COLUMBIA, S.C. - Col. Jeffrey Coggin accepted the 360th Civil Affairs Brigade's colors form Col. William Mason III at a change of command ceremony Nov. 20 in the South Carolina State House in Columbia, S.C.

The 360th Civil Affairs Brigade (Airborne) welcomed its new commander inside the historic South Carolina State House, Nov. 20 in Columbia, S.C.

Col. Jeffrey Coggin accepted the unit’s colors from Col. William Mason III, who will take over as the civil military operations director for U.S. Army Central Command.

“He is definitely the best candidate for this job,” said Brig. Gen. Ed Burley, commander of 352nd Civil Affairs Command, who presided over the ceremony.

Coggin is not new to command. He served as commander of the 489th Civil Affairs Battalion from 2009 to 2011, before joining the 352nd Civil Affairs Command as chief of Functional Specialty Cell 2.
Coggin said the opportunity to lead the 360th CA Bde. Was an “honor and great responsibility.” He described the unit as one of history and great tradition.

“I do not take it lightly,” Coggin said about the responsibility of command. “In a world that does not always play by our rules, the challenge is to train ready to mobilize and disciplined soldiers.”

Mason was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his service to the 360th CA Bde.

“Command is a gift one does not get to keep and must someday return,” Mason said. “Command is a distinct privilege, but in time of war it is an honor.”

Burley said Mason was an excellent commander during his time with the 360th.

“He has had a distinguished career,” he said. “He is a soldier’s soldier and the best of the best.”

Coggin, has a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, and his military education includes the Army Medical Department Officer Basic Course.

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