Story and photo by R.J. Oriez
GUIDON staff

Brig. Gen. David Phillips assumed responsibility for the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood from Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin during a ceremony held in Nutter Field House, Friday.

The change of responsibility ceremony was presided over by Lt. Gen. David Valcourt, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command deputy commanding general.

The change in command happened with little notice as Martin received orders in early January, to become the deputy commanding general of the 3rd Army, U.S. Central, Coalition Forces Land Component Command in Kuwait. Valcourt stressed the importance of the job Martin is moving into.

“Your next service at 3rd Army is indeed and seriously a critical one for our Army,” Valcourt told Martin. “You will be the guy overseeing the thinning of the ranks in Iraq of both Soldiers and equipment.”

Valcourt complimented Martin on the job he did at Fort Leonard Wood, praising him for leading the installation through difficult times.

“It’s very easy to lead when the sun is shining and nothing is happening that wasn’t according to plan,” Valcourt said.

Martin took the opportunity of the ceremony to thank the Fort Leonard Wood community.

“I want to thank all of you, the team, because this is a team sport,” Martin said. “I just happen to be the lucky guy to be a coach. … Easiest coaching job in the world.”

“I’m going down range to do the mission there,” Martin added, “but I would love to stay here forever — never leave.”

Phillips is scheduled to have command of the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood until Maj. Gen. David Quantock, who is currently deployed in Iraq, arrives in the spring.

Valcourt told Phillips, “there is no such thing as ‘acting’ about command”

Gen. Valcourt made note that Phillips will be the first member of the military police corp to be in command of Fort Leonard Wood.

During a press conference after the ceremony, Phillips was asked about any significance in being the first military police to head the post. He point out that branch insignia is no longer worn on the uniform.

“We are definitely Soldiers first,” Phillips said. “I happen to have an expertise in the military police field, but as a general officer, and as a Soldier, I don’t see an effect.”

Phillips praised his predecessor in his remarks during the ceremony, and pledged to continue build on Martin’s success.

“Yesterday, today, tomorrow, the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence will continue building strong warriors, leaders, forces and families — one person at a time.”