FORT KNOX, Ky. -- Brig. Gen. Mark Landes succeeded Maj. Gen. Terrence McKenrick as the Division East, First Army commanding general here in a ceremony marked by the traditional passing of the unit’s colors.
Lieutenant Gen. Thomas James Jr., commanding general of First Army, who presided over the ceremony, said divisions in First Army are charged with partnering and developing training plans for every U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard unit in the nation, as well as mobilizing reserve component Soldiers to deploy, fight and win when their nation calls.
“This is a monumental task,” he said, when considering the varied missions and compositions of those partner units.
“For two years now, Terry McKenrick has been one of the biggest champions of the Total Force,” James said. “He absolutely exemplifies our First Army vision of being a team of fit Army professionals enabling Total Force readiness. Nobody is more of a team player.”
James noted several critical initiatives McKenrick led during his tenure and how those efforts ultimately made First Army a better and stronger organization overall.
“Over the past 24 months, he and Division East helped mobilize the 38th and 42nd Infantry Divisions for Operation Spartan Shield,” he said. “That’s a heavy lift- that’s a VERY heavy lift- made exponentially heavier during COVID-19…when troops from the 38th returned home to quarantine and the 42nd completed their culminating training event and headed out the door with the added stress of a global pandemic.”
“Terry and Division East have lived the ‘Adapt and Overcome’ motto and they have taken charge of that and really helped these formations get after it, even in extraordinary circumstances,” he added.
James also highlighted McKenrick’s efforts to put together a First Army team to compete in the annual U.S. Army Best Ranger Competition, and his role in enabling the First Army Academy to transition foundational training for observer coach/trainers to be held completely online during a global pandemic.
James said McKenrick was passing command of Division East to a uniquely qualified leader, noting that Landes had previously served at the Joint Readiness Training Center as well as commanded the Security Forces Assistance Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
“Mark’s background makes him the perfect fit for First Army. His time at JRTC and most recently leading the Security Forces Assistance Command makes him a master when it comes to training, advising, assisting, partnering and enabling. That’s the core of who we are at First Army.”
Landes said he looked forward to the opportunities and challenges the next couple years would bring, but most especially working with the leaders.
“Your professionalism, your reputation as masters of the fundamentals precedes you and I’m looking forward to joining you in your journey as we work with and enable our partners, the great Citizen-Soldiers of this nation,” he said.
McKenrick said it was a privilege to serve alongside the men and women of Division East and their partners, and an honor to pass the division’s colors to one of the most professional officers he knows in Landes.
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