Photo By Sgt. Marla Ogden | U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jack James, the outgoing commander of the 53rd Troop Command, New...... read more read more
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CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, Cortland Manor, N.Y. — U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Joseph Biehler, a veteran of combat deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, assumed command of the 53rd Troop Command during a change of command ceremony at the New York National Guard’s Camp Smith Training Site, Oct. 17, 2021.
Brig. Gen. Jack James, himself a veteran of deployments to Haiti, Bosnia and Kuwait, relinquished command during the ceremony after serving two years as commander of the 53rd Troop Command.
Speaking to a formation of more than 200 Soldiers representing the entire command, New York’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, recognized both Biehler and James for their leadership and contributions.
“Since assuming command of the Troop Command—which makes up almost 4,500 of our 10,700 Soldiers—Jack has exhibited exceptional leadership,” Shields said.
The troop command includes combat support and combat service support units, including a sustainment brigade, two military police battalions, a signal battalion, engineer battalion, two civil support teams and numerous transportation and logistics elements.\
Shields praised James’ commitment to focusing on the priorities of safety, unit strength and Soldier readiness.
“Under your command, the Troop Command has deployed multiple units to combat zones and around the world,” he said.
Shields said that Biehler is an exceptional leader whose experience makes him a perfect fit as the 53rd Troop Command’s new commander.
“Joe has commanded at company, battalion, brigade and division levels and has been highly successful,” he said. “He has also deployed three times and each has been highly successful.”
The two New York Army National Guard leaders will swap responsibilities and each congratulated the other for their new role.
“(He) and I are switching positions,” Biehler said. “He’s going to get an opportunity to work with (the 42nd Infantry Division that’s getting ready for a Warfighter (exercise), which is a great experience.”
Biehler, previously the deputy commander for operations for the 42nd Infantry Division in Troy, New York, said he’s honored to lead the Soldiers of the 53rd Troop Command.
“Being a commander in the Army is special and unique,” Biehler said. “There is no comparison in the civilian world to being a commander of an Army organization.”
James said that he is proud to relinquish his command to Biehler. The two served side by side previously as brigade commanders.
“We served together as partners in brigade command integrating our 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade and 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team training in ways that truly build readiness and combat power,” James said. “I couldn’t be happier that he’s my successor.”
“You are eminently qualified and I could not be more pleased than to pass the colors of (the) Troop Command to you,” James said to Biehler following the transfer of unit colors during the ceremony.
James, as the new deputy commanding general for operations, will oversee the training and readiness of the associated brigades and headquarters of the 42nd Infantry Division.
“This is an incredible opportunity and I could not be more excited or honored to be selected to move to the historic Rainbow Division,” he said.
| Date Taken: | 10.19.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 10.19.2021 12:43 |
| Story ID: | 407559 |
| Location: | CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE , NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 278 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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