Photo By Sgt. Eben Boothby | Outgoing 415th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Brigade...... read more read more
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GREENVILLE, S.C. - Col. Michael C. Maguire of Charleston, S.C., has taken command of the U.S. Army Reserve’s only Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Brigade.
Maguire replaces Col. Charles Jones, who commanded the 415th CBRN brigade for the last six months. Jones handed over the reins to Maguire at a change of command ceremony held at the 415th headquarters in Greenville, April 11.
The day began with Maguire’s promotion from Lt. Col. to Col., and was followed by the change of command ceremony and a dining out event that involved hundreds of 415th “Dragon Soldiers.”
“We had a large mission with many facets that needed to come together,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Elijah Moore, who was instrumental in the planning and execution of events. “It was a huge success and I really enjoyed working with all of the commanders, sergeants major and first sergeants.”
Jones has served as an officer in the Army Reserve for 29 years. He began his career as a platoon leader and company executive officer of 1st Battalion, 35th Armor in Erlangen, West Germany. He then served as the 485th CBRN battalion executive officer and was the chemical officer for the 309th Medical Group during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2001. Upon his return to the 485th, Jones was selected as battalion commander. After his tenure as commander, Jones was tapped for chief of staff of the 415th CBRN brigade where he served as deputy commander for more than a year before he assumed command.
“Our priority during my command was ensuring soldier readiness and training, as well as the recovery of young soldiers who are unsure of whether they want to remain in the service,” Jones said. “It has been a great, thrilling honor to be the commander of the 415th.”
In his six months as commander, Jones led the charge in the retention of 109 soldiers on the verge of departing military service.
“Be prepared for the small things,” Jones said as he offered some advice for Maguire. “It can be overwhelming, so you need to have the philosophy in place with your staff which establishes the commanders expectations and then confident that your staff will meet them.”
Jones is set to transfer to the 80th Training Division as the assistant Deputy Chief of Staff in Richmond, Virginia.
As incoming commander, Maguire brings 25 years of military experience to help him lead the more than 4000 soldiers of the 415th CBRN brigade.
“This is the only chemical brigade in the United States Army Reserve and I am extremely honored to take command,” Maguire remarked during his ceremony speech. “This type of command is something I have wanted ever since I was a second lieutenant.”
Maguire has served as Plans Officer of the 360th Civil Affairs Brigade; Commander Free Iraqi Forces in Baghdad, Iraq; Army Planner in the Asymmetric Warfare Office in the Headquarters Department of the Army; Civil Affairs/Homeland Defense and Crisis Action Team in the Office of the Chief Army Reserve, Washington D.C.; and Chief of Actions Branch, Headquarters Department of the Army Pentagon.
| Date Taken: | 04.11.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 04.17.2015 16:32 |
| Story ID: | 160394 |
| Location: | GREENVILLE, SC, US |
| Hometown: | CHARLESTON, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 1,017 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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