ONE OF THE ORIGINALS: 47th Brigade Support Battalion Marks New Leadership

FORT BLISS, Texas — The 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony held at Fort Bliss, Texas. U.S. Army Lt. Col. McFerrin McDonald handed over the reins to U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jed Hudson on June 14, 2024, marking the end of a significant chapter in the battalion's history and the beginning of a new era.

McDonald, who commanded the battalion through its recent deployment to the European Theater in support of Operation European Assure, Deter, and Reinforce, expressed his pride in the unit’s accomplishments and gratitude for the opportunity to lead.

"It's been an honor and privilege," said McDonald. "Thank you to the almost 1450 soldiers that make up the Pioneer family; you've persevered through numerous training exercises, BSA Operations, and a rotation to Poland; thank you for serving this nation and giving your all to this brigade and this battalion."

The ceremony was attended by family, friends, and fellow soldiers, highlighting the close-knit community and the importance of leadership within the military. The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team commander, 1st Armored Division U.S. Army Col. Dwight Domengeaux Jr., officiated the event and commended McDonald for his exemplary leadership.

"I can say confidently that neither supply nor sustainment were ever sources of concern for 2ABCT in training or [during] operational deployment," said Domengeaux. "Under Lt. Col. McDonald's command–the Modern Pioneers became the absolute best support battalion in the United States Army."

Hudson, the incoming commander, brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to maintaining the high standards set by his predecessor. Before the ceremony, Domengeaux officially appointed him an Iron Soldier, a testament to his readiness to lead the battalion.

"This is a tremendous honor and privilege to take command of such a storied battalion," said Hudson. "May we be worthy of the reputation we inherit, a reputation added to by the fine soldiers standing on this field today."

Taking command of a Brigade Support Battalion (BSB) is significant. A BSB is crucial in supporting their parent brigades at the tactical level, providing essential logistics, maintenance, and medical support.

It consists of several key components, including a headquarters company that provides command and control, a distribution company managing daily supply operations, a field maintenance company performing equipment repairs, a medical company offering healthcare support, and forward support companies that deliver direct logistical and maintenance support to battalions within the brigade.

As Hudson takes command, he inherits a battalion with a robust and well-established operational framework. The 47th Brigade Support Battalion's success in supporting the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team's mission highlights the critical roles logisticians, mechanics, health specialists, and transporters' have on the battlefield.

The change of command ceremony at Fort Bliss was not just a formal transition of leadership but a celebration of the battalion's achievements and a look forward to its future under new guidance. As Hudson assumes his new role, the soldiers of the 47th BSB stand ready to continue their legacy of excellence and dedication to mission success.