Command Sgt. Maj. Yolanda Marie Tate was born in Philadelphia, Pa., and entered the United States Army as a reservist in September 1989. She completed Basic Training at Fort Dix, N.J. and Advanced Initial Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas as a Dental Specialist. In 1990, she enlisted on active duty and completed Advanced Individual Training at Fort Belvoir, Virginia as a Topographic Engineer.

Her assignments include Photo and Layout Specialist - 555th Engineer Company (Topo), Fort Hood, Texas; Squad Leader - Alpha Company, 649th Engineer Battalion, Heidelberg, Germany; Topographic Sergeant - Assistant Corps of Engineer, Heidelberg, Germany; Platoon Sergeant - Alpha Company 3rd Psychological Operations Battalion, Fort Bragg, N.C.; Drill Sergeant - Delta Company, 554th Engineer Battalion, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.; Chief of Printing - Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.; First Sergeant - 320th Engineer Company (Topo), Hanau, Germany; First Sergeant - Echo Company 169th Engineer Battalion (TRADOC); Fort Belvoir, Va.; and Command Sergeant Major for 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Fort Carson, Colo.

CSM Tate has completed Airborne School, Drill Sergeant School, Master Fitness Course, and all levels of the Noncommissioned Officers Education System culminating with the Command Sergeants Major Course Class 59. She has also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Strayer University and is currently completing her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University.

Her awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (2OLC), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3OLC), Army Commendation Medal (3OLC), Army Achievement Medal (2OLC), Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global World on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Development Ribbon (Numeral 4), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Joint Staff Badge, Parachutist Badge and Drill Sergeant Badge.