LaMarquis Knowles
Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army
Command Sergeant Major, 82nd Airborne Division

LaMarquis Knowles of Cleveland, OH, entered the U.S. Army in September 1983. After completing Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, he attended and graduated Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA.

Knowles reclassified to 11B in October 1987 and served in the 4/8th Infantry, Mannheim, Germany, as a Rifle/Weapons Team Leader, then Squad  Leader. From August 1993 through August 1997, he served as a Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant,  S-3 Air and Operations NCO with 2-325 AIR.  Knowles then spent two years with the 4th Ranger Training Battalion, Fort Benning, GA, as a Ranger Instructor and OPFOR Platoon Sergeant. He returned to the 82nd Airborne Division in December 1999 and served as a Scout Platoon Sergeant in 3-505 PIR. He went on to serve as the Bravo Company First Sergeant for 2-505 PIR, in which he deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom. Knowles then served as the 3rd Brigade Combat Team HHC First Sergeant. Knowles next completed the U.S. Army Sergeant Majors Academy and returned to 2-505 PIR where he served as the Battalion Operations Sergeant Major. In November 2006, Knowles assumed responsibility as the Battalion Command Sergeant Major of 2-325 AIR, where he deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom. In April 2009, CSM Knowles assumed responsibility as the Command Sergeant Major for the 1st BCT, 82nd Airborne Division during which he deployed in support of OIF. Before his current assignment, CSM Knowles most recently served as the Command Sergeant Major for the Joint Readiness Training Center and Post Command Sergeant Major, Fort Polk, LA.

Command Sergeant Major Knowles has attended all levels of the Noncommissioned Officers Education System culminating with the United States Army Sergeant's Major Academy, Class 55.  He is a graduate of the Master Fitness Trainer School, Battle Staff Course, Jungle Warfare School, Pathfinder Course, Jumpmaster Course, Ranger Course, as well as numerous other schools.  He earned an associate's degree in General Studies from Central Texas College and is a member of the Sergeant Morales Club.

Command Sergeant Major Knowles is married to Pamela Knowles and they have a daughter, Maquiita.