Command Sergeant Major
Karl de la Guerra
CSM South Carolina State Guard
Command Sergeant Major Karl L. de la Guerra began his military career in 1979 with enlistment in the United States Air Force, where he served until 1989 as a law enforcement supervisor, specializing in counter terrorism and dignitary protection.
From 1984 to 1988, he served overseas in a high-threat terrorist environment, supervising a 13-member tactical unit during significant conflicts reported on international news.
Command Sergeant Major de la Guerra is the recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal awarded for his accomplishments as a police tactical team leader. He is also the recipient of the Air Force Achievement Medal for his team’s response to a civilian aircraft crash in the northern mountains of the Republic of the Philippines on June 26, 1987.
Upon completing his time in the Air Force, Command Sergeant Major de la Guerra transitioned into civilian law enforcement with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. He has also worked in U.S. Government security contract management for the Department of Homeland Security and in aviation security management at five airports across the U.S.
In 2012 he founded South Carolina based KDI Protective Services (KDI), an international company that provides services in dignitary protection, law enforcement training, security consulting and corporate intelligence.
Command Sergeant Major de la Guerra enlisted in the South Carolina State Guard in 2020, serving as a NCOIC in the Provost Marshal’s Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit.
In 2022, he was selected to serve as the Provost Sergeant for the State Guard where he continued to address current and emerging threats against the State of South Carolina.
On June 9th, 2024, by order of Major General Leon Lott, Command Sergeant Major Karl de la Guerra became the Command Sergeant Major of the South Carolina State Guard.