BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Brig. Gen. David W. Ling assumed command of the Army Reserve Sustainment Command Headquarters in a ceremony here July 29. The ARSC provides trained and ready U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers in support of Army Materiel Command, the Defense Logistics Agency and others in response to worldwide mission requirements.
Prior to assuming command of the ARSC, Ling was director, J4 (Wartime) for U.S. Forces Korea, which plans, coordinates, synchronizes and integrates Multinational Logistics and the Joint Logistics Enterprise during armistice and contingency operations on the Korean peninsula, in order to maintain readiness and strengthen the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea.
The ceremony was hosted by 377th Theater Sustainment Command's Acting Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Steven T. Eveker, who traveled from Belle Chasse, Louisiana.
"The ARSC is small, but punches way above its weight class. All the great work this organization does is unparalleled. They do tremendous things every day, in no small part due to its dedicated leadership," Eveker said.
Eveker recognized the committed ARSC staff for coming together when Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Doll, the ARSC's previous commander, was deployed to Qatar in November 2016, stating that the ARSC did not miss a step during the transition period.
"Thank you to all the Soldiers in this formation for stepping up when General Doll was called to serve. David Ling is a tremendous logistician, and we are extremely pleased to have him lead this organization and help provide world-class logistics to the Army," Eveker said.
Ling addressed the audience, thanking first his wife of nearly 27 years, Linda, for her unwavering support, love and friendship during Ling's 34 years of service, including during his civilian career. The Lings currently live in Washington.
He then showed his appreciation for the many distinguished guests, including Maj. Gen. Allan Elliott, AMC Deputy Chief of Staff and Assistant Deputy Commanding General for the U.S. Army Reserve. He also thanked Maj. Gen. Allen Harrell, the commander of the Alabama National Guard's 167th Theater Sustainment Command, headquartered in Anniston, as well as other leaders and peers whom he partly credits for his overall success.
Then a major, Ling reported to his post in Iraq and was given three opportunities by Harrell, who at the time was a colonel. Ling chose training an Iraqi Transportation Regiment as part of a Military Transition Team.
"Major General Harrell may not know it, but his full support, including his personal visits, command emphasis and support in getting the right Soldiers assigned were major factors in the mission's success. I wonder if I would be taking command of the ARSC today if then-Colonel Harrell had not offered the MiTT position to me, and if he had not given his full support to the mission," said Ling.
Ling, a native of Moline, Illinois, served in the Army Reserve as an enlisted infantryman prior to joining the ROTC program at Iowa State University. He served in numerous light infantry leadership positions before transferring to the logistics field.
He earned a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering and has three masters' level degrees in management and strategic studies. He is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Iowa and in his civilian occupation, is responsible for the project management of renewable energy power plants and major energy savings contracts.
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