FORT HOOD, Texas -- First Army Division West welcomed its seventh commanding general in an assumption of command ceremony on Cameron Field here Tuesday.
Maj. Gen. Jeffrey N. Colt, and his wife, Nancy, come to "The Great Place" from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he was deputy commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps.
Colt's most recent assignment was as commander of the U.S. National Support Element Command-Afghanistan, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom.
"Command is always considered the epitome of all leadership assignments, and we all are delighted to have the superb talents that Maj. Gen. Colt brings in support of our critical training mission," said Lt. Gen. Michael S. Tucker, First Army commanding general.
Tucker explained the role of Division West in the total Army, and how it's unique mission aids in the training of the Army National Guard and Reserve components.
Also, with the transition of Division West and her down-trace units, Tucker commented on how it would take an exceptional leader to accommodate such a task.
"It is only befitting that the senior leadership of the Department of the Army, likewise selected another outstanding leader when they selected Maj. Gen. Jeff Colt to lead this Division West formation," said Tucker.
The assumption ceremony commenced with formations of uniformed, synchronized Soldiers, marching to the 1st Cavalry Division Band.
Besides the time-honored tradition of passing of the Division West colors to Colt, the day's events included a horseback, mounted Soldier -- courtesy of the 1st Cavalry Division --assisting in the presentation of flowers to Colt's wife, Nancy. A cannon salute and a formation pass and review completed the ceremony.
"Thank you all, again for attending our ceremony this morning," said Colt. "Even as the new guy, I can assure you that your personal and professional relationships with First Army Division West and your time are highly respected, valued and much appreciated."
Colt expressed his gratitude to all the special guests, Families, civilians and Soldiers that attended and participated in the day's ceremony.
He reflected on the privilege of leadership.
"Command at any level is an incredible honor," he said. "I believe command represents a special trust for the care and accomplishment of the unit mission, but as importantly, the care, confidence and trust of our Soldiers and Families."
He also paused to thank his wife, Nancy, and sons, Hunter and Sam, for their love and unwavering support during their Army journey.
"I'm proud beyond adequate expression to be a member of Division West, this First Army team, and this Fort Hood community," said Colt.
Division West, a subordinate unit of First Army, trains and validates Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers for deployment to combat or other contingency operations. The division also trains units of the active Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps and United States partner nations, for a total of nearly 40,000 service members every year.
Division West's eight subordinate training brigades are the 120th Infantry, 479th Field Artillery and 166th Aviation Brigades at Fort Hood, Texas; the 181st Infantry Brigade at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin.; the 189th and 191st Infantry Brigades at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.; and the 402nd Field Artillery and 5th Armored Brigades at Fort Bliss, Texas.
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