Command Sgt. Maj. Daryl J. Plude is the command senior enlisted leader for the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. In this role, he coordinates and synchronizes development and training for military group noncommissioned officers globally, working closely with partner nations to build enlisted and NCO capacity in support of combatant command objectives.
Plude enlisted in the Virginia Army National Guard in 1990 and has served as a traditional Guardsman throughout his career. He has held military occupational specialties in signal intelligence, military police, and engineer. He has served in leadership positions from team leader through command sergeant major at the company, battalion, brigade, and division levels.
Following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Plude was activated to lead a security detail at the National Guard Readiness Center as part of Operation Noble Eagle. In 2003, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, initially conducting customs missions before leading an internal reaction force during the establishment of Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad, Iraq. His unit received a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its actions at the prison. Plude later deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He also served as a first sergeant, leading the 229th Military Police Company during disaster relief operations in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
In March 2021, Plude was selected as the command sergeant major of the 29th Infantry Division and subsequently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Spartan Shield. In July 2023, he transitioned to a broadening assignment as the National Guard adviser to the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence and Sergeants Major Academy, providing subject matter expertise on National Guard equities.
Plude was selected in July 2024 as the first senior enlisted leader for the National Guard Bureau J-5 Directorate of Strategy, Policy, Plans, and International Affairs. In this capacity, he synchronized enlisted development efforts across 117 partner nations, 54 states and territories, and six geographic combatant commands through the State Partnership Program.
Concurrent with his military service, Plude served nearly 30 years with the Virginia Beach Police Department in Virginia, retiring in August 2023. During his law enforcement career, he progressed from patrolman to detective and finally to sergeant, holding supervisory roles in patrol, recruiting and hiring, the training academy, and investigations.