Sometimes we get so swept up in other issues that we don’t recognize those that do the hard work of equipping our Soldiers. Although, it’s almost a month overdue, I’d like to extend my appreciation to LTC Gene Wallace for his service on the PEO Soldier team and wish LTC John Bryan a productive tour of duty as he gets back to work, equipping America’s Army.
The Fort Belvoir-based Army organization responsible for uniforms, parachutes, boots, camouflage and a wide variety of personal equipment held a change-of-charter ceremony May 15.
At Product Manager Clothing and Individual Equipment, Lt. Col. Eugene Wallace handed over the reins to Lt. Col. John Bryan.
Program Executive Officer Soldier Brig. Gen. Paul Ostrowski presided over the ceremony. He commended Wallace for overseeing the completion of several important projects. One mentioned project is the T-11 parachute. It descends more slowly and carries more weight than its predecessor carried. This lead to significantly fewer parachute landing injuries.
Wallace, from Sumter, S.C., thanked his team. He attributed PM SCIE’s successes to its hard work. He also thanked his wife, Yolanda, for her support. She attended the ceremony along with one of their daughters.
Ostrowski introduced Bryan. He noted Bryan began his career as an enlisted infantryman in 1992. Bryan then attended Airborne school and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. He worked his way up to a platoon sergeant before attending Officer Candidate School in 1998. He graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate and was commissioned a second lieutenant. Among other jobs, Bryan served in the 101st Airborne Division, participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom and served as a tactical officer at the U.S. Military Academy. He earned qualification in Airborne, Ranger, Pathfinder, Air Assault and other Army courses. Bryan’s wife Sherri and two of his three children attended.
Bryan already has experience with PM SCIE. He served as the Assistant Product Manager for Cold Weather Clothing and Equipment as well as all Personnel Airdrop Systems.
Bryan holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a minor in economics from Saint Martin’s College in Olympia, Wash. He has a Master of Arts in organizational psychology and leadership from Columbia University.
(Press Release by Debi Dawson, PEO Soldier PAO)
Should we expect a big announcement for scorpion w2 on the 14th?
You mean the OCP announcement?
That’s what I mean – SSD, do you think we’ll see an Army birthday announcement?
Yes an OCP official announcement? Even Armytimes said nothing official has been put out, even though everyone already knows.
LTC Bryan was my Commanding Officer when I was assigned to the Rakkasans in Fall 2004. By far the best CO I have ever had in my 12 years. Focused on the mission and the Soldier. Learned so much from this Leader. It is awesome to see an officer of this quality being assigned to this important mission.
That’s great to hear, this guy sounds fucking awesome. Maybe, just maybe he can unfuck the system and put the focus back on the trigger puller and not on the ego and career of the paperpusher.
We’re done with war. Just look what is happening to trigger pullers. At this point I highly doubt anyone is focusing on mortal 11Bs in the big Army. Either reclass or get out. Find a new home.
I have hope…. Slim hope
I’m just glad we finally have a Grunt (and a former enlisted one at that) in charge, maybe there is hope that common sense is coming to PEO after all?
+10
They aren’t always awesome.
They are people, but I hear lots of good things about this people.
Great selection , a fair partner to industry and strong advocate for the Soldier.
It’ll take more than him to unscrew the PEO goat!