FORT POLK, La. — The Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk received new leadership Oct. 13 as Brig. Gen. David S. Doyle assumed command of JRTC and Fort Polk from outgoing commander Maj. Gen. Patrick D. Frank on Warrior Field at 10 a.m.
The reviewing officer for the Change of Command ceremony was Gen. Michael X. Garrett, commanding general, United States Army Forces Command. The event was streamed live on the JRTC and Fort Polk Facebook page.
Also present at the ceremony were Command Sgt. Maj. Todd W. Sims, FORSCOM; James Hill, civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army; retired Sgt. Maj. of the Army Bill Gates; Maj. Gen. James Jerrard, commander, 25th Infantry Divison; Command Sgt. Maj. William D. Pouliot, 25th Inf Div; Leesville Mayor Rick Allen; Anacoco Mayor Keith Lewing; Rosepine Mayor Donna Weeks-Duvall; Simpson Mayor Vickie Standifer and JRTC and Fort Polk unit command teams.
Garrett opened the ceremony by welcoming the guests and offering a round of applause to the commanders, command sergeants major and noncommissioned officers that represent the Soldiers at JRTC and Fort Polk.
“I want to offer my gratitude, on behalf of the United States Army Forces Command and Command Sergeant Major Sims, to every member of Fort Polk and the surrounding communities. JRTC and Fort Polk is essential to the success of America’s Army in large-scale combat operations,” said Garrett.
Commenting on the particular circumstances under which Frank led, Garrett said, “Earlier in the year, the world came to a near standstill, as a global pandemic unfolded. Phrases like ‘social distancing’, ‘flatten the curve’ and ‘super spreader’ became a part of the daily lexicon, but the team here figured out a way for the Army to stay ready.”
Garrett also focused on many of Frank’s accomplishments while stationed at Fort Polk, highlighting his efforts regarding the quality of life on the installation.
“When it comes to the Army’s people-first philosophy, Patrick Frank is second to none. He worked tirelessly to improve all aspects of quality of life for Soldiers, Families and civilians,” said Garrett.
Toward the end of his remarks, Garrett said goodbye to Patrick and Jennifer Frank and introduced the incoming commander and his wife.
“As we bid farewell to Patrick and Jennifer Frank, we welcome another incredibly talented command team, Dave and Renee Doyle,” he said.
“David and Renee are no strangers to JRTC and Fort Polk, having served as the JRTC Operations Group Commander. He is a caring, engaged leader and an expert trainer; he is the right person in the Army’s inventory who is uniquely prepared to lead JRTC and Fort Polk.”
The outgoing commander was the next to speak at the ceremony. Frank first thanked those in attendance at the ceremony and the viewers who watched the event online.
Frank also thanked his wife, Jennifer. “You’re a professional in your own right. We both truly enjoyed serving with the Soldiers and Army Families at JRTC and Fort Polk. We will have incredible memories of being a part of this community,” he said.
Regarding the incoming commander, Frank listed Doyle’s many qualifications to assume the role of JRTC and Fort Polk commander.
“The Army has sent a tremendous officer back to JRTC to command, Brigadier General David Doyle. As a former CoG, he understands rotations and he appreciates the training strategy required to achieve success at JRTC. Welcome home to JRTC and Fort Polk,” said Frank.
“To the Soldiers and Families, it has been my honor to serve by your side and write the next chapter of JRTC and Fort Polk history,” said Frank as he finished his remarks with, “All the way!”
The ceremony’s final speaker was the incoming commander. After thanking the guests, Garrett and the Franks, Doyle outlined his excitement over returning to JRTC and Fort Polk.
“Renee and I are absolutely grateful to return to the Home of Heroes and thrilled to rejoin this warm Louisiana community. There’s no place in the Army that better exemplifies that people are first and winning matters. If you have any doubts about that, all one must do is look back at how Fort Polk’s team cared for Tropic Lightning Soldiers during Hurricane Delta, and see how the Warrior Brigade is now getting ready to go out and train to win,” said Doyle.
Before closing out the ceremony Doyle said, “Joining this JRTC team and the Fort Polk community to help forge the Warrior Spirit is a distinct honor.”
Frank was promoted to major general and received the Distinguished Service Medal prior to the Change of Command ceremony. Over his 33 months commanding JRTC and Fort Polk, Frank prepared 27 brigade combat teams and Special Operations Forces for global deployments and secured funding for major quality of life projects in post housing, Soldiers’ barracks and a green sand water filtration system, which will improve water quality on the installation. Frank will now serve as Chief of Staff for U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Florida.
Doyle received his commission in the infantry from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Military History.
He is also a graduate of the Command and General Staff College, the School of Advanced Military Studies and the National War College in Washington, DC.
His first assignment was with 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), joining the battalion on an operational deployment to Panama. He also served with 3rd Ranger Battalion, beginning in July of 2000, as the Battalion Civil Affairs Officer, Battalion Air Operations Officer, and commander of Bravo Company deploying to combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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