31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade welcomes new commander

FORT SILL, Oklahoma (Aug. 6, 2020) -- Although this is Col. Judson Gillett’s first assignment at Fort Sill, he is no stranger to the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade.

In 2001, he was D Battery, 3rd Battalion, 2nd ADA commander when the brigade was at Fort Bliss, Texas. He later became commander of the brigade’s 5th Battalion, 5th ADA in 2015, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

Gillet took command of the brigade from Col. Lisa Bartel Aug. 5, during a change of command ceremony at the Old Post Quadrangle.

“It is a distinct honor and privilege to be given the trust and confidence to command this brigade,” said Gillett, who was most recently the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC) chief of staff, at Fort Bliss.

Maj. Gen. Clement Coward Jr., 32nd AAMDC commanding general, was the officiating officer for the ceremony. He recounted the numerous accomplishments of Bartel, and welcomed the Gilletts.

Two years ago when Bartel took command of the “Archer Brigade” she was deployed within two days, Coward said. Commanding an ADA brigade in today’s complex world is difficult.

“She was saddled with arguably one of the toughest jobs that we’ve had to do in a long time and that is a theater drawdown,” Coward said.

Two of the brigade’s battalions (3-2nd ADA and 5-5th ADA) deployed, then last summer 4th Battalion, 3rd ADA deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, the general said. And, this last winter the 31st ADA Brigade supported a rapid expansion into Iraq by integrating a variety of ADA weapons systems.

“Lisa and the Archer Team did this on short notice and it was absolutely critical to the forces downrange and success of the ADA mission,” Coward said. “Still, through all the time 3-2nd ADA sprinted through modernization to regenerate combat power, and they just deployed again through COVID-19.

“The hard work, the innovation, the resilience this brigade has shown over the last two years is incredible. That is leadership,” Coward said. “Lisa had a hard road, and the 31st Brigade had a hard road. We asked a lot of her.”

She also had an informal role for the ADA branch  serving as a mentor to new officers, Coward said. She presented at courses across the installation, and shared her real-world experiences with students.

Shaping the future leaders of the branch is one of those things that is so critical to talent management, Coward said. “Once again that is leadership.”

Coward said the transition between Bartel and Gillett will be seamless.

“I know the Army has the right leader in place to lead this great brigade,” Coward said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the brigade continue to succeed under your command and leadership.”

Bartel moves on to the United States Space Force as the executive officer for the Vice Chief of Operations at the Pentagon.

She began her speech by quoting Vince Lombardi, who said, "The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of  each individual."

“I look at today as an opportunity to recognize  the success of the brigade over the last two years as they have thrived in this ever changing and dynamic environment,” Bartel said. “By success I mean collective unit and individual Soldier accomplishments.

“The Archers are a team of dedicated high-performers motivated to achieve whatever mission they are assigned,” she said. “They routinely step up to challenges regardless of the ambiguity, and through their perseverance and commitment they always execute to perfection.”

Bartel also acknowledged the brigade’s families.

“Without their support it would not be possible for us to be successful at any of our missions,” she said.

Bartel also thanked Coward; and the three command sergeants major who served with her.

“Thanks for keeping me in the left and right limits, most of the time, and for providing me with your sage advice for keeping the brigade moving in the right direction.”

She continued thanking numerous leaders, Soldiers, and civilians in the brigade.

Bartel said she couldn’t think of a better command team than the Gilletts to take the reins of the Archer Brigade.

Gillett said he did not get to his position without help.

“First, my wife Julie, who continues to be the foundation of this family,” said Gillett. “I could not do this without your love, faith, and endless support.”

He continued, thanking his children, his father (a retired Navy pilot), his in-laws.

He also thanked Coward.

“Sir, it has been a phenomenal 21 months under your command,” said Gillett. “Thank you for the leadership, the mentorship, trust and confidence during such a dynamic time.”

The Soldiers of the 31st ADA are the heart and soul of the brigade, Gillett said.

“Your accomplishments are many, and I’m excited about being part of the team.”