GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- Brig. Gen. Walter E. Piatt, native of Somerset, Pa., is the new commander of the U.S. Army's only overseas training command, the 7th U.S. Army Joint Multinational Training Command, also known as JMTC.
Piatt changed leadership with Col. Bryan L. Rudacille, today, on the post's parade field among units and leaders in a traditional change of command ceremony. In his new position, Piatt will spearhead training for U.S. and multinational forces.
Annually, the JMTC trains approximately 12,000 Soldiers, U.S., NATO, and partnered forces from Europe, Asia and Africa.
"Col. Rudacille has led this organization from the front," said Lt. Gen. Donald M. Campbell Jr., commander of U.S. Army Europe, who presided over the ceremony. "During Lee's time in the command, he has made it his mission to develop safe, demanding and innovative training."
Campbell said in his remarks that Piatt brings a wealth of experience from the 10th Mountain Division, where he last served at Fort Drum, N.Y.
"We are extremely fortunate to have just the right leader and family team to continue the crucial and ever-evolving JMTC mission," he said.
Piatt's professional credentials include a Master of Science degree in military history, and a Master of Arts degree in military science. He attended the Army's Command and General Staff College, the School of Advanced Military Studies and earned a fellowship with the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University's Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service in Washington, D.C.
Piatt began his remarks with a resounding "Gruess Gott," the traditional Bavarian greeting that expresses a warm welcome and blessings. The audience included U.S. and host-nation government and community leaders, Soldiers and family members.
Piatt is a decorated Soldier, with three Legions of Merit and five Bronze Star Medals.
"We have come to serve the Soldiers, civilians and families of the Joint Multinational Training Command and the Bavaria Military Community," said Piatt. "My mission is to ensure you can accomplish yours -- that we all train to win today, and are relevant for tomorrow."
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