Fort Bragg, N.C. - A change of command ceremony was held at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, August 11, 2022. The occasion marked a change in leadership, while highlighting the on-going mission of USAJFKSWCS. In the ceremony Major General Patrick B. Roberson relinquished his command, duties and authority to Brigadier General Guillaume “Will” Beaurpere.
The change of command ceremony is a military tradition representing a handover of authorities and responsibilities within a unit or command. The Colors flown at every ceremony represents the history, tradition, and accomplishments of that command. The passing of colors from an out-going commander to an in-coming commander ensures that the unit and its soldiers are “never without” official leadership. This time honored tradition represents a continuation of trust, and signifies an allegiance of soldiers to their unit's commander.
Lieutenant General Jonathan P. Braga, Commander of the United States Army Special Operations Command, presided over the ceremony. Braga thanked Roberson for his leadership in guiding the institution through an unparalleled time in our nation’s history. Roberson was able to continue the mission through steadfast leadership and innovation, which became a ‘hallmark’ of his command at USAJFKSWCS. Braga continued, that Roberson was able to sustain the training mission and graduate warriors during the pandemic.
Roberson said, “The past three years have been a great ride.” The general noted, it’s time to move on and move forward. Roberson assumed command of SWCS August 16, 2019, after serving as the Commander of Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. During his time as commander of the Special Warfare Center and School, Roberson oversaw the training and education of 6,200 soldiers, which encompass Special Forces, Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs.
In leaving SWCS and relinquishing command to Beaupere, Roberson stated he is confident in Brig. Gen. Beaupere, who he served with in Baghdad. “He’s a great leader, great person, very analytical, critical thinker, common sense.” Roberson emphasized that SWCS is in great hands with Brig. Gen. Beaupere.
Beaupere most recently served as the Deputy Commanding General for Operations at Army Space and Missile Defense Command. In his assumption of command comments, Beaupere made clear his pledge to continue the excellence of SWCS, “… my commitment to support our no-fail mission for the Army. Our ARSOF regiments cannot win without the exquisite force we generate class after class. Our people are the best at their trade. Our culture is one of excellence. Our purpose is to forge the next generation of ARSOF warriors.”
The U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, also known as the special operations center of excellence; assesses, selects, and trains disciplined warriors and leaders for Civil Affairs, Psychological Operations and Special Forces and develops doctrine and capabilities to support a full range of military ARSOF operations - providing our nation with the best highly educated, innovative and adaptive force.
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