Chief Warrant Officer Five James J. Gaddis is the 4th Command Chief Warrant Officer of the State of Illinois and only the 2nd full-time Soldier to hold the position. He serves as principle advisor to the Adjutant General on all matters pertaining to Warrant Officers.

As the Command Chief Warrant Officer, CW5 Gaddis is responsible for keeping the Adjutant General informed and makes recommendations in matters related to warrant officer accessions, training, education, promotion, and career management. As the lead for warrant officer affairs, he works closely with the leadership of National Guard Bureau and the Departments of the Army Officer Branches throughout the United States.

CW5 Gaddis graduated from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Management in 1990. He also holds an Airline Transport Pilot rating from the Federal Aviation Administration in Rotorcraft and Multi-Engine Airplanes. CW5 Gaddis completed the Warrant Officer Senior Staff Course at Ft. Rucker, AL, in February 2007.

CW5 Gaddis enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard as an 11B Infantry Scout in 1985. He served with Combat Support Company 3rd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment until 1988 when he was accepted into Warrant Officer Candidate School as an Army Aviator. He served in various aviation units and positions to include Aero Scout, Lift, and C-12 fixed wing units. His latest assignment was as Commander of the Reconnaissance and Aerial Interdiction Detachment (RAID) in Decatur, IL, flying the OH-58 Kiowa. This unit’s missions included counter drug, homeland security, and support missions to the state and federal Government. CW5 Gaddis has over 7,000 hours of flight time in military and civilian operations.

Prior to his selection as the Command Chief Warrant Officer, CW5 Gaddis had completed 3 years as the full-time RAID Commander. Prior to that he flew MD-80s for American Airlines out of St Louis, MO., and served as First Officer on international and domestic flights.

As Command Chief Warrant Officer, Gaddis has the responsibility for overseeing the career management of Illinois Warrant Officers to ensure assignment compatibility and proper branch utilization. His position allows for communications across the Illinois Army National Guard major commands and maximizes the integration of warrant officers into the Army National Guard.

CW5 Gaddis’ military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Master Aviator Badge.

His civic affiliations include life member, National Guard Association of the United States and National Guard Association of Illinois; Aviation Owners and Pilots Association, Allied Pilots Association, and member of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

CW5 Gaddis is married and has two daughters.

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