FORT MCCOY, Wis. - Brig. Gen. Tripp Bowles relinquished command of the 86th Training Division to Brig. Gen. Michael D. Roache in a ceremony at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Sept. 14, 2019. The 86th Training Division is the premiere training unit of the U.S. Army Reserve assisting Joint, Combined and Active Army Forces in training and assessing unit readiness through live training.
Bowles led the 86th for nearly two years during ongoing organizational changes throughout the U.S. Army Reserve.
“With General Bowles, we are witnessing something Soldiers don’t see all the time: leadership at the point of the spear. If there’s friction, he goes in and solves it. And that’s a sign of a great leader - it shows character, competence and commitment. I can’t thank you enough, the Soldiers here have benefitted from your incredible leadership,” said Maj. Gen. Steven W. Ainsworth, 84th Training Command commanding general and reviewing officer for the ceremony.
During his farewell speech, Bowles thanked the 86th TD team for their hard work.
“Our Army is about building teams of teams. While our tribe is deep and broad, my direct responsibilities - my battle buddies - have listened to me in my musings, my failures and my joys, and most importantly, my intent,” he said. “You’ve done a superb job with respect, loyalty and with superb results. I would trust you with my life.”
Bowles continues his career as the deputy commanding general, 377th Theater Sustainment Command in Belle Chasse, Louisiana.
“The 86th won’t miss a beat, because they get another great leader. This leader will take the unit from where it is, and move it even further forward as time progresses, as we look at new missions. General Roache also embodies character, competence and commitment. I see great things on the horizon for the 86th,” said Ainsworth.
Bowles expressed confidence in the leadership abilities of the incoming commander and offered valuable advise.
“The record of the 86th stands for itself. We’ve spoken many times, and may you seek the companionship during the long march, and not the privilege of position," said Bowles. "You know that while assignment comes from higher, confirmation comes from below. Best of luck to you.”
The incoming commander expressed gratitude toward Bowles.
“I want to thank you for the leadership you’ve provided to the 86th, how you’ve propelled it forward and postured it for future success," said Roache. "Thank you for your openness and willingness to support me as a part of this transition. I wish you nothing but the best."
The 86th Training Division will host two exercises in the next year. The mission is vital to the Army Reserve, coaching and preparing approximately 10,000 service members yearly ensuring the Army Reserve is more capable, lethal and combat ready.
“Our mission in the Army Reserve is vital and I know you have the resolve to accomplish that mission," said Roache. "You have a wonderful reputation, and I anticipate working with you, getting to know you, and sometime in the future, I look forward to reflecting on my time here knowing we added luster to the reputation of the 86th."