Veronica Knapp makes history as the first woman in U.S. Army to serve as a division leader PUBLISHED 6:31 AM ET May. 28, 2021 PUBLISHED 6:31 AM EDT May. 28, 2021 SHARE Ft. CAMPBELL, Ky. — Command Sgt. Maj. Veronica Knapp made history by becoming the first woman to serve as a command sergeant in U.S. Army history leading the 101st Airborne Division. What You Need To Know Knapp is the first woman in U.S. Army history to serve as a division leader She will lead more than 20,000 non-commissioned officers She is taking the reigns from Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan Barker Knapp was appointed to the position by Maj. Gen. Joseph McGee, who says she is more than qualified for the position.