FORT HOOD, Texas -- "Today it is a pleasure to publicly recognize one of the very finest leaders I've ever had the pleasure to serve with," said Maj. Gen. Jeffrey N. Colt, commander of Division West, First Army.
Colt spoke during the change of command ceremony for Division West's 120th Infantry Brigade, held on Cameron Field, May 25. Col. Daniel S. Hurlbut handed the reins to the incoming commander, Col. Brian Payne, after two years in command.
"I believe this brigade is above all others in the Army because of the people in the brigade," said Hurlbut. "Our noncommissioned officer corps is stellar, and they are why we are successful. They work every weekend, holiday and late night to ensure the trains of the brigade run on time, and that our trained units can perform their missions downrange."
Under Hurlbut's command, the unit prepared more than 200 Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve units for worldwide deployment to support operations in areas including Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Europe.
Colt emphasized the great importance of the 120th mission and why it has been successful.
"This brigade is critical to generating this nation's operational and strategic reserves," Colt said. "Without question, Dan Hurlbut has taken the 120th brigade to higher levels of performance."
The Bayonet team's new commander comes from III Corps, where he served as the G3/5 and Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve Partner Force Development Chief.
"We're excited to join the First Army and greater Fort Hood family," said Payne. "We look forward to serving with the Soldiers and leaders of the Bayonet Brigade."
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