JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas – Lt. Gen. James M. Smith formally assumed command of U.S. Army Installation Management Command during a ceremony Jan. 22 at the Fort Sam Houston Theater.
Lt. Gen. Smith, who was appointed to the rank of lieutenant general Oct. 6, becomes the ninth Commanding General of IMCOM. The command is responsible for maintaining the highest quality of life for Soldiers, Families, and civilians across 104 garrisons from Korea to Poland in support of Army readiness and deployability.
Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan, commanding general of Army Materiel Command, hosted the ceremony and praised Smith’s leadership qualities guiding the IMCOM team.
“The work that we do – we just do it,” Lt. Gen. Mohan said. “As sustainers, we get up, put our boots on, and go to work. And that’s what IMCOM does, and I’m incredibly proud to be a part of this ceremony. Today, we welcome a new leader in Lt. Gen. James Smith, who embodies IMCOM’s mission of being the foundation of Army readiness that allow our Soldiers and families to thrive.”
Lt. Gen. Mohan also praised Lt. Gen. Smith’s forward thinking and commitment to finding innovative solutions to enhance that readiness and quality of life.
“I have no doubt that you will take IMCOM to new heights, and I know you will continue to set the standard for excellence and innovation,” he added.
IMCOM Command Sgt. Maj. Corey Perry, the senior enlisted leader in the unit who serves as the custodian of the colors and forms the first link in the unbroken chain, initiated the assumption of command by passing the colors to Lt. Gen. Mohan, who passed the colors to Lt. Gen. Smith to symbolize the assumption of command.
Lt. Gen. Smith passed the colors back to Command Sgt. Maj. Perry to symbolize his trust and confidence in the IMCOM noncommissioned officer corps.
Lt. Gen. Smith praised the IMCOM professionals around the world for their dedicated service in supporting Soldiers, their Families, and the Department of the Army.
“Today’s ceremony signifies my expressed commitment to lead this organization in the highest order of duty, honor, and selfless service,” said Lt. Gen. Smith, who served as the command’s deputy commanding general from 2024-25 before assuming command of IMCOM. “Each guidon or set of colors that are placed in my hands further reinforces that honor to lead the group of professionals and the humility I will maintain while doing so. Every command has a mission, but command is about investing in people and building strong teams.”
While Lt. Gen. Smith stressed the importance of being leaders in innovation and modernization in integrating advanced technologies, the most powerful innovation comes from the IMCOM professionals.
“I charge leaders at every level to empower their teams to experiment and embrace new solutions,” Lt. Gen. Smith said. “Our motto is We Are … The Army’s Home. It is who we are. It’s what we are for. It’s why we exist. It’s a way of life, and IMCOM professionals provide that home every day.”