Army Combat Readiness Center colors from Brig. Gen. Andrew Hilmes, outgoing commander of the USACRC, before passing them to incoming commander Brig. Gen. Gene Meredith. Command Sgt. Maj. James Light (right) observes the passing of the colors. VIEW ORIGINAL
FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Brig. Gen. Andrew C. Hilmes relinquished command of the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center to Brig. Gen. Gene D. Meredith in a change of command ceremony held Friday at the United States Army Aviation Museum on Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Lt. Gen. Walter E. Piatt, director of the Army Staff, presided over the traditional change of command ceremony where Meredith was officially recognized as commander after receiving the organization's colors.
In a welcome address, Piatt expressed confidence in Meredith's ability to lead the USACRC.
"Your experience as a Soldier, as a warrior, brings the necessary leadership to this command,” said Piatt. “The world remains a very dangerous place, and your Army remains engaged. The environment is dangerous and uncertain, and our Army must continue to prepare. We must do so in high-risk training environments, and we’ve got to do it safely.”
Meredith graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1989 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery. He joined 8th Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea for two years, followed by an assignment with 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 82nd Airborne Davison, serving as the Battalion FSO, Plans Officer, and subsequently commanding C Battery and Headquarters Battery. He served as the Deputy Commanding General of Maneuver, 2nd Infantry Division, Korea, before joining the 3rd United Kingdom Warfighting Division in June 2020.
“I couldn’t be more honored to assume this role,” said Meredith. “Preventing accidental loss that helps sustain the readiness of our great Army is of the highest professional callings.”
Hilmes thanked USACRC team members for their commitment to loss prevention across the Army.
For more information on the USACRC, or to view Meredith’s complete biography, visit
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