U.S. Army NATO Brigade Change of Command

Photo By Tony Sweeney | U.S. Army NATO Brigade North Atlantic Treaty Organization Brigade outgoing commander Col. Jason G. Riley relinquished command to Col. Gregory N. Ash, Jr. at a ceremony at Sembach, Germany on July 11. The Ceremony was hosted by Brig. Gen. Thomas Carden Jr., Deputy Commander, Multi-National Division, South East, who led the traditional passing of the colors from Col. Riley to Col. Ash. The passing of the unit colors represents the transfer of authority and responsibility for the unit from one commander to another. United States Army NATO was established by General Order #46, effective 20 December 1950. The Command was organized as a special field activity, assigned to Headquarters Department of the Army. The brigade, currently headquartered in Sembach, Germany, with 44 organizations, 38 locations in 20 countries and on three continents.  

SEMBACH, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, GERMANY

07.11.2018

Story by Anthony Sweeney 

U.S. Army Europe and Africa     

Sembach, Germany -- U.S. Army North Atlantic Treaty Organization Brigade outgoing commander Col. Jason G. Riley relinquished command to Col. Gregory N. Ash, Jr. at a ceremony at Sembach, Germany on July 11.

The Ceremony was hosted by Brig. Gen. Thomas Carden Jr., Deputy Commander, Multi-National Division, South East, who led the traditional passing of the colors from Col. Riley to Col. Ash. The passing of the unit colors represents the transfer of authority and responsibility for the unit from one commander to another.

Carden praised both leaders for their service to the nation for over two decades each and stated that he had benefited both personally and professionally from the service and support of the brigades soldiers, civilians and leaders of the brigade. “The tyranny of geography has made the job commanding this brigade a unique challenge, said Carden. “Despite those challenges Col. Riley has delivered results, in terms of readiness and capability.”

United States Army NATO was established by General Order #46, effective 20 December 1950. The Command was organized as a special field activity, assigned to Headquarters Department of the Army. The brigade, currently headquartered in Sembach, Germany, with 44 organizations, 38 locations in 20 countries and on three continents.

“Arguably the most permanently geographically dispersed unit in the Army. The command has just under 1,000 personnel assigned. Readiness is our number one priority,” said Riley. “During the past two-years this unique brigade has pushed hard to maintain the highest levels of individual readiness, not just in Europe but in the entire Army.

Riley leaves Germany to become the Chief, Officer Readiness Division, at Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Ash joins the NATO Brigade team from the Pentagon, where he served as the Chief, Suitability Division, overseeing the implementation of national and agency guidance relative to suitability, fitness and credentialing of all military, Department of Defense and contractor personnel to sustain Army readiness.

• Date Taken: 07.11.2018
• Date Posted: 07.11.2018 12:03
• Story ID: 283840
• Location: SEMBACH, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, DE