Leadership
LTC Alan W. Lancaster's Biography
LTC Lancaster, a native of Union, South Carolina, was commissioned in 2007 through R.O.T.C as a graduate of the University of South Carolina-Upstate in Spartanburg, SC. He began his Army career as a Chemical Officer within the 101st Chemical Company, 83rd Chemical Battalion, and 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne). In 2013, he graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course and reclassified as a Special Forces Officer.
As a Special Forces Officer, his notable assignments include: Detachment Commander in 4th Battalion and 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne); SOF Observer/Controller at the Joint Readiness Training Center; Advanced Skills Company Commander and Group/Brigade Executive Officer at the US Army JFK Special Warfare Center and School; and Secretary of the General Staff and G5 Director at 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne).Prior to his current position, LTC Lancaster served as an Irregular Warfare Plans Officer in US Army Special Operations Command.
During LTC Lancaster’s time in the United States Army, he has been deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Resolute Support, Inherent Resolve, and Freedom’s Sentinel in the US Central Command area of responsibility. He has also served as a member a Revolution in Military Affairs team to audit conflict in Europe, contributed to emerging Army Special Operations Forces doctrine, and supported operational and strategic planning efforts in support of USSOCOM, Interagency, and Intergovernmental partners.
His awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Award, Meritorious Service Award (2nd Award), and Bronze Star Medal (2nd Award). He has earned the Special Forces tab, Ranger tab, Parachutist badge, and the Combat Infantry Badge.
LTC Lancaster holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina-Upstate in Spartanburg, SC, and a Master of Science in Defense Analysis (Irregular Warfare) from the Naval Post-graduate School in Monterey, CA.
LTC Lancaster and his wife, Anna, also from South Carolina, were married in 2010 and have two sons, Matthew and Connor.
CSM Anton D. Ruffin's Biography
CSM Anton D. Ruffin is the Command Sergeant Major of Yakima Training Center. He assumed the responsibility on April 24, 2025.
A native of Vossburg, Mississippi. CSM Ruffin enlisted in the United States Army in August 1997 and graduated basic training in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He completed Advanced Individual Training as a 14T Patriot Enhanced Maintainer/Operator in Fort Bliss, Texas. He served numerous leadership and staff positions to include Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, G 3/5/7 Operations Sergeant, Battalion Operations Sergeant Major and Instructor/Writer. His deployments include Camp Bucca, Iraq OIF (2008) as a Compound Shift Leader in 3-4 ADAR, 108TH BDE, Fort Bragg, NC; Qatar, SWA (2015) Battalion Master Gunner in 1-62 ADAR, 69TH BDE, Fort Cavazos, TX; Kuwait, SWA (2017) as Headquarters and Headquarters Battery First Sergeant 1-62 ADAR, 69TH BDE Fort Cavazos, TX; Jasionka, Poland EDAR (2024) Battalion Operations Sergeant Major 5-7 ADAR, 52ND BDE Baumholder, Germany.
CSM Ruffin has attended all levels of the Non-Commissioned Officer Education System, including the United States Army Sergeants Major Course, Patriot Master Gunner Course, Battle Staff Course, Forces Management Course, Air Assault School, Unit Movement Officer Course, Total Army Instructor Training Course, SHARP Certifier Course, and Equal Opportunity Course.
His prior awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (3 bronze oak leaf clusters), Army Commendation Medal (1 silver oak leaf cluster), Army Achievement Medal (3 bronze oak leaf clusters), Army Good Conduct Medal (9th), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (NUM 5), Army Overseas Ribbon (NUM 4), Army Service Ribbon, Certificate of Achievement (6), Meritorious Unit Citation, Patriot Master Gunner Badge, Air Assault Badge, German Schutzenschnur Silver Badge, and recipient of the Order of Saint Barbara Medal.
CSM Ruffin and his wife, Katharina, have five children ranging in age from 5 to 25.
Eric Brouwer is the Deputy to the Garrison Commander for the Yakima Training Center (YTC). Filling the position in November 2023, Brouwer is responsible for the administrative oversite of the Garrison’s civilian directors and special staff. He works with the directors and staff to formulated goals, policies and objectives for the Garrison and presents management and organizational recommendations to the Garrison Commander. Previously, he was the Supervisory Facility Operations Specialist, responsible for maintaining YTC’s Land, Real Property and Facilities. Brouwer functioned as the installation’s main point of contact for all facilities work and established directives in support of local, state, and federal regulations involving wildlife, cultural resources, and natural resources.
Brouwer has also filled civilian roles at YTC as the Supervisory Range Operations Specialist from August 2021 to August 2022, and the Integrated Training Area Management Coordinator
Brouwer served over 10 years as a soldier and civilian at Camp Casey, South Korea; Fort Lewis, Washington; and YTC.
He also served 6 years in the U.S. Army and Washington Army National Guard. During his Active Duty and National Guard service, he completed two combat tours to Afghanistan and Iraq as a team leader achieving the rank of Sergeant. Awards earned include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Two Campaign Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, and Combat Infantryman Badge. His other awards include: the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Army Good Conduct Medal.
Brouwer earned a Bachelor of Science degree in anthropology in 2011 from Central Washington University.
Brouwer and his wife, Melissa, live in Selah, Washington, where they are raising their three children Emma, Alexander, and Evangeline.