The second ceremony, known as a change of command, saw Lt. Gen. Taylor formally relinquish command of the 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss and the Joint Task Force – Southern Border to Brig. Gen. Brandon Anderson.
During his 27-month tenure, Taylor led the 1st Armored division through significant operational commitments, including deployments to Europe and the assumption of the Joint Task Force- Southern Border mission. Under his leadership, the division’s seven brigades conducted nine separate deployments, supporting missions spanning from the Russian border to the southern border of the United States.
“As I look out on this incredible formation today, I am absolutely overwhelmed with pride in what you, the Soldier of this Division, have accomplished over the past two years,” said Taylor. “Much has been asked of this formation and you have delivered consistently.”
Taylor emphasized the importance of recognizing the Soldiers and leaders responsible for the division’s accomplishments, highlighting their professionalism, resilience and commitment to excellence.
“The credit of these achievements belongs to the sergeants who demanded excellence, the mechanics who refused to quit, and the young Soldiers who took pride in mastering their profession,” said Taylor.
Taylor departs Fort Bliss to serve as deputy commander of U.S. European Command, leaving behind a legacy of operational readiness, leadership development and commitment to the Soldiers and families of Old Ironsides.
Anderson returns to the 1st Armored Division for his fourth assignment with the formation, bringing extensive leadership experience, including his previous service as commanding general of the National Training Center and Fort Irwin, California.
As the incoming commanding general, Anderson also assumes responsibility for Joint Task Force – Southern Border, overseeing approximately 8,000 service members from across all branches of the Department of War operating across all 1,954 miles of the nation’s southern border.
“You can’t defend the homeland without the Joint Task Force – Southern Border, and you can’t defeat an enemy and win a war without the 1st Armored Division,” said Anderson.
The transition marks a new chapter for the 1st Armored Division as it continues to support homeland defense operations, prepare Soldiers for future operational requirements and adapt the formation for the increasingly complex demands of the modern battlefield.
