New commander takes charge at Operational Test Command

WEST FORT CAVAZOS, Texas - The new commander charged with testing all new and modernized Army equipment systems said Monday he is honored to serve Soldiers.

"OTC will continue to provide realistic operational testing to enable our Soldiers - our nation's most prized possession - to win decisively on the battlefield," said Brig. Gen. Shannon-Mikal Lucas, arriving to the U.S. Army Operational Test Command as its 32nd commander.

Lucas joins OTC after serving as the Deputy Provost Marshal General, Office of the Provost Marshal General in the Pentagon.

Outgoing OTC Commander since June 30, 2022, Brig. Gen. George "Chris" Hackler, heads off to serve as Deputy Commanding General, Combat Capabilities Development Command/Senior Commander, Natick Soldier Systems Center, United States Army Futures Command, Natick, Massachusetts.

Lucas thanked everyone attending for their warm welcomes, and then presented a leadership philosophy he learned during his early Army years.

"I was once told by a wise old command sergeant major, that every Soldier has a sergeant," he said.

"At this command, I am grateful to have Command Sgt. Maj. (Joe E.) Johnson. And I am blessed to serve along with him and call him my sergeant and look forward to the two years ahead."

Johnson has served as OTC's top enlisted leader since May 25, 2023.

Host for the ceremony Maj. Gen. James J. Gallivan, commander of the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, praised both.

"Both of these leaders - Chris and Shannon - and their loved ones - define families of service. They both have relatives that have served; and they both have adult children that are serving as we speak," he said.

Hackler's son, George, is a specialist and infantryman assigned to the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Lucas' son, Tristan-Mikal Lucas, is a private attending advanced individual training at the Army's Military Police School at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

"The whole family serves," Gallivan continued. "The strength of the servicemember is that support structure that surrounds them and allows them to focus on the Constitution and the 'This We'll Defend,' and that's what the people here represent.

"Both of these Army families have terrific reputations across the Army. This is vital."

Gallivan went on to talk about OTC's mission.

"As Army senior leaders talk about warfighting; delivering combat ready formations; executing continuous transformation; and strengthening the profession - the United States Army's Operational Test Command is integral to all four of these focus areas," he said.

"Chris, you have set the conditions in all four of these areas, and Shannon, you and the team are postured to exploit opportunities for our beloved Army. OTC is right in the middle of all four of those areas. OTC is helping the Army to realize newer and better capabilities that's centered on the American Soldier."

When Hackler took to the speaker's podium, he said he is filled with gratitude and reflection.

"I am humbled to serve as your commander for the past two years," he said to the Soldier and Army Civilian workforce.

"Thank you for unwavering dedication and professionalism. Your hard work and expertise are crucial to our success," he added.

"Each of you have played a crucial role in ensuring that we have fulfilled our duties to the U.S. Soldier with integrity and excellence, so our Soldiers and formations are more lethal."

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