COLUMBUS, Ga. — Col. Paul Driscoll assumed command of the 1st Brigade, 98th Training Division (IET) from Col. Chadwick Barklay at a ceremony here, Oct. 20, 2012.
Col. Loretta Thomas, deputy commander, 98th Training Division (IET) served as reviewing officer at the ceremony and Lt. Col. Otto Padron, executive officer, 1st Brigade, 98th Training Division (IET) served as Commander of Troops.
Thomas praised Barklay, the outgoing commander for his leadership and for being and inspiration to all the Soldiers in the brigade.
“Col. Barklay has held up the legacy of the commanders that came before him to carry on and take care of every task and mission our division could ever ask. We all know as leaders that it takes the great Soldiers that fall below that commander to execute those missions,” said Thomas.
Barklay, filled with emotion, thanked everyone present and especially the Soldiers of the “War Horse” brigade for their dedicated loyalty. Barklay remarked that drill sergeants are an integral component of the U.S. Army. “What you do is truly important. Nobody ever forgets their drill sergeant. Every time you step in front of a future Soldier whether it’s a new recruit or a cadet you are shaping the Army of the future and that is a sacred responsibility.”
Driscoll who was the chief of staff for the 95th Training Division prior to assuming command is no stranger to the 98th Division. Driscoll served with the 2nd Brigade as the interim commander from July 2011 until March 2012.
Thomas welcomed Driscoll back to the 98th Division and attributes the success of the brigade to the range of experience and skills of its present and past leadership.
“He as well as Col. Barklay brings a great varied background with them. That, with their leadership, allows him to step into this position and continue on with the great things that Col. Barklay did and as well those commanders before him.”
Driscoll received his commission as a second lieutenant in the Infantry in 1985. He has served in a variety of assignments throughout the command since 1995.
Driscoll stated that 1st Brigade has always stepped up to get the mission done and will continue to do so in CONUS conducting Initial Entry Training or abroad executing assistance in transition missions.
“Drill Sergeants are our primary weapon systems and our center of gravity. Their recruitment, training, and professional development will continue to be our top priority,” said Driscoll.
Driscoll is a graduate of the Civil Affairs Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff, Command and General Staff College, Army War College and Washington and Lee University School of Law. Driscoll is a graduate of the Civil Affairs Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff, Command and General Staff College, the Army War College and the Washington and Lee University School of Law.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation medal with Oak Leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with 3 Oak leaf clusters, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Basic Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge.