36th Infantry Division Change of Command

36TH INFANTRY DIVISION CONDUCTS CHANGE OF COMMAND

BG John “Mike” Wallace COL John “Brad” Bowlin

Assistant Division Commander Maneuver Assistant Division Commander Operations

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 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 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

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)

THE TEXAS ADJUTANT GENERAL, MG TRACY NORRIS, center, MG Patrick Hamilton, right, and MG Charles Aris conduct MG Hamilton’s final troop review at the 36th Infantry Division change of command ceremony at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas, Oct. 30, 2021. MG Patrick Hamilton relinquishes command to incoming commanding commander, MG Charles Aris.

(Photo by MSG Malcolm McClendon)

MG Charles K. Aris

Commander 36th Infantry Division

Major General (MG) Charles K. Aris was commissioned as a Regular Army Armor officer in 1988 following graduation from Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Texas A&M, a Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law, and a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the Army War College. MG Aris began his career as a Tank Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer and Battalion S-4 in the 4th Battalion, 35th Armor, 5th Infantry Division in Fort Polk, LA. He joined the Texas Army National Guard in 1993 and began his National Guard career as a Company Executive Officer in the 4th Battalion, 112th Armor. As a Captain, he has commanded companies in the 4th Battalion, 112th Armor in Rosenberg (Bravo Company) and Bryan, TX (Headquarters and Headquarters Company). He has served as a Battalion S-3. Assistant G-3 Operations, and later as Deputy G-3 in the 49th Armored Division. He took command of 4th Battalion, 112th Armor in September 2004 and deployed to Kosovo as Commander of Task Force Houston in support of the Multi-National Brigade – East, as Camp Monteith’s Commander. In May 2009, he joined the 36th Infantry Division Headquarters (redesignated from the 49th Armored Division) as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3. In 2010, he deployed on a short tour with the United States Division—South, 1st Infantry Division as the Assistant G-3 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. He would later deploy in 2011 as the G-3 of United States Division—South, 36th Infantry Division in support of Operation New Dawn. MG Aris commanded the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He then commanded the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He moved on to serve as the 36th Infantry Division Chief of Staff and in July 2016, MG Aris assumed the responsibilities as the Assistant Division Commander (Maneuver). During his deployment he served as the Commanding General for Resolute Support Train, Advise, Assist Command—South at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. MG Aris then served as the Commanding General for the 71st Troop Command from April 2018 to March of 2020. He was reassigned to his current position as Commander 36th Infantry Division (Rear). He currently is Partner in a civil litigation firm in Dallas, Texas. He resides in Waxahachie, Texas with his wife Amy Aris of 32 years. They have two children, Matthew who is currently serving at Fort Hood and Kate Aris who is attending Texas A&M University. H

CSM Clinton Petty

Command Sergeant Major 36th Infantry Division

Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Clinton Petty hails from Adrian, Texas. He enlisted as an Infantryman in the United States Army in September 1984. He attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the 7th Infantry Division in Fort Ord, CA with follow on assignments with the 8th Infantry Division in Baumholder, Germany, and the First Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas. He joined the Texas Army National Guard in December 1995 and has enjoyed numerous assignments during his tenure. He has served in every leadership position from Infantry Team Leader to Command Sergeant Major. His current assignment is 36th Infantry Division (Rear) CSM and his previous key leadership positions include B Co 949th Brigade Support Battalion 1SG, 949th Brigade Support Battalion CSM, 3-144th INF Battalion CSM, and the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team CSM. CSM Petty’s deployments include Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom—Horn of Africa. CSM Petty’s military education includes the Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course, Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course, and the United States Army Sergeant Major Academy. His awards and decorations include Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2OLC), Army Accommodation Medal (8OLC), Army Achievement Medal (5OLC), Air Force Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Texas Medal of Merit, Texas Adjutant General’s Individual Award, Expert Infantry Badge, and Air Assault Badge. CSM Petty is married with four children and three grandchildren. H