ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Illinois - First Army wrapped up an eventful week on Friday, as its commanding general, Lt. Gen. Mark Landes, received a promotion from major general before assuming command of the unit in a ceremony at historic Quarters One.
Earlier in the week, First Army welcomed its commanders and command sergeants major for an orientation and symposium, where they were given an overview of First Army and equipped with the tools to carry out their duties.
Most of those command team members were on hand for the promotion and assumption ceremonies, hosted by Gen. Andrew Poppas, commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command. Accompanying Landes were his wife, Morri, and sons, Cooper and Hamilton.
Poppas noted the importance of First Army to the nation’s readiness and its ability to win on the battlefield.
“This command is the Army’s conduit into America’s deepest tools of our operational capacity and strategic readiness. Every Active Component unit relies on the network of National Guard and Army Reserve teammates to serve alongside them in support of all the operations. It truly is one Army,” he said. “And each and every one of those warrior citizens have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed because of the training they received from First Army.”
As such, Poppas continued, it is vital that the unit be led by the right commander.
“Mark embraced this task…of leading First Army and developing its people,” he said. “Keep going. Your record speaks for itself, Mark, and you’re moving in the right direction, building on a blueprint for the future fight.”
Speaking near the banks of the Mississippi River, Landes noted that it “has long been considered the heart of this nation: A symbol of longevity, history, freedom, and adventure. I can’t help but think that most of us here today feel the same about the United States Army. It’s fitting this historic island has been producing Army readiness for more than 200 years.”
He then acknowledged Poppas for the trust he placed in Landes.
“I couldn’t be happier to have this opportunity to work with, and serve with, you and the team,” he said. “What a fantastic partner as we continue to build warfighting excellence.”