Biehl, Pratt reflect on time as HqCmdBn leadership team

By Guv Callahan, Pentagram Staff WriterJune 22, 2015

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On June 19, the U.S. Army Headquarters Command Battalion leadership team, Commander Lt. Col. Mark Biehl and Command Sgt. Maj. Alex Pratt, will hand over the reins during change of command and responsibility ceremonies in Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH.

But before the ceremonies, Biehl and Pratt sat down with the Pentagram to reflect on their time leading the battalion, their accomplishments and what they'll miss about working on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Biehl, who took command in February 2013, said the job always presented a new challenge, but that he and his team were able to overcome them consistently.

"I had no idea what to expect," he said. "And I think still, every day, I have no idea what to expect. The National Capital Region is interesting and difficult at times."

As Headquarters Command Battalion is the largest battalion in the Army, Biehl and Pratt had their work cut out for them from the beginning. Being able to run it effectively was their most notable accomplishment, Biehl said.

"The constant challenge is to make the battalion run," he said. "We have to get creative and make due. The fact that we're able to operate the battalion smoothly without any perceived interruption to the Soldiers we support I think is our biggest accomplishment."

Pratt agreed that interacting with all of the battalion's many agencies could be a challenge, but that the command team rose to the occasion time and again.

"Getting out to visit and interact with 52 agencies can be a struggle; I definitely believe that we either increased or improved the relationships that the battalion has had … with all of the different agencies and their leadership," he said.

Pratt also noted that he was proud of the "ability to establish programs that allowed us to enhance Soldiers' individual skills and warrior skills to ensure that they could survive no what matter the environment or unit they were assigned to throughout the Army," such as Best Warrior Competitions and Soldier of the Quarter boards.

Before taking command, Biehl served in the 3rd Special Services Group in Fort Bragg, N.C., and was deployed to Afghanistan as deputy commanding officer of operations.

He said his background as a Special Forces officer was a significant asset when taking over as leader of Headquarters Command Battalion.

"I think it actually really helped me," he said. "I've been operating in the ambiguous for a long time and I think that's kind of helped."

Biehl and Pratt both said their positions as leaders required them to stay objective as decision makers.

"There's something new every day," Pratt said. "Be flexible as well as open to change while having numerous bosses."

Biehl and Pratt said they'll miss many things about coming to JBM-HH every day, but they'll miss the people the most.

"The people I get to work with are amazing, and that's what makes the job great, and that's what's going to hurt when I leave," Biehl said, adding that Pratt was a perfect choice for command sergeant major.

"The Army absolutely got it right when they paired us together," he said. "It's the perfect Yin and Yang. I couldn't have done it without him. I have never met a more professional and knowledgeable non-commissioned officer."

And Pratt agreed.

"This is the greatest command team I've been a part of in my 28 years," he said.

Biehl thanked JBM-HH Commander Col. Mike Henderson and former commander, now retired Col. Fern O. Sumpter for their support and cooperation during his time on post.

"I really enjoyed my time working with the folks in the garrison, at the joint base and enjoyed the support I got from both Col. Sumpter and Col. Henderson," he said. "They had complete trust, faith and confidence in me, and just let me do what I needed to do. Hopefully, in their mind, that just meant that they knew I was taking care of business."

Biehl, a native of Bowie, Md., will be transitioning to Crystal City, working as the Army Special Operations Forces human resources manager.

Pratt accepted a position at Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, where he will work until retiring early next year.

"I really don't want to leave," Biehl said. "It's been a fantastic assignment. It's been the best job I think I've ever had, and it's because of the people I get to work with."