Course at the US Army War College. He is also a fellow from the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. CSM Raines has a Bachelor of Science degree from Excelsior College.
CSM Raines has received several decorations and awards some of which include the Legion of Merit (2nd award), Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4th award), Army Commendation Medal (3rd award), Army Achievement Medal (3rd award), Mississippi Magnolia Cross, Mississippi Magnolia Medal, Alabama Distinguished Service Medal, Governor of Alabama's Outstanding Enlisted Representative Award, Ranger Tab, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.
CSM Raines is a native of Alabama and has been married to his wife Karen for 32+ years. They have a daughter, Stephanie. A son, Richard. A daughter-in-law Brittany with three granddaughters, Aubrey, Natalie, and Kloe.