SGM Joel Z. Spicer is a native of Jonesville, NC and reported for active duty on 16 August 1995 at Fort Benning, GA where he graduated Basic Training as an Infantryman. 

 

SGM Spicer went on to complete his Advanced Individual Training and was awarded the MOS of 11H1O (Infantry Anti-Armor Crew Member) and later 11B1O (Light Infantry).

 

SGM Spicer has served in every Infantryman leadership position throughout his distinguished 30 year career from Team Leader to his final position as the Directorate of Tactics, Training, and Doctrine (DOTTD) Sergeants Major.

 

SGM Spicer’s stateside assignments include the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Fort Campbell, KY; National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA; 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY and The United States Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, TX.  His overseas assignments include TANGO Security Force, Yongsan, South Korea; and 172D Infantry Brigade, Grafenwoehr, Germany.  He has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom I, Operation Iraqi Freedom IV, Operation Iraqi Freedom 08-09 and Operation Freedom's Sentinel, culminating in over 50 months of combat service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

 

SGM Spicer’s military and civilian education includes the Unit Armor’s Course, Combat Life Saver’s Course, Primary Leadership Development Course, Master Driver’s Course, Unit Prevention Leader’s Course, Equal Opportunity Representative Course, Basic Maneuver Non-Commissioned Officer’s Courses, Observer/ Controller Academy, Battle Staff Course, First Sergeant’s Course, and Master Resiliency Training Course.  SGM Spicer graduated with an Associate’s Degree in General Studies from Central Texas College and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Studies-Business Management with Excelsior University.

 

SGM Spicer’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (4th Award), Meritorious Service Medal (5th Award), Army Commendation Medal (5th Award), Army Achievement Medal (4th Award), Valorous Unit Award (2nd Award), Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal (10th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 5), Overseas Service Ribbon (5th Award), Korean Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (4 Stars), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Driver's Badge,  Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Parachutist’s Badge, Air Assault Badge, German Schützenschnur Marksmanship Badge, German Sports Proficiency Badge, and is member of the Order of Saint Maurice.

 

SGM Spicer is currently enjoying retirement in Fortson, Georgia with his wife of 26 years, Tiffany, and sons Zachary (21) and Tyler (16).