Philip F. Johndrow

Philip F. Johndrow

Trident Graduate | Class of 2008 / 2010

Command Sergeant Major (retired) Philip F. Johndrow served in the U.S. Army for more than 33 years as a squadron, brigade, division, and corps command sergeant major. As a Command Sergeant Major, he was responsible for up to 100,000 soldiers. He was the senior non-commissioned officer in the Baghdad Surge (2007) and helped save the life of one soldier in a firefight as well as the lives of several Iraqi families who were in danger.

He has earned many awards and distinctions throughout his military career. These include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with "V" device and two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with "V" device and six oak leaf clusters, Recruiters Badge with three sapphires, Combat Action Badge and German Marksmanship Badge. He is also the Recipient of the Order of Saint George and St. Barbara, an honorary member of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and is a Ring Recruiter.

Today Phil speaks to groups ranging from intimate settings to over 2,000 people in attendance about the importance of education and balancing work, life and studies. He excels in his task of explaining the necessity of getting an education as it’s been a priority in his own life. Phil earned his BS in Business Administration and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Masters in Business Administration, both from Trident University International. As a working adult, Johndrow had to manage his Masters studies around the daily requirements as the senior non-commissioned officer during the Surge.

Phil resides in Texas and in his free time works with veteran’s organizations including the American Legion, Association of the United States Army; he sits on the board of Governors for the 1st Cavalry Division Association and is an Advisor for the National Mounted Maneuver Warfare Foundation. He also is active with the United States Army Sergeants Major Association, Army Strong Leaders, The G.I. Jobs Group Magazine and the Warrior Outreach Ranch.

Military Status

  • Status: Retired
  • Branch: U.S. Army
  • Rank: Command Sergeant Major (CSM)
  • Years: 33
  • Accolades: CSM (r) Johndrow has earned many awards and distinctions throughout his military career. These include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with “V” device and two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with “V” device and six oak leaf clusters, Recruiters Badge with three sapphires, Combat Action Badge and German Marksmanship Badge. He is also the Recipient of the Order of Saint George and St. Barbara, an honorary member of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and is a Ring Recruiter.

Education History

  • MBA in Military Operations - Trident University International (2010)
  • BS in Business Administration - Trident University International (2008)