New commander takes over Cadet Command's 6th Brigade

Released by: USACC Public Affairs Office

Hunter Army Airfield, Ga. (July 10, 2012) -- Col. Brent E. Barnes assumed command of the 6th Brigade, U.S. Army Cadet Command here this morning during a change of command ceremony at Hunter Club.

The outgoing commander, Col. Leo M. Impavido, will be retiring after more than 23 years of Army service.

Barnes is an Infantry officer who holds Bachelor of Science (Biology) and Master of Arts (Administration) degrees from Ball State University. The LaPorte, Ind. native also holds a Master of Arts degree (National Security and Strategic Studies) from the U.S. Naval War College.

Barnes has served in a variety of command and staff positions among five combatant commands. He has been a company commander (25th Infantry Division and U.S. Army South), squadron commander (11th Armored Cavalry Regiment) and deputy brigade commander (45th Sustainment Brigade). He has had joint staff officer tours in the U.S. Joint Forces Command and the U.S. European Command. Before assuming command of 6th Brigade he served as a professor in the National Security Affairs Department at the U.S. Naval War College.

Cadet Command's 6st Brigade oversees the education of the next generation of Army officers through the Army ROTC programs at 39 host colleges and universities in the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi, as well as Puerto Rico. The brigade is also responsible for administering the Army Junior ROTC program at 470 high schools.

The U.S. Army Cadet Command commissions officers to meet the Army's leadership requirements at 273 host universities and 1,066 satellite programs at other colleges across the nation. It also provides a citizenship program through 1,731 high school programs that motivate young people to be strong leaders and better citizens. Commanded by Maj. Gen. Jefforey A. Smith, USACC is located at Fort Knox, Ky.

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