JMRC: New Commander, Same Tough Training

HOHENFELS, Germany- Col. John G. Norris assumed command of the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) during a change of command ceremony on September 19, 2012.

Norris takes over for Col. Jeffrey R. Martindale, who is completing his last assignment with the U.S. Army after 26 years of service.

"We could not have asked for a better community, a more caring community in which to have spent the last year," said Martindale during his good bye to the Hohenfels community.

The audience in attendance was not only full of military representatives, but also German dignitaries from the surrounding communities, further providing evidence of the support the local government gives to the JMRC, its Soldiers and Families.

Martindale reiterated the support given by local German partners by adding "the community extends far past the fences and gates to the real heart of our community led and protected by our German hosts."

During Martindale's command of JMRC he oversaw 10 major onsite rotations and one rotation in the Republic of Korea. Martindale's vast airborne experience helped with JMRC's execution of the largest parachute assault in U.S. Army Europe in eight years, conducted during the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team's rotation in October, 2011.

In addition, during the past year under Martindale, JMRC has conducted four separate NATO Military Advisory Team/Police Advisory Team rotations that trained over 2,300 soldiers from 19 different nations, said Major General James C. Boozer, Deputy Commanding General/Chief of Staff of U.S. Army Europe.

"We pride ourselves on providing tough, realistic training that meets the needs of our U.S. and multinational partner units," said Martindale, referring to the unprecedented training the JMRC provides to U.S forces as well as international allies.

Norris continued the attitude of training excellence and supporting our international allies by stating that "over 87 percent of foreign allies in the Global War on Terrorism come from the European Command area of responsibility."

Norris paid respect to Martindale and his accomplishments during his command of JMRC, "You have made enormous contributions in preparing soldiers for war and building capacity where none previously existed."

Before taking command of JMRC, Norris served as the Executive Officer for the I Corps Commanding General and deployed to Afghanistan and served in the ISAF Joint Command Headquarters.

"I pledge to do everything within my power to provide the best leadership, direction, and example possible," stated Norris.

Norris added, "The assumption of command today represents only a change in personnel, not a change in policy or strategy. Our military mission will remain the same: we will continue the successful legacy of training in Hohenfels dating back to 1956."

Both Martindale and Norris closed their change of command speeches with a motto indicative of JMRC's commitment to its core mission- "Train to win!"