Senior Army Instructor

SGM (R) Jose Mendez

Hello everyone my name is Jose Mendez, I am one of the three army instructors here at Kearny high school. I am a Sergeant Major and my job here at Kearny is to make sure our cadets are doing the right thing. That includes being loyal, patriotic, honest and taking accountability for their actions. In other words, I make sure they are constantly following our ARMY JROTC cadet creed. Our goal for this Program is to not only ensure our cadets are having fun, but that their leadership skills continue to grow.

Army Career

SGM Mendez began his career in the Army as a Medic and served as a Squad Leader and NCOIC. He began his recruiting career in March 2000 when he was assigned to the Southern California Recruiting Battalion. He served as a Recruiter in Oceanside, CA and as a Station Commander in Escondido, CA. Upon promotion, he served as a First Sergeant for 31 months in the Los Angeles Recruiting Battalion. He was then transferred to Miami Recruiting Battalion as the Operations NCOIC. SGM Mendez was then selected for a promotion to Sergeant Major and assigned to be the 3rd Recruiting Brigade Operations Sergeant Major. His follow-on assignment was the HRC-RCT Branch Sergeant Major. His most recent assignment is as the USAREC Operations Sergeant Major.

Education

Sergeant Major Mendez’s military education includes all levels of the Noncommissioned Officer Education System, including the US Army Sergeants Major Academy. He also graduated from the First Sergeant Course; Guidance Counselor Operation Course; Antiterrorism Officer Course; Station Commander Course; Army Recruiter Course and the Emergency Medical Technician Course. Sergeant Major Mendez holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Excelsior College and an associate’s degree in general studies from Central Texas College.

Awards and Decoration

Other Achievements

Sergeant Major Mendez’ awards and decorations include the Expert Field Medical Badge, Air Assault Badge, Meritorious Service Medal 2OLC, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal 2OLC, Army Achievement Medal 6OLC, Good Conduct Medal, Army Gold Recruiting Badge, Army Recruiting Ring, and the Morrell Award for Recruiting Excellence.