Chief Warrant Officer Five Thomas R. Black is the sixth Command Chief Warrant Officer of Illinois and the fourth full-time Soldier to hold the position. He serves as principle adviser to the Adjutant General on all matters pertaining to warrant officers. As the State Command Chief Warrant Officer, Chief Black is responsible for keeping the Adjutant General informed and makes recommendations on 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 Department of the Army Officer Branches throughout the United States.
Chief Black enlisted in the Army as a combat medic in 1987. He served with the 204th Medical Battalion, Company C. 634th Forward Support Battalion, State Area Readiness Command and Joint Forces Headquarters. He was promoted thru the enlisted ranks to E-8 master sergeant. In 2005, he was commissioned as a quartermaster warrant officer. His latest assignment was the Deputy Supply Management Officer for the U.S. Property and Fiscal Office. Chief Black deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2007-2008. He was assigned to the 5th Multi-National Division, which was embedded with the Polish army. His overseas deployment training missions include Panama and South America.
Chief Black holds a bachelorette degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois. He has also completed numerous federal and civilian technical certifications and licensing throughout his career.
Chief Black’s military awards and decorations include Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4), Army Achievement Medal (5), Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (9), National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Metal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, Illinois Long and Honorable (w/5OL), State Active Duty, Illinois Military Attendance Ribbon (w/15th Num)
Chief Black is a life member to the National Guard Association Illinois. He supports Boy Scouts of America, Toys for Tots, Washington DC Honor Flight, local VFW and American Legion events.
As of June 2022