FORT DIX, N. J. – Col. Matthew A. Keurejian, commander of the 336th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade, transferred command to Col. C. Rylan Gunst during a change of command ceremony at Fort Dix, New Jersey, Aug. 10, 2019.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than command,” Keurejian said, “It’s been the greatest job I’ve had in 29 years.”
Keurejian has been with the 336th E-MIB since the unit’s activation ceremony on Oct. 6, 2017. The 336th E-MIB existed without battalions until the activation ceremony, when the 378th and the 325th Military Intelligence Battalions came under the 336th E-MIB’s leadership. The brigade was running with troop program unit soldiers on active-duty orders building strength, processes, standard operating procedures, and the foundation for successful sections. After officially activating the 336th E-MIB with a headquarters company and two military intelligence battalions, Keurejian had a unique opportunity to assemble his team and build the unit from the ground up.
“We could start from scratch, we had the opportunity to make sure we did everything right,” Keurejian said.
“We assembled a really great team,” said Keurejian.
During the change of command ceremony, Keurejian gave a parting message for the brigade.
“Soldiers you are responsible for each other,” said Keurejian.
“If you need more from your leaders, you need to demand it from them,” said Keurejian. “You collectively have as much influence in the unit as anybody else. Be responsible for yourselves, make your NCO’s jobs easier by staying on top of your personal readiness and communicate your issues.”
“The recipe for success is not a surprise to anyone,” Keurejian said. “The key to success is taking care of your soldiers.”
Gunst the incoming commander for the 336th E-MIB, much like Keurejian, has a vision for the unit.
“My vision is that we’re ready to go, ready to lead, and ready to fight,” Gunst said.
Gunst wants Brigade Soldiers who are ready to deploy as individuals, leaders who are qualified and trained, and trained intelligence teams who are ready to conduct expeditionary operations.
Gunst, is looking forward to two key things when taking command of the 336th E-MIB.
“The opportunity to build a high performing team and contribute to soldiers’ successes, for me that’s the most rewarding part of this job,” Gunst said. “Building a team that’s pursuing excellence and helping soldiers achieve their personal and professional objectives.”
Gunst has served in leadership and operational positions from the platoon through the brigade level including the 587th Signal Company and 52nd Signal Battalion in Stuttgart, Germany; the 3300 Strategic Intelligence Group in Washington, D.C.; G2, U.S. Army Central Command at Shaw Air Force Base, SC; the 505th Intelligence Brigade - Theater in San Antonio, TX; and as commander of the 203rd Military Intelligence Battalion at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. In his most recent assignment, he served on active duty as a strategic intelligence officer for the Defense Intelligence Agency.
Gunst believes his latest assignment with the Defense Intelligence Agency will greatly contribute to his new position as 336th E-MIB brigade commander. This role has provided him important insight into the Army’s strategic direction.
Gunst’s initial advice for his future soldiers and leaders is to be ready to go, ready to lead, and ready to fight.
“The message I would give to the soldiers and the brigade is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” said Gunst. “We’re here to win on behalf of the nation, and the status quo isn’t going to get us there. Establishing and maintaining readiness for the future fight will require commitment from all of us.”
| Date Taken: | 08.10.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 11.16.2019 09:10 |
| Story ID: | 352040 |
| Location: | FORT DIX, NEW JERSEY, US |
| Web Views: | 779 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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