Outgoing Army Corrections Brigade Commander Col. Kevin Payne relinquished command to incoming ACB Commander Col. Douglas Curtis in a ceremony, hosted by Army Corrections Command Commander Brig. Gen. Sarah Albrycth, July 12, 2024, on Main Parade at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
“Thank you all, those here and tuning in by livestream, as we mark this significant day in the Army Corrections Brigade recognizing these two phenomenal leaders,” Albrycth said. “Today’s milestone in their careers is small compared to their many accomplishments — a few of which I will share — and with a combined 54 years of service excellence leading America’s finest soldiers, civilians and families with integrity, professionalism and care.”
Albrycth commended the brigade’s soldiers for serving with dignity, determination and discipline.
“As correctional experts, there is no space for letting personal or professional standards fall. There is no excuse for coming short of our Army values. As correctional professionals, I know of no circumstance in which these soldiers won’t step up to whatever the mission requires, no matter the risk to their personal safety and their lives,” she said. “These women and men often see other service members at their worst, and yet the Griffin soldiers and civilians maintain the highest of standards in every situation, no matter the harm or insult they might face. But that’s expected when led by Colonel Kevin Payne, who personifies this elevated standard.”
She said that in Payne’s two years as ACB commander, commandant of the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks, and deputy commander of Army Corrections Command, he accomplished and excelled at many things, including establishing an ACC direct reporting unit, maintaining a 96 percent civilian hiring rate since establishing the DRU, meeting the Title 10 inmate welfare and rehabilitation mission, overseeing new programs and increased opportunities that related to a 40 percent reduction in inmate disciplinary infraction, perfect reaccreditation audit scores for both facilities, and established the ACB Wellness Program.
“He is not only a remarkable leader, but a steward of strategic leadership,” she said. “During his time in command, Kevin provided the ACB with strategic vision and focus, inspiring everyone to critically think and act. He not only provided good ideas and well-articulated briefs, but Kevin also coordinated end, ways and means to achieve desired goals. Many of you had to work longer than normal hours, do more than the usual work, and maintain a greater capacity of resilience and restraint — those were not without cause.”
Albrycth said Payne acted on manning challenges, environmental improvements for workers and inmates, and helping ensure that discharged inmates become better members of society.
“Now, we have (inmates) who have collectively earned 68 college degrees including nine masters, 81 Department of Labor apprenticeship certifications, 191 graduates from rehabilitative treatment groups of different offenses, and 168 rehabilitative workshop graduates,” Albrycth said. “His work, and your work, all have done something to make this organization and the work done here better. Kevin’s philosophy of improving the system to keep them out of the system helps contribute to low recidivism and maintaining our reputation to America.”
Albrycth recognized several leaders in attendance who have helped and influenced Payne during his career. She also reflected on the loss of Capt. Alex W. Northrup, commander of Company B, USDB Battalion (Corrections), Army Corrections Brigade, who died Oct. 26, 2023, after being injured when his motorcycle was struck by a car Oct. 23.
“Let’s not forget our beloved Captain Alex Northrup. Nine months ago, Colonel Payne led our Griffin family during your most difficult and challenging time,” she said. “On behalf of the ACC team, thank you Colonel Payne for being there for his wife, Mrs. Jessica Northrup, and his family. We know his memory and legacy lives in our hearts and admirably in the Captain Alex Northrup Iron Griffin Award.”
Payne also recognized influential leaders in attendance, including retired Col. Pat Williams and retired Col. Dwayne Wagner, whom he said impacted his life as a soldier, officer and man with their leadership, mentorship, empowerment, and agreed that handling crisis and bringing the team together following Northrup’s death was one of the things that has happened over the past two years that should be mentioned.
He also listed the inactivation of the 15th Military Police Brigade and activation of ACB; transition from MTOE (Modified Table of Organization and Equipment) to TDA (Tables of Distribution and Allowances) to a Direct Reporting Unit; the USDB sesquicentennial anniversary; 313 reenlistments and extensions; the 100 percent scores by both the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks and Midwest Joint Regional Correctional Facility on their American Correctional Association triennial reaccreditation in 2024; establishment of the Army Wellness Program, which he said has become the model for all of ACC; and more, as important events.
“Although a few of the aforementioned inflection points added volatility and uncertainty to the corrections environment, what is constant is the character and competence of the soldiers and civilians on the staff,” Payne said. “They are the heroes of this mission, and the soldier-civilian synergy is clearly evident. It is truly a joy to witness it every day, for they successfully answer the call 24-7/365 to ensure the safety, custody, control and rehabilitation of our inmates.”
Payne said that during his time as ACB commander, he has drawn conclusions about the quality of the team, the resilience and professionalism of the unit’s soldiers, and the integration of 31B military occupational specialty soldiers joining the mission with 31E corrections/detention specialists to help with manning challenges.
“Operations amongst the team of officers, soldiers and Army civilian professionals is at the highest level I have experienced in my career,” he said. “Our soldiers possess incredible resilience and exceptional interpersonal skills in dealing with an inmate population that exercises world class manipulation on a daily basis… 31Es and 31Bs continue to excel in the mission at the center of corrections excellence.”
Payne said the brigade was faced with a significant shortage of corrections specialists in September 2022 and had to act to avoid a year of 12-hour shifts that would have meant significant or complete reduction in vocational programs, increased risk to the installation and surrounding area, inmate population climate degradation, and soldier burnout.
“We took action and communicated our analysis to the ACC and (Office of the Provost Marshal General) staffs, and I personally briefed the deputy commandant at (U.S. Army Military Police School) early in the process,” he said. “The risk level decreased and the quality of life improved for our soldiers, families and inmates. The 31Bs have performed brilliantly, are fully integrated members of our team, and we see no degradation in our daily operations.”
Albrycth said Payne epitomizes the duty, justice and loyalty of the unit’s motto, and has left a first-class, professional organization for Curtis.
“This brilliant leader began his military service in 1997, and in 2001, he made the wise decision to complete his enlistment with the U.S. Marine Corps to earn his commission through the Army ROTC as a military police officer — the best decision in his life and the we’re thankful for it,” she said.
Curtis, whose previous assignment was as assistant deputy chief of staff G34 provost marshal/protection, Forces Command, at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, said that as that new Marine nearly 26 years ago, he never envisioned being a colonel taking command of an Army brigade.
“Command is the highest honor and highest calling of an officer in our Army, and we are privileged to command where the Army asks us, but I am sincerely honored to be a part of this team once more,” Curtis said. “Although the mission of incarcerating and rehabilitating our military prisoners is often overlooked or taken for granted by our community, it is absolutely vital for society. This mission is truthfully the culmination of both our military law enforcement and military justice systems. It ensures the appropriate administration of lawful punishment, the restoration of justice for victims, and the safety and security of not only inmates and staff, but likewise our communities.”
Albrycth said Curtis performs his duties with integrity, loyalty and honesty and promotes the highest standards of soldier performance and professionalism by personal example.
“He has my confidence and trust, and he will surely earn yours,” she said. “I know you will ensure this mighty brigade continues to lead the way transforming and perfecting excellence. I know your command will continue to unite this organization with the common merit to accomplish the mission with respect and that each Griffin member does a job well done.
“And because you are a part of the great force in the world, you do not bare this mission alone. There are many people here to welcome you into this position and will make themselves available to you, including me. The Army Corrections Brigade remains in good hands.”
Social Sharing