Brig. Gen. Patrick R. Michaelis, the Army Training Center and Fort Jackson’s commander said he was encouraged by the welcome he received from the post.
“Let me start by saying that the welcome that my Family and I have had here at Fort Jackson, Columbia and in the Midlands region has been, quite frankly … in a way that keeps me humble,” he said after taking command of the installation June 18.
He said the reception he received makes him excited to continue the relationship with the local area.
For Michaelis, who was commissioned in 1993, this is his first time serving at Fort Jackson.
“This is my first assignment on Fort Jackson,” he said. “Fort Jackson is known across the Army and across the nation, as a place where people want to be. The mission is so important to our Army, that in my mind, where else would I want to be?”
Michaelis, who was the distinguished military graduate from Texas A&M, said it is a “great opportunity to create citizens into Soldiers and to instill the values of our Army and our nation” in them.
He received a B.A. in history from Texas A&M University, a Master’s in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a Master’s in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, specializing in strategic planning.
He is not looking to make any changes right away, he said.
“My intent coming in, quite frankly, is to maintain the direction General Beagle has put in place. After a certain amount of time of my own personal assessment I will take a look at what needs to change.”
Michaelis said he intends to cultivate the “amazing” relationship the post has with the surrounding community.
“There’s an amazing relationship that I intend to … continue that relationship ... and even make it a better relationship,” Michaelis said. He added the relationship is “strong enough to weather” recent bad news.
He also thanked the local community for their support.
“We are part of the local community and the local community is part of us,” he said. “I intend to maintain the energy of that relationship and to be a part of the Columbia and Midlands community.”
Michaelis’ military training and education includes the Armor Officer Basic and Advanced Course, Scout Platoon Leaders Course, Cavalry Leaders Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College, Airborne, Air Assault, and Ranger School.
He has served in multiple leadership positions throughout his career such as the 1st Infantry Division’s deputy commanding officer (maneuver); commander of the 2nd Recruiting Brigade; and commander of the 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment in the 2-2 Stryker Brigade. He has also deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan.
“There’s no place I’d rather be than Fort Jackson, South Carolina,” he said. “What a tremendous facility with an incredible mission … It’s just a great place to be and I’m excited for the journey.”