Garrison Commander

Col. Derek G. Drouin assumed command of U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria in July 2026.

COL Derek Drouin is a native of Nashua, N.H., and was commissioned as an engineer officer in 2003 after graduating from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont with a degree in international studies. His first assignment was with the 20th Engineer Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, at Fort Hood, Texas, where he served as assault and obstacle platoon leader and deployed to Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) II.

Following a branch transfer to armor in 2005, Drouin served as troop executive officer and squadron planner for 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, and deployed to Taji, Iraq for OIF 06-08. Upon completion of the Maneuver Captains Career Course, he was again assigned to 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, at Fort Hood. While in 1st Squadron, Drouin served as the C Troop and Headquarters and Headquarters Troop commander from 2008 to 2010 and was deployed to Baghdad in support of OIF 09-10. Upon completion of troop command, he received a master’s degree in public administration at the University of New Hampshire in 2011. He was then assigned to 162nd Infantry Brigade at Fort Polk, Louisiana, where he served as the brigade plans officer in charge from 2012 to 2013.

Following completion of the Command and General Staff College, Drouin attended the School of Advanced Military Studies and received a master’s degree in operational art and science in 2015. He then deployed to Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (OFS) / Resolute Support (RS) in Afghanistan to serve as the Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan (CSTC-A) CJ5 deputy director from 2015 to 2016. He was then assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas and served as the S3 operations officer for 3rd Battalion, 41st Infantry (Stryker) Regiment, and as executive officer of 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, where he deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield (OSS) from 2017 to 2018. He was then assigned to the Mission Command Training Program (MCTP) as an observer, coach / trainer (OC/T) and as chief of strategic plans for Headquarters, Combined Arms Center, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Drouin commanded the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, at Fort Hood and deployed to Poland in support of Operation Assure, Deter, and Reinforce (OADR) in 2022. Following squadron command, he commanded the Home Station Mission Command (HSMC), 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. Drouin’s most recent assignment was as G3 for the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart / Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., and he deployed to Poland in support of OADR from 2023 to 2024.  Following completion of the Advanced Strategic Leader Studies Program in 2025, Drouin received a master’s degree in strategic arts and served as a seminar leader at the School of Advanced Military Studies.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (three awards), Purple Heart (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (six awards), Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medals (two awards), and the Combat Action Badge.