CHANGE of Command 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION CONDUCTS CHANGE OF COMMAND On October 30, 2021, the 36th Infantry Division welcomed their new leader at a change of command ceremony at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. Governor Greg Abbott delivered the keynote address as the military division said their goodbye to their commander, MG Patrick Hamilton. He was succeeded by MG Charles Aris, who called the division the best in the country and praised the Texas National Guard. In the same ceremony, CSM Mark Horn exchanged responsibilities with CSM Clinton Petty. During the keynote address, Governor Abbott welcomed the 36th Infantry Division home from their deployment to Kuwait as part of Operation Spartan Shield. The Governor also thanked Texas National Guard members and their families for their service to the State of Texas and for answering the call to keep
BG John “Mike” Wallace
COL John “Brad” Bowlin
Assistant Division Commander Maneuver
Assistant Division Commander Operations
Texans safe. The change of command is a military ritual that marks the passing of authority and responsibility over a division from the outgoing commander to the new commander. In October of 2020, Tennessee’s 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, headquartered in Knoxville, aligned with Texas’ 36th Infantry Division, headquartered in Austin, Texas for training and possible future deployments under the U.S. Army’s division alignment plan. The purpose is to better prepare National Guard units to deploy and fight in large-scale ground combat operations. Eight divisions headquartered across the United States aligned with subordinate brigades to improve the National Guard’s readiness and their ability to fight together. The alignment also gives high performing
TEXAS GOVERNOR, GREG ABBOTT, addresses family, friends, and Guardsmen at the 36th Infantry Division’s change of command ceremony at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. (Photo by MSG Malcolm McClendon) 6 |
N a t i o n a l G u a r d A s s o c i a t i o n o f Te x a s H W i n t e r 2 0 2 2
leaders the opportunity to cross train and be assigned to division staff and other units across state lines. The 36th Infantry Division welcomed COL John “Brad” Bowlin who will serve as the Assistant Division Commander—Operations. COL Bowlin is the first Tennessee Guardsman to serve on the 36th Infantry Division’s command team. BG John “Mike” Wallace was selected to serve as the Assistant Division Commander—Maneuver. BG Wallace previously served as the Chief of the Joint Staff for the Texas Military Department. The 36th Infantry Division currently has Soldiers deployed along the southern border to assist with protection efforts. H
