FORT MEADE, Md. – Col. Heidi A. Urben assumed command of the 704th Military Intelligence (MI) Brigade, from the outgoing commander, Col. Rhett R. Cox, during a change of command ceremony June 26, at McGlachlin Parade Field, here.
Known as the “Electron Recon” Brigade, the 704th MI Brigade is the largest military intelligence brigade in the Army and celebrates its 30th anniversary this year with lineage to the Fort Meade community dating back to 1954.
As the new commander, Urben is responsible for routinely working alongside the Defense Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, U.S. Cyber Command, multiple special operations, Joint Force Headquarters and the Department of Homeland Security.
The commanding general of U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), Maj. Gen. Gary W. Johnston, who presided over the ceremony as the reviewing officer said, “Colonel Urben is consistently a top performer, and her wide range of experience will be an asset to the Soldiers, civilians, and contractors of the 704th. You are very lucky.”
Urben has served in the Army for more than 20 years. She was commissioned as the Distinguished Military Graduate through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at the University of Notre Dame in 1997.
No stranger to Fort Meade, Urben previously served with the 902nd MI Group from 2008 to 2010.
“I’m thrilled to be back on the INSCOM team, and look forward to the challenges and opportunities our Army faces here and everywhere,” said Urben. “To the Soldiers and civilians of the 704th, it’s an honor to join your ranks. I look forward to serving with you and carrying on the traditions which you served so well.”
Urben also praised Cox’s leadership.
“I’d like to thank you not only for a superb transition, but more importantly, for your steadfast leadership to this brigade over the last two years,” Urben said. “Through your care and dedication, you’ve prepared this brigade well and made incredible contributions to the Soldiers and civilians of the 704th.”
Cox, a Virginia Military Institute graduate, commanded the “Electron Recon” Brigade since June 2016. As the commander he was responsible for personnel dispersed to more than 270 work centers around the world and stressed the importance of the role of the noncommissioned officer.
“Saying Colonel Cox simply works well with Soldiers is an understatement,” said Johnston. “During his command Colonel Cox targeted all leaders at every entry level for development, specifically emphasizing the role of the sergeant as a leader out front.”
Johnston took a moment to point out that under the leadership of Cox, the brigade achieved a higher state of readiness, building the brigade’s reputation for outstanding leaders and winning teams.
In his farewell, Cox thanked his family and all the members of the organization for their support, reserving his final thanks for the more than 700 noncommissioned officers in the brigade.
“You’re why I do this every day," Cox said. "You all exemplify my favorite quote from Dwight D. Eisenhower: ‘The sergeant is the Army.’ Thank you to all the noncommissioned officers.”
Cox leaves the 704th MI Brigade to become the G-2 senior intelligence officer at Landcom Izmir, Turkey.
Urben’s awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge.
The 704th Military Intelligence Brigade conducts synchronized full-spectrum signals intelligence, computer network and information assurance operations directly and through the National Security Agency to satisfy national, joint, combined and Army information superiority requirements.
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| Date Taken: | 06.26.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 07.23.2018 14:13 |
| Story ID: | 283096 |
| Location: | FORT MEADE, MARYLAND, US |
| Web Views: | 99 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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