FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — The 102nd Training Division (Maneuver Support), conducted a change-of-command ceremony Saturday on the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Plaza. During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. James Kokaska Jr. relinquished command to Brig. Gen. Matthew Warne.
Maj. Gen. Tripp Bowles, commanding general of 80th Training Command - The Army School System, officiated the ceremony and spoke of how the quality of the 102nd Training Division Soldiers is what sets them apart from other forces around the world.
“Soldiers trained under the 102nd Training Division are better prepared to lead the fight because of the outstanding efforts of every Soldier and civilian on this team,” Bowles said. “I couldn’t be more proud of everything each of you do on a daily basis to improve this command, the lives of its members and the total Army force.”
Kokaska, who served as the commanding general of the 102nd and deputy commanding general for Mobilization and Training at MSCoE since August 2020, spoke on some of the work accomplished here.
“We have been laser focused on making our training platform tougher, more realistic and large-scale combat operation focused,” Kokaska said. “We never forget our history and the Ozark Division’s bravery and victory in battle — the price paid for freedom.”
Warne has served in a variety of positions, including deputy commanding general for Operations at the 412th Theater Engineer Command, several staff positions in the 854th Engineer Battalion, the 411th Engineer Brigade and the 412th Engineer Brigade, and branch chief for the 75th Training Command, Atlantic Division. He said he is “truly humbled and privileged” to be given the opportunity to command the 102nd.
“I am truly committed to work hard for you to support the mission and growth of the division, and most importantly support the people that make up our extortionary team, creating a positive environment that stands behind our profession of arms and ethic that we have sworn an oath to,” he said.
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