Lightning Brigade Welcomes New Commander

By Katie GloverMay 12, 2021

Col. Mark Denton takes Command
Col. Mark Denton assumed command of the 207th Military Intelligence Brigade (Theater) on May 11, 2021. (Photo Credit: VIOS) VIEW ORIGINAL

VICENZA, Italy – Themes of teamwork, leadership, mission-focus and family rang through the 207th Military Intelligence Brigade – Theater’s (MIB-T) change of command ceremony on May 11.

Col. Mark A. Denton assumed command of the 207th MIB-T from Col. Bryan M. Love.

The 207th MIB-T, often referred to as the Lightning Brigade, supports the Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) through intelligence collection, analysis and exploitation. Denton, who recently completed a tour as a faculty instructor at the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa., is ready to lead his team with passion, teamwork and inspiration.

"To all my new teammates, I look forward to earning your trust and spreading the passion for the mission," said Denton. “We will continue to be trained and ready to win in uncertain and complex environments of global power competition.”

Denton also focused on Lightning P.R.I.D.E. – which focuses on people, readiness and resilience, intelligence, initiatives and innovation, development, diversity and discipline, and empowerment.

Speaking of this vision, Denton is prepared for the 207th team to “deliver the intelligence enterprise to AFRICOM, SETAF and our community of interest with Lightning P.R.I.D.E.”

Maj. Gen. Andrew M. Rohling, commanding general of SETAF, served as the ceremony's presiding officer. During his remarks, he welcomed Denton, and thanked Love for his continued service. Rohling also highlighted Love’s ability to persevere through the pandemic, and the Lightning Brigade’s ability to accomplish the mission.

Col. Mark Denton Takes Command
Col. Bryan Love relinquished command to Col. Mark Denton at a ceremony held in Caserma Ederle, May 11, 2021. Maj. Gen. Andrew Rohling, commanding general of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, presided over the ceremony. (Photo Credit: Pvt. Joshua Shaw) VIEW ORIGINAL

Love, who commanded the brigade for nearly two years, reflected on the team’s achievements, through a balance of conducting missions in Africa, training, staff excellence and soldier and family support.

“The team has exercised tremendous patience and faith in nurturing this brigade,” said Love. “These two elements drove us into action.”

In addition to focusing on the mission, the Lightning Brigade is widely known for its focus on families. Senior spouse, Mandi Love, impacted the brigade and the U.S. Army Garrison Italy through her continued leadership and volunteerism.

“Thank you for your continued love and grace, sage insights, and unshakeable support and patience,” Love said to his wife during his speech.

The 207th MIB-T is the newest brigade in INSCOM, activating on March 16, 2016 to counter security threats focused in the continent of Africa. The brigade includes the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, and the 307th MI Battalion, both in Vicenza, Italy, the 522nd MI Battalion in Wiesbaden, Germany, and regionally aligned with 337th MI Battalion in Fort Sheridan, Illinois.