CSM Paul entered the army in 1982 where he attended One Station Unit Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, as an Armor Crewmen. Upon completion of his training he was assigned to 1-64 Armor in Kitzigen, Germany. His other assignments include 2-64 Armor Schweinfurt, Germany, 1-4 Cavalry Brigade and 2-81 Armor at Fort Knox, 1-35 Armor and 2D Brigade, 1st Armored Division in Baumholder, Germany where he deployed in support of OIF I, and the Command Sergeant Major of 1-32 Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (ASSLT) where he deployed in support of OIF 04-06 and OIF 07-09, and served as Command Sergeant Major of 5th Brigade, 1st Armored Division. CSM Paul has served in every leadership position from Section Sergeant to Command Sergeant Major.

CSM Paul’s awards and decorations include Bronze Star Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with 11 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal (ninth award), National Defense Medal (second award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service medal, NCO Professional Development ribbon (fourth award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (third award), Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Superior Unit Award with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, and Combat Action Badge.

CSM Paul’s military education includes Warrior Leadership Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, First Sergeants Course, M1/M1A1 Master Gunner Course, and United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (Class 53). CSM Paul earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from McKendree College.