Entered Service: July 1979
Current Command: Command Sergeant Major 1st Battalion, 31st
Air Defense Artillery Command
CSM Evelyn Hollis entered the Army in 1979 during a time of great
debate over whether women should serve in combat units.
She started her military career as an Administrative
Specialist. In the 1990s, numerous opportunities
began opening for women to serve in combat
arms units. During this time, she was offered the opportunity
to advance her career by switching her career field to
Air Defense Artillery. Since then, Hollis has moved
through the ranks and received the Bronze Star for her
service during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
In April 2004, she made history when she
became the first female command sergeant major of a combat
arms unit by assuming command of the 1st Battalion 31st
Air Defense Artillery Command.