U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center welcomes new commanding general

FORT RUCKER, Ala. – The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center welcomed its new commanding general and bid farewell to its former leader of 2 ½ years during a change of command ceremony Jan. 12 in the U.S. Army Aviation Museum.

Brig. Gen. John K. Curry assumed command of the USACRC when he accepted the unit colors from Lt. Gen. Marcus S. Evans, director of the Army Staff, as Brig. Gen. Jonathan C. Byrom, outgoing commanding general, watched on.

Evans said the Army made a great choice in selecting Curry to command the USACRC, adding that he is a “smart, capable and versatile officer who always brings energy and optimism to any task that he’s been given.”

He added that Curry has “commanded at all levels of the Military Policy Corps, with multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He recently served in the Army G-3/5/7 as the chief of the Contingency Operations Division, where he daily managed the readiness and mobilization of our force to meet contingencies worldwide.

“His most recent assignment was as the deputy provost marshal general, and the military police motto of ‘Assist, Protect, Defend,’ nests well with the mission of the CRC,” Evans said. “This organization’s name has changed a few times over the years, and its mission has evolved. In 2005, it gained and maintained the title Combat Readiness Center, and an expanded mission as the center of gravity for all the Army’s safety and prevention.

“JC, thanks for your leadership and thanks for what you’re going to do down here,” he said. “It’s going to be a great command tour, and I know you’re going to advance the Army’s efforts here at the Combat Readiness Center.”

Curry thanked Evans for the opportunity to lead the USACRC.

“I stand before you today humbled and honored to assume command of this vital institution,” the new commanding general said. “It is a profound privilege to be entrusted with the leadership of a place that is so central to the strength and future of the Army – to both its aviation and ground communities – all during a time of immense and continuous transformation.”

Curry also thanked Maj. Gen. Clair A. Gill, Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general, and Col. Jeffrey Paulus, Fort Rucker garrison commander, for welcoming him and his wife, Nicole, “to this amazing community.”

“You all know that the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center plays a critical and unique role in our Army, championing the cause of safety and risk management to protect our most valuable asset, our people,” he said. “The motto, Readiness Through Safety, is more than just a slogan, it is a fundamental principle that underpins our ability to fight and win our nation’s wars.

“To the Soldiers and civilians of the CRC, I am inspired by your professionalism and dedication … you are the forefront of the Army’s transformation. I have no doubt that together we will continue to build upon the legacy of this organization,” Curry added. “I am here to serve you, to listen to you and to ensure that you have the resources and support you need to accomplish our critical mission together. I look forward to working with each and every one of you as we write the next chapter in the distinguished history of this organization.”

He also told USACRC Command Sgt. Maj. Jean Pierre Alcedo that he looked forward to working with him as a command team, and thanked Byrom, who would retire later in the day, for a “truly distinguished career.”

“It’s been noted that his leadership has been instrumental here within the CRC for the last 2 ½ years, but his impact has been felt across our Army for the better part of three decades-plus,” Curry said of his predecessor. “He leaves behind a legacy of excellence, outreach and teamwork that I pledge to strive to uphold.”

Byrom first thanked his family for their support and then joked on the nature of his time at the USACRC, saying that the staff had joked with him that of the 980 days of his time in the organization, because of all his temporary duty travel, he was actually at the CRC for seven days. “And it’s absolutely true … or not true … I’ll let you decide that.”

He then reminisced about the people and organizations he led within the USACRC, commenting on their “world-class” efforts and innovation, “legendary” status and even “smart-alec” personalities, adding that the relationships he forged at the USACRC were with “some of my favorite people on this planet. I am not exaggerating when I use the phrase, ‘national treasures.’”

He closed by stating how he sees the USACRC. “It’s a lighthouse for the Army. I love this organization. And I didn’t even know what it was 2 ½ years ago – it is magnificent. For General Curry, you are in freaking great hands, brother. You and Nicole are going to love it. You will just not get a more mature professional organization.

“For the CRC, John Curry is a good dude – he is world class. I could not be happier with the choice the Army made in bringing him here,” Byrom added. “You will be a great fit for this organization.

“We’re here to prevent mishaps – that’s what we’re here do,” he said. “We investigate, we learn from them, and there is no better organization. For everybody in the Combat Readiness Center, you will hold a special place in my heart – you’re all friends for life.”