ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — Maj. Gen. Robert Edmonson II assumed command of the U.S. Army Communications- Electronics Command from Maj. Gen. Mitchell Kilgo during a ceremony at the APG Myer Auditorium, Aug. 6.
Gen. Edward Daly, commanding general of the U.S. Army Materiel Command, presided over the ceremony and the traditional passing of the organization colors, assisted by CECOM Command Sgt. Maj. Kristie Brady.
As the new CECOM commanding general, Edmonson also assumes the role of APG senior commander. Edmonson’s most recent position was as the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-6/CIO, U.S. Army Forces Command.
Following local and installation guidelines on COVID-19, the event was limited to ceremonial participants, family members and distinguished guests of honor. Among the guests in the small crowd were several former CECOM commanders, including retired Maj. Gen. Randy Taylor, retired Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford and retired Lt. Gen. Robert Ferrell. The event, however, was broadcast virtually via internet livestream for even more guests to watch.
“Warfighting organization”
According to Daly, CECOM’s mission is “enormous,” and called it a “warfighting organization.”
“You are truly the unsung heroes of the battlefield,” Daly said to the CECOM workforce. “The line men and women of football so to speak. Your numbers and names are seldom called but I will tell you unequivocally we cannot fight and win our nation’s wars without you.”
He also praised Kilgo for his accomplishments during his tenure.
“There is no doubt in my mind that this organization has its foot in the future of modernization of our Army as well as the tactical readiness of our systems,” he said.
Daly also highlighted the Army Medical Logistics Command, new to CECOM.
“What they have done has changed the trajectory of our United States, the country itself,” he said. “Because they were responsible for the distribution of more than 4.2 million doses of vaccine to fight COVID-19 and what they have done is absolutely fantastic.”
Daly said Kilgo exhibited strong and unparalleled leadership during an era of uncertainty. He said Kilgo has a “great future ahead of him” as he will become the deputy inspector general of the Army.
Kilgo’s reflections
Kilgo began his first address to CECOM as its former leader with a familiar motivational and warm greeting to those in attendance and by thanking Daly, calling him his mentor. He said he was honored to serve as CECOM commanding general and APG senior commander over the past 26 months.
“When I arrived here, I didn’t understand yet how distinct this command was from other Army signal organizations,” Kilgo said. “Nor did I have any great appreciation for CECOM and APG’s extraordinary contributions to combat readiness and the warfighter. It only took a few weeks of working with these dedicated colleagues for me to realize how special this organization is — and how lucky I was to be trusted to lead it.”
Kilgo thanked his wife, LaTonya, and his entire family for their love and support throughout his Army career. With emotion in his voice, Kilgo reflected on grieving with the passing of his older brother last year. He said his brother influenced him to join the military.
“When I walked out the door every day, you all, CECOM this APG community, I leaned on you,” he said. “I tell you today, I start grieving for my brother’s loss. Because I couldn’t do it before. I couldn’t take my eyes off of what this community means to the Army. And how important and critical you are to delivering combat readiness to our Soldier. And I couldn’t let up. And your partnership and friendship and just lifting me up and allowing me to be happy and be my natural self. But it’s tough, and I thank this community for helping lift me up and I finally get to cry for my brother.”
Kilgo then drove home his personal credo as a leader in the U.S. Army, “People First.”
“Take care of people first, and then you don’t have to worry about the rest of the mission; they’ll get the job done,” Kilgo said. “Our labor isn’t just for a paycheck, it’s in defense of our Constitution and our Soldiers at the tip of the spear. In short — our way of life, and everything our nation holds dear.”
Kilgo reflected on the unique challenges of leading an entire command during the COVID-19 pandemic, but was ultimately encouraged by the resiliency of the greater CECOM and APG community. He said the Army approached the COVID-19 pandemic like any other military operation.
“We’ve heard that word ‘resilience’ quite a bit over the last year and a half, for good reason,” Kilgo said. “But there’s no better way to describe how this community rallied together to face an enemy we couldn’t see.”
Kilgo continued his personal observations around APG during the unprecedented global crisis. He said although the pandemic pushed us physically apart it “drew us closer together as a team.”
“[I] witnessed that across CECOM as well as the entire installation, from the Garrison to the Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic and more.”
On the success of CECOM and the APG community, Kilgo offered his contemporary assessment of the nation and his solutions.
“The Army is a reflection of American society, and as a result, we also reflect its challenges and imperfections,” he said.
Kilgo explained that one of his proudest achievements as the leader of CECOM was his implementation and commitment to the SOUL of CECOM concept. The intent of the concept was to develop a safe and professional work environment, institutionalize diversity and inclusion for the long term, build visibility and trust in processes and reinforce the value of people.
Kilgo took time to offer his thanks to Brady and his deputy Larry Muzzelo for their tireless commitment to operationalizing the SOUL of CECOM. Kilgo added that while he’s extremely proud of the progress CECOM made in this arena, there is far more work to do, and that he’s confident that the SOUL of CECOM will be in good hands under Edmonson’s leadership.
Kilgo also reflected on what he referred to as the “great perks” of serving as senior commander.
“Representing APG off-post and strengthening our ties of goodwill and understanding in the local community,” he said. “It’s unfortunate that the circumstances limited many of my opportunities to do that in person. But please know I’ll always remember the warm welcome this community extended to me and my family, as well as your steadfast support for CECOM, APG and especially our Gold Star Spouses, Mothers and Families.”
Kilgo asserted his confidence in Edmonson and his ability to lead CECOM before expressing his gratitude to the community in his final remarks as its leader.
“Rob, I’ve known you for years, and as Gen. Daly said ‘there’s no question you’re the right leader at the right time to command CECOM’,” said Kilgo. “I know you shared many of these same mentors, and I encourage you to keep their lessons at the forefront of everything you say and do. And I feel good passing the guidon to you. Take care of this team, and they will absolutely take care of you.”
In his final statement to CECOM, Kilgo thanked his former command and offered an inspirational Army quote, in classic fashion.
“It’s been the privilege of a lifetime to command CECOM,” Kilgo said. “Thank you all again for the trust you placed in me, and I’ll see you all on the high ground, where we’ll once again say ‘giddy up.’ K2 signing off the net. People First, Winning Matters, Army Strong.”
New leader
Daly said Edmonson is the “right leader at the right time to take over CECOM.”
“I am excited to continue to watch this organization continue to progress,” he said.
Edmonson thanked Daly for his words of encouragement and expressed gratitude to Kilgo and his family for their support during the transition.
“You left no stone unturned, no questions unanswered and for that we wish you Godspeed,” he said to Kilgo’s family.
Edmonson said he is looking forward to the possibilities ahead as the leader of CECOM.
“Collectively, this is a pivotal time in our Army’s history,” Edmonson said. “We are in unprecedented times where the hastening pace of innovation is exposing new and exciting opportunities for Communications-Electronics Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground and the surrounding area, and of course with our industry partners, to harness and all those capabilities in pursuit of national security. Make no mistake, our adversaries are not waiting and neither will we.”
The proceedings were blessed by CECOM Chaplain (Col.) Steve Moser and National Anthem sung by Courtney White-Gilbert from the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command. Members of the Army National Guard, 229TH Army Band, “The Old Line Brass Quintet,” provided music for the ceremony.
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