Outgoing Army Corrections Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Kreitzer relinquished responsibility to incoming ACB Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Watts during a ceremony Nov. 1, 2024, in Eisenhower Auditorium at the Lewis and Clark Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
ACB Commander Col. Douglas Curtis said the brigade has faced chronic manning constraints, dually serves as headquarters for the brigade and Army Corrections Command, and its members must be ready at a moment’s notice and are expected to perform with excellence.
“The Army Corrections Brigade is a challenging Military Police brigade — arguably the most challenging Military Police brigade in the United States Army. We battle the challenge of servicing two separate battalions and five separate facilities spread across the world, with similar yet wholly unique mission sets,” Curtis said. “There is simply none other like us in our Army. It takes a special soldier or civilian to step up to the plate and take on these challenges; it takes a special leader to weather the storm; and it takes a special command sergeant major to advise everyone on the best way to navigate it all.”
Curtis said Kreitzer navigated the complexities of the position with nobility and grace.
“I was fortunate enough for the Army to put me on his team,” Curtis said, who took command of ACB in July 2024. “My priorities became his priorities, my initiatives his initiatives, and he fought to bring them to life. He fully embraced the CORE values of character, optimism, respect and engagement as a means to tackle the challenges Griffins face.”
He said Kreitzer and his wife, Melissa, made command about the 1,300 professionals of the Griffin Brigade.
“Their dedication at the organizational and individual level to the soldiers, NCOs, officers and civilians of this brigade — their readiness; their physical, mental and spiritual fitness; their good order and discipline; their personal and professional developmental needs — was special, exceptional and unique,” Curtis said.
Curtis shared a message about the Kreitzers from former ACB Commander Col. Kevin Payne.
“Command Sergeant Major Kreitzer and Melissa worked to improve the quality of life for our soldiers and families on day one, and it is clear they will continue to do this where the four winds take them. They build relationships, remain involved in community matters and are great role models for our junior soldiers and families to emulate. Nothing but respect and gratitude for their persistent efforts to improve our unit culture.”
Curtis welcomed Watts, noting that he has already been serving in the brigade as the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks operations sergeant major.
“That being said, CSM, your reputation as a level-headed, common sense leader proceeds you, and I am positive that the Army yet again ‘got it right’ in selecting you to become the next Griffin 7. You are assuming the mantel of command sergeant major for undeniably the greatest Military Police brigade in the United States Army. Congratulations to you on this honor. Griffins pride ourselves on the CORE values of character, optimism, respect and engagement, and on being good in the fourth quarter when it truly matters,” Curtis told Watts. “Our charge now, together, is to help these men and women reach this fullest potential, as service members, DA civilians and as good citizens.”
Kreitzer’s remarks focused on expressing gratitude to God; wife Melissa; children Troy, Isabelle and Meisha; military and civilian co-workers; as well as the Combined Arms Center Command Team for their leadership and vision and the Garrison Command Team for the support and care they provide to service members’ loved ones.
“I am filled with both gratitude and disbelief as I look back over these past two years with the Army Corrections Brigade. This is not goodbye but thank you for the support everyone has provided to the Griffin Brigade and our families,” Kreitzer said. “As a career 31-Bravo military policeman, I never thought I’d be the command sergeant major of a corrections brigade, but for the first time in my career, I actually had my choice of assignment and chose to join the 15th Military Police Brigade,” he said. “It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career because of the people I’ve had the honor of serving with.”
Kreitzer thanked his wife for carrying their family through the toughest days, and said that it is the families who bear the cost of service members’ commitment.
“To our families, I cannot thank you enough for your unwavering support and sacrifices. Your strength, resilience and unwavering support have been the foundation upon which we have built our community,” he said. “Your understanding of the demands of military service and your unwavering support have been a source of comfort and motivation to all of us.”
Kreitzer thanked the brigade’s service members for their commitment and efforts to overcome challenges, achieve milestones and forge bonds.
“I am in awe of your courage, professionalism and dedication to duty. Day in and day out, you have upheld the highest standards of discipline and integrity, ensuring the safety and security of our facilities. Your commitment to our mission and to each other is truly commendable, and I am honored to have served alongside you.”
He said he was impressed by the expertise, dedication and passion for service of the ACB’s civilian professionals.
“Whether it’s managing administrative tasks, providing medical care or facilitating rehabilitation and vocational programs, your professionalism and dedication have made a lasting impact on our facility.”
He went on to thank the many others involved in the day-to-day operations of the USDB and Midwest Joint Regional Correctional Facility, including the officers and NCOs who set the tone with their leadership.
“As my family and I embark on a new chapter, I leave with a profound sense of pride in all that we have accomplished together. The memories we have shared, the challenges we have overcome, and the bonds we have formed will always hold a special place in my heart,” Kreitzer said. “I urge you to continue to uphold the values of integrity, professionalism and respect that define our profession. … As we train and mentor commanders, sergeants major, first sergeants, platoon leaders and sergeants, squad and team leaders, down to the individual soldier making things happen, we must realize that these are the leaders who will continue to make our country a beacon of freedom, the city on the hill of corrections excellence, and do our country’s winning now and in the future and are worth every ounce of our efforts.”
Kreitzer welcomed Watts into his new role.
“You have been here almost a year and are now taking the helm of an amazing unit, filled with remarkable, talented and driven leaders and people ready to go the distance,” he said. “My only advice to you is every day is an opportunity — lean on these people, listen to them, and remember, too, that every one of them is your teammate. We’re all in this together, and the mission is much more rewarding when we respect that.”
Watts expressed gratitude for God’s blessings over his 28 years of service and for the people placed in his path. He thanked his wife Valerie, son Ayden and daughter Abi for their sacrifices and love, and his friends and family for attending the ceremony and the mentors and soldiers he has served with.
He said thanks to Kreitzer and his family, the transition into the role of the brigade’s senior enlisted adviser went smoothly.
“Our brigade has a rich history and a clear mission. We are guided by our CORE values: character, optimism, respect and engagement. Character is our foundation; optimism fuels our positivity; respect binds us together; and engagement drives our leadership.”
Watts told the Griffins team what he offers and what he expects.
“I will bring an unwavering commitment, some challenging questions, high expectations and unyielding support. I’ll demand ethical decisions, trained and ready teams, and I’ll always be open to new and innovative ideas. For our leaders and leaders in training, I expect us to be exemplary role models. Be professional, be aware and promote safety. Let us build trust, demand mission success and support each other. Remember, everything we do is leader development.”
Watts challenged them to align their personal values with the Army’s and to be a lifelong learners and teammates who always give their best.
“Never miss an opportunity to teach, coach and mentor,” he said. “We have a crucial mission, and I’m inspired to tackle it with each one of you.”
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