​Command Sergeant Major David R. Waldo was born in Gaylord, Michigan and entered the Army in 1997 as a Cavalry Scout, where he served in the 1st of the 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment (Airborne).

In 2000, CSM Waldo graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course and served as an Engineer Sergeant in 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). CSM Waldo later served in a variety of positions in the US Army Special Operations Command, and most recently as the Command Sergeant Major for 4th Battalion, 1st Special Forces Training Group (Airborne) and the Command Sergeant Major for 1st Capabilities Integration Group (Airborne).

CSM Waldo completed all levels of the Noncommissioned Officer Education system, Joint Special Operations Summit Course, Joint Special Operations Senior Enlisted Academy, Operations Training Course, Special Forces Qualification Course, Static Line Jumpmaster Course, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Course, Ranger Course, and the Air Assault Course.

CSM Waldo earned a Bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from the University of Charleston.

CSM Waldo is married to the former Alisha Troisi, and has one 17 year old daughter, Addison.