JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – After 35 months, Col. Michael Getchell relinquished command of 4-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Raiders,” 7th Infantry Division to Col. Jody Miller Oct. 16 at Soldiers Field House, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
Miller will serve as the fourth and final commander of the brigade before its upcoming inactivation as part of the Army’s plan to downsize its ranks.
Though he recently served as the rear detachment commander while the brigade deployed to Afghanistan from 2012 to 2013, Miller has been involved with the Raider Brigade since its re-flagging from 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment in 2006.
He deployed with 4-2 SBCT to Iraq during its 2007-2008 deployment and again in 2009-2010.
Getchell took command of the brigade after the unit redeployed from Iraq in the fall of 2010.
During his time as “Raider 6,” Getchell led the brigade through two Yakima Training Center rotations, one rotation at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., and the most recent deployment to Afghanistan.
“It is leadership like Col. Getchell’s that reinforces the trust that soldiers have in their leaders and [more] importantly strengthens the nation’s trust and confidence they have in the United States Army,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen R. Lanza, the 7th ID commander, during the ceremony.
“These soldiers became Raider soldiers because of the vision that was recognized through Col. Getchell’s leadership and the legacy of this command will be in the soldiers that embody the Raider ethic,” Lanza said. “They will move on to positions of greater responsibility throughout the Army and they will instill Raider pride in the multiple units and … thousands of soldiers that they will impact across the Army and across our nation.”
During his farewell speech, Getchell shared his appreciation for and confidence in his successor.
“You have the skill set to lead the Raiders through this transition, to march the Raiders forward and to the next objective,” Getchell said. “I’m honored to have passed the Raider colors to you today.”
During his speech, Miller said he was very humbled and honored to accept command.
“I, like you, am a Raider, and I love this brigade just as you do,” said Miller, adding the fact that this would be his sixth year serving in the brigade. “And I, like you, am ready for whatever may come.”