DVIDS – News – Army Reserve unit receives an lively obligation soldier to command

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, California – For the primary time in recent times, an lively obligation soldier will take command of an Army Reserve navy police unit. In accordance with the Division of the Army Govt Order 139-22 dated Might 2022, Lt. Col. Joel Maxwell is now the primary lively obligation soldier to take command of the 324th Navy Police Battalion, an Army Reserve unit, primarily based in Fresno, California. The change of command ceremony commenced on a small arms vary on Ft. Hunter Liggett.

Through the ceremony, the commander of the eleventh Navy Police Brigade, Col. Steven Padilla obtained the 324th colours from the outgoing commander, Maj. Martin Leopard, and transferred the authority to Maxwell in entrance of a formation of troopers making up the 4 corporations below the 324th.

The troopers took a break and stood in formation throughout their weapons qualification on the M4 Carbine and M17 pistol.

“That is actually a singular one in our group, as Lt. Col. Maxwell is one among our lively obligation companions coming to the reserve element,” mentioned Padilla. “I look ahead and have little doubt that he’ll proceed the tempo of the good issues which can be occurring on this battalion.”

Adjusting from on a regular basis Title 10 missions that Maxwell noticed within the lively element to a 38-day yearly coaching cycle shall be a battle, however he’ll depend on his management to proceed on with collective and particular person crew coaching.

“A number of the challenges are determining easy methods to prepare to the extent of troopers and customary with troopers which have the competing necessities on the lively aspect,” mentioned Maxwell. “It’s a complete Army as Army Reserve and lively obligation are intermingled and have the identical expectations.”

That is the primary time that Maxwell will lead troopers who’ve careers as a civilian and a soldier. “Troopers which have a twin focus will nonetheless obtain the identical requirements and have the ability to prepare them to that customary,” added Maxwell.

Maxwell was assigned because the chief of safety on the Maneuver Assist Capabilities Growth and Integration Directorate, Futures and Ideas Middle, Army Futures Command at Fort Leonard Wooden, Missouri earlier than taking command of the 324th.

Maxwell has commanded lively element items at an organization degree and now has a chance as soon as once more to guide troopers, this time Army Reserve troopers.

“I’m right here to show, mentor and prepare the troopers,” mentioned Maxwell. “I’m their advocate and I’ve the troopers’ again. I’ll give good steerage, hear, perceive and assist create programs of actions and go ahead.”

Maxwell want to see an environment the place troopers care for one another and full missions in line with customary. “I wish to be approachable and need my troopers to know that I look after them as people and the group as an entire,” added Maxwell.