Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Arthur L. Fredericks serves as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the Connecticut National Guard. In this capacity, he is the principal military advisor to The Adjutant General on all matters concerning the enlisted force of the Connecticut Army and Air National Guard, focusing on readiness, training, operations, and administration.
CSM Fredericks began his military career on June 20, 1988, when he enlisted in the United States Army as an Infantryman with the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. Following his active-duty service, he transitioned to the Connecticut National Guard, joining the 102nd Infantry Battalion. He has held leadership positions at every echelon within the Connecticut Army National Guard, culminating in his appointment as Command Sergeant Major on September 28, 2007.
His operational experience includes mobilizations in support of Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom. Additionally, CSM Fredericks has been integral to numerous domestic operations, including Airport Security and Key Asset Protection missions within Connecticut.
CSM Fredericks is a graduate of all levels of the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development. His extensive military education also includes the Master Fitness Course, Battle Staff NCO Course, Conventional Physical Security/Crime Prevention Course, Pathfinder Course, Airborne School, and Air Assault School. He has completed the Level II Force Protection Course, the Antiterrorism Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, and is a 2019 graduate of the Nominative Leader Course.
His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd award), Army Commendation Medal (5th Award), Army Achievement Medal (6th award), Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with Gold Hourglass, 'M' device, and numeral 2), National Defense Service Medal (with 1 Bronze service star), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge (with 'T' device), Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.
CSM Fredericks has been invested with the Order of Saint Maurice (Primicerius) by the National Infantry Association. In addition to his primary duties, he serves as the Vice Chair for the Command Sergeant Major Advisory Council and is an executive board member for both the National Guard Senior Enlisted Advisory Council and the Connecticut State Chapter of the National Infantry Association.
In conjunction with his military service, CSM Fredericks had a distinguished 21-year civilian career in law enforcement, serving at the command level in each division of the Bloomfield, CT Police Department. His academic achievements include a Master’s Degree in Psychology, a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Safety Administration, and an Associate’s Degree in Environmental Science. Furthermore, he served as an adjunct professor at Tunxis Community College for nearly a decade.
A native of Newtown, Connecticut, CSM Fredericks currently resides in Canton, Connecticut with his wife, Lindsay.