Photo By Staff Sgt. Dennis DePrisco | Lt. Gen. Daniel L. Karbler, Col. Eric D. Little, and Col. Brian C. Bolio prepare to...... read more read more
Subscribe
FORT CARSON, Colo. — U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command hosted a brigade Change of Command between Col. Eric D. Little, outgoing commander, and Col. Brian C. Bolio, incoming commander, at Fort Carson’s Founders Field, July 1.
The 1st Space Brigade bade farewell to Little, who has commanded the unit since 2018 and welcomed Bolio, who most recently served as senior executive officer to the chief of Space Operations, U.S. Space Force, and commander, U.S. Space Command.
Due to COVID-19 protocols, the ceremony was livestreamed to hundreds of viewers who watched worldwide.
The 1st Space Brigade, the Army’s only space brigade, began operations in 2001. It was officially activated as a provisional brigade in 2003. The brigade is multi-component and has units from the active Army, Army Reserve and National Guard.
Lt. Gen. Daniel L. Karbler, commanding general of both USASMDC and the Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense, officiated the ceremony. Karbler thanked everyone for attending and praised Little for his achievements.
“We are lucky to keep you on the team as the deputy commander for operations, and I look forward to your continuing contributions,” Karbler said.
Little will be the new USASMDC deputy commander for operations at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.
Karbler welcomed Bolio back to the command, a place he has served previously in his military career.
“Col. Bolio is no stranger to space, no stranger to SMDC, and we’re glad to have you here and welcome back to the family. You have an impressive experience in space expertise that you bring to the job,” Karbler said.
Little assumed command of the 1st Space Brigade July 18, 2018. During his tenure, the brigade maintained five rotational deployments, upgraded equipment, realigned the 53rd Signal Battalion under the new U.S. Army Satellite Operations Brigade, and received five missile defense batteries from the 100th Missile Defense Brigade. A significant event occurred earlier this year, when the brigade’s Joint Tactical Ground Stations provided early missile warning during Iran’s missile attack on Iraq, which allowed U.S. and allied forces to take cover.
During his remarks, Little said, “Our Soldiers are the best the Army has to offer, and I am forever grateful for this opportunity to lead the Army’s only space brigade.”
He also praised Bolio saying, “You want to talk about the right guy at the right place at the right time, the Army and our senior leaders got it right with Brian Bolio.”
Bolio became a Functional Area 40 space operations officer in 2008 and his assignments include joint experience as the executive officer for the Air Land Sea Application Center; S3 officer for the 1st Space Brigade; Third Army G31 Special Operations chief; and deputy chief of staff, G-3 at U.S. Army Central.
“It’s great to be back,” said Bolio. “(Little) You have left a legacy of readiness and excellence as a launching point. (You're) a good friend and someone I’ve looked up to during my entire space operations career.”
Bolio thanked the attendees and all those watching virtually. He also pointed out the most important assets the brigade has, its Soldiers.
“I am humbled by an honor of a lifetime, to stand before you today as the commander of the Army’s only space brigade. First in space, second to none."
| Date Taken: | 07.01.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 07.02.2020 19:18 |
| Story ID: | 373326 |
| Location: | COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: | 284 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
This work, 1st Space Brigade welcomes new commander, by MSG Robert Segin, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
