Command Sergeant Major Larry LeCates serves as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the Maryland National Guard. His distinguished military career spans over 23 years of dedicated service. Born in Salisbury, Maryland, CSM LeCates enlisted in the Maryland Army National Guard in June of 2003. After graduating from high school, he joined the Maryland Army National Guard and was assigned to the 115th Military Police Battalion. He completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, qualifying as a Human Resource Specialist.

While serving in the Maryland Army National Guard, CSM LeCates has held numerous positions of increasing responsibility. His earlier assignments include serving as a Human Resource Specialist and Combat Medic for the 115th Military Police Battalion. He later served as a Team Leader and Squad Leader in the 224th Medical Company, deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Additionally, CSM LeCates has completed rotations in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve and Operation Enduring Freedom.

His leadership experience expanded through roles as a Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant in the 1-158th Cavalry. He later completed an assignment as the First Sergeant for the 104th Medical Company. CSM LeCates has also served as the Command Sergeant Major for both the 1297th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion and the 70th Regional Training Institute.

CSM LeCates’ military education includes all levels of the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development System, culminating in his graduation from the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy Non-Resident Course. He has also completed the NATO Command Senior Enlisted Course at the Baltic Defence College, alongside multiple specialized military schools.

His individual awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (4th award), the Army Commendation Medal (5th award), the Army Achievement Medal (6th award), the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Maryland Meritorious Service Medal, and the Maryland Commendation Medal. His unit awards feature the permanent wear of the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Army Superior Unit Award. 

CSM LeCates currently lives in Delmar, Maryland with his wife, Megan and three children Landon, Elle and Noah.​