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DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. – With crisp salutes and the passing of colors, Brig. Gen. Beth A. Behn assumed control of U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command from Maj. Gen. Michael B. Lalor during a July 22 change of command ceremony.
More than 500 people gathered under sunny skies at the Detroit Arsenal to watch Behn become TACOM’s 25th commanding general. Lt. Gen. Christopher O. Mohan, deputy commanding general and acting commander of U.S. Army Materiel Command, hosted the event.
The ceremony celebrated not only a new era of leadership, but also the outgoing commander's accomplishments and TACOM’s legacy.
“The TACOM colors that I held in my hand just a few minutes ago represented 83 years of distinguished service to our nation,” Behn said. “As we sit here right now, and I know this audience knows it, TACOM is delivering readiness to warfighters around the globe.
“I’ve been on the receiving end of what TACOM delivers for most of my time in uniform, and it is, without a doubt, the highest privilege of my career to have the opportunity to lead this command.”
In her first remarks as commander, Behn said she's ready to hit the ground running – and happy to be serving in Michigan.
“As a native Iowan, I have to say it is fantastic to be back in the Midwest. I cannot say ‘Go Blue!’ just yet, but it’s good to be here,” she said, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Behn pledged to carry on the great work that is happening across TACOM. She said she’s looking forward to continuing to strengthen the command's relationships with local leaders, members of industry and other key partners, both on and off the arsenal.
Her words underscored the vast scope and weight of TACOM’s mission.
“This command is working with urgency to ensure the United States Army remains the most lethal land force the world has ever known,” she said. “Our Army and our nation expect nothing less. I’m honored to have the opportunity to maintain that momentum and to continue to deliver readiness to our warfighters.”
Behn also thanked Mohan for his confidence in her and praised Lalor’s leadership. She said TACOM’s dedicated workforce embraces the motto of “deeds, not words.”
“The men and women of the TACOM team are the true center of gravity for today’s ceremony,” she said.
Behn joined TACOM from the Pentagon, where she served as Army director of operations for the G-43/5/7. She has held several key staff and leadership positions over a distinguished career spanning more than three decades.
Mohan said Behn deeply understands the complexities of Army sustainment at the tactical, operational and strategic levels.
“Beth, you inherited a great team of professionals who are committed to excellence,” he said. “You are the exact person to be here because you understand what we’re trying to achieve, and I have 100% complete confidence in your abilities to rise to this occasion. You were built for this.”
Earlier in the ceremony, Mohan described both Behn and Lalor as outstanding leaders and great American patriots.
He said during Lalor’s two years at the helm of TACOM, he “constantly delivered” and never settled for the status quo. Lalor is headed to Germany to become the commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command.
In highlighting Lalor’s accomplishments, Mohan said he reignited team spirit and drove innovation. He also noted Lalor’s success with key initiatives such as the Operational Readiness Program and the advanced manufacturing efforts that are expanding forward repair maintenance capabilities across the Army.
“You have left an indelible mark on this command,” Mohan said, “and your legacy will continue to inspire us.”
When he took the podium, Lalor expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family, friends, colleagues and all TACOM Soldier and Civilian team members.
He said he centered his tenure on TACOM’s people – “the engine that drives this huge mission set.”
“I’ve said to this team for the last two years, ‘It is about deeds; it’s not about words,’” he said. “I drove and pushed you to deliver effects to the operating force, and you have.”
Lalor welcomed Behn and her family to TACOM, and said he was honored to serve the command.
He also shared one of his favorite sayings one final time: In life, there are no lay-ups.
“I’m proud of you all,” he said. “Keep going.”
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