FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
The Army organization that transforms civilian volunteers into Soldiers and leaders welcomed a new deputy commanding general Friday, Nov. 21.
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command transferred responsibility of Initial Military Training from Maj. Gen. Bradley W. May to Maj. Gen. Ross E. Ridge in a ceremony at its headquarters in Fort Eustis. The ceremony also signified a change of senior commanders at Army Element at Fort Eustis.
The ceremony presented a valuable opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of the team that leads one of the most agile formations within TRADOC, said Gen. Robert W. Cone, TRADOC commanding general.
"The dedicated Soldiers and civilians of IMT transform our nation's sons and daughters into trained Soldiers, physically and mentally prepared to serve at their first unit," he said. "Oftentimes, that unit is deployed or deploying overseas into a combat environment. Accomplishing this awesome responsibility is no small task. It requires an innovative, dedicated and hard-working team. From the drill sergeants in basic combat training to the staffs and instructors responsible for some of the most sophisticated technical training in the world, we have consistently seen IMT create Soldiers who are the envy of the world."
May was at IMT's helm for 21 months, and during that time he initiated a baseline Soldier physical readiness study to identify physical requirements for all Soldiers to complete warrior tasks and battle drills, which are the fundamental combat skills in which all Soldiers must be proficient.
He also reinstated the Master Fitness Trainer Course to enhance Soldiers' physical readiness. Master fitness trainers are certified advisers that facilitate unit-level physical training.
Additionally, May expanded current policies to eliminate conditions that may place trainees at greater risk for misconduct in order to ensure a safe and secure environment for enlisted initial-entry training Soldiers.
"We are truly losing one of the class act leader-developers in our Army today," Cone said. "He will leave big shoes to be filled, not just in IMT, but in the armor-cavalry community for all he has done and the standards he has set. I think of him as the quintessential servant leader, selfless leadership has been his hallmark."
A separate retirement review in honor of May's 33 years of service followed the change of responsibility ceremony.
In recognition of his accomplishments, May received the Distinguished Service Medal at the ceremony. When he took the podium for his retirement remarks, he chose not to reflect upon his 33 years of service, but rather the final 21 months of his career.
"It's fitting that my career ends while serving in an assignment where initial military training begins," May said. "It's been extremely rewarding being part of the organization whose mission is to transform civilian volunteers into Soldiers, who are responsible for defending what we hold so near and dear to our hearts -- our freedom."
Following retirement, May will return to his hometown in Shreveport, La.
Ridge, the incoming deputy commanding general, is reporting from the Pentagon, where he served as the Army Office of the Inspector General deputy. Ridge's previous assignments include a tour in Kabul, Afghanistan, where he served as Task Force 2010 director during Operation Enduring Freedom and chief of staff for the Strategic Effects Directorate of Multi-National Force - Iraq.
Ridge is not a newcomer to TRADOC or the initial military training environment. He previously served as the 47th commandant of the Field Artillery School and chief of Army Field Artillery at Fort Sill, Okla. Ridge views his assignment as a privilege afforded him once again.
As DCG for IMT, Ridge is responsible for standardizing, refining and assessing training for initial entry Soldiers, recently commissioned and appointed officers, and warrant officers at 23 installations across the United States.
"I look forward to serving as your DCG and being able to transform the young men and women entrusted into IMT's care into Soldiers who we will all be proud of and who will dutifully represent our Army and our nation in time of war and peace," Ridge said.