Fort Bragg, N.C. – After three years serving as Commanding General of the U.S. Army Forces Command, Gen. Michael X. Garrett relinquished command to Gen. Andrew P. Poppas on Fort Bragg, N.C., July 8, 2022. Garrett officially retired from the United States Army after 38 years of service.
Fort Bragg Soldiers, family members, and distinguished guests from across the nation attended the ceremony, including Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth. General James McConville, Chief of Staff of the Army, officiated the ceremony.
FORSCOM is the largest command in the United States Army and consists of approximately 745,000 Soldiers and 96,000 civilians. FORSCOM’s mission is to sustain an Army ready to fight and win.
Poppas spoke at the ceremony saying it will take more effort, resources, and determination than ever to fulfill the mission, but FORSCOM Soldiers and leaders are up to the challenge.
“Our republic will always ask its Soldiers to do hard things well,” Poppas said. “I will do all in my power to give leaders what they need to build trained, disciplined, fit, and winning teams.”
Poppas commissioned into the United States Army in 1988 and has served in operational deployments including Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Freedom Sentinel, and two tours during Operation Enduring Freedom. He previously served on Fort Bragg with 82nd Airborne Division and said that it is great to be back at the “Center of the Universe.”
“I was elated when Gen. McConville asked me to not only return to this place, which means so much to me and my family, but also to do so as the FORSCOM commander,” Poppas said.
Garrett ended his almost four decades of Army service as the 23rd Commanding General for FORSCOM. Garrett spoke at his retirement ceremony following the change of command, to give his farewell to Army life and congratulate Poppas.
“I feel tremendous pride in our Army and its legacy,” Garrett said. “I feel confident, because of the strength of our people. I have a deep sense of hope for the future, because of those who continue to serve.”
Garrett thanked family members, mentors, and the Soldiers he served with, saying love and faith have guided him through his extensive career. Garrett wished Poppas luck in his new role saying his team is united in service to the nation. Poppas thanked Garrett for entrusting him to lead the people who make FORSCOM a world-class organization.
“In the spirit of readiness, I want all of you to know that I am ready, willing, and enthusiastic to do this job along your side,” Poppas said.
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