MAGAZINE
FALL 2020
Leadership Change
IZMIR , Turkey – Lieutenant General Roger L . Cloutier Jr . ( U . S . Army ) assumed command of Allied Land Command ( LANDCOM ) from Lieutenant General J . T . Thomson ( U . S Army ) in a socially distanced ceremony held Tuesday August 4 , 2020 in front of military leaders from across the NATO Alliance , soldiers , diplomats , and distinguished members of the local community . General Tod D . Wolters ( U . S . Air Force ), Supreme Allied Commander Europe ( SACEUR ), presided over the ceremony .
LANDCOM ’ s new top officer recently commanded U . S . Army Africa / Southern European Task Force in Vincenza , Italy . He said his experiences there helped prepare him for taking on his new role in NATO .
“ In my previous assignment I focused on building relationships , readiness , and interoperability with our Soldiers , Western Allies , and partners through complex and dynamic training . I look forward to carrying the lessons I learned during my two years there to continue the great work this command has been doing under J . T .’ s leadership .“
In his farewell address , Lieutenant General Thomson , who is retiring after more 34 years of military service , offered words of gratitude for LANDCOM ’ s host nation , the Republic of Turkey , and the people of Izmir .
“ LANDCOM is very fortunate to be based at this strategic location on the Aegean coast . Our soldiers , sailors , airmen , marines , civilians , and families from 25 nations are warmly embraced , and we are extremely appreciative for the incredible and unwavering support ,” said Lieutenant General Thomson . “ Izmir is truly home away from home , and I will never forget your genuine kindness and hospitality .”
General Tod D . Wolters , Supreme Allied Commander Europe ( SACEUR ), officiated the ceremony between the two senior officers , both whom he considered as “ legends ” of their craft . Among his heartfelt farewell for Lieutenant General Thomson and his hearty welcome to Lieutenant General Cloutier was a final note for the men and women of LANDCOM .
“ Peace , in 2020 , is really difficult . We ’ ve got a lot of security challenges in the security environment . We ’ ve got COVID-19 ,” said General Wolters . “ But as long as we have soldiers like the ones in LANDCOM that continue to put one foot in front of the other and focus , with vigilance , on the mission , we ’ ll have the peace that we ’ ve enjoyed for seven decades , and it will continue in perpetuity .”
In his closing remarks , Lieutenant General Thomson emphasized the importance of LANDCOM to NATO land forces .
“ History teaches us that strength deters aggression ,” he said . “ Given today ’ s threats in an era of great power competition , it is incumbent on land forces to be ready and strong .”
Lieutenant General Cloutier , the fifth commander to take the leadership reigns at LANDCOM , also recognized the LANDCOM team charged with accomplishing their challenging mission .
“ The strength of this command lies in its bench of diverse leaders and service members from all over the world , working shoulder-to-shoulder under the NATO flag in a united effort for collective defense and for the preservation of peace and security ,” he said . LC
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