301st IO Battalion changes commanders

An Army Reserve unit based in New York City welcomed its new commander in a ceremony April 15 at Fort Totten.

Lt. Col. John C. Spear took command of the 301st Information Operations Battalion, transferring to the unit from U.S. Cyber Command.

The unit activated in 2009, and its first-ever commander Lt. Col. Molly S. McGlaughlin, spent three years recruiting, training and deploying seven field support teams in three years.

The unit is unique for many reasons. McGlaughlin spoke about the other seven lieutenant colonels senior to her in rank in the unit who supported her as the commander. She also told the Soldiers they had an opportunity to make the battalion whatever they wanted it to be.

"(I said) 'We have a very unique opportunity to build a culture--to build an organization on our own.' There were no pre-conceived notions of what this battalion would be," McGlaughlin said.

The culture McGlaughlin described was one of honest, professional, intelligent Soldiers, and people who want to be there.

"Each and every one of you had a choice to come to this unit, and you chose the 301st," McGlaughlin said.

The unit also is culturally diverse--the most diverse McGlaughlin said she had served with in her 23-year career in the Army.

"I love that. I appreciate the uniqueness of each and every one of you," McGlaughlin said.

Spear accepted the colors from Col. Lee Gray, commander of the 151st Theater Information Operations Group, to complete the transition from one commander to the next.

"My name is Spear, I am an American, a citizen Soldier. It is my distinct honor and privilege to serve with you as your new commander," Spear said.

As McGlaughlin moves on to her new assignment as the chief of the Information Operation Plans for U.S. Transportation Command and prepares for an upcoming deployment next year, she thanked the Soldiers of the 301st one last time.

"It has been my privilege to be your commander," McGlaughlin said.