Top soldiers’ time here is too limited

COMMANDER 3rd Brigade Chris Field will soon farewell Townsville to start a new position with US Central Command.

Brig Field is expected to move to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, in November where he will begin as the next USCC Deputy Director of Operations in December.

His primary area of responsibility will be the Middle East.

This is an important area of conflict for Townsville given the number of local soldiers deployed there.

Much of Brig Field’s work will involve global force management, moving people and equipment.

He will have a big job and we wish him all the best.

Under his command, 3rd Brigade has gone from strength to strength as evidenced by its very successful series of operations as it moved into ready mode this year.

The US Army’s gain is Townsville’s loss.

Brig Field is the latest in a long line of stellar leaders of our garrison.

His departure after just two years here is a reminder that the stints of these fine men are all too short.

Surely it would be of greater benefit, not only for the city and our garrison, but the Australian Defence Force if postings here could be extended.

The shame of Brig Field’s departure is that he has made great friends in this city and forged terrific relationships with key stakeholders, only to be leaving having made those great strides.

Having said that, the credentials of the incoming commander are outstanding and hopes are high he will continue the tradition of excellent leadership.

Brig Field’s replacement is Colonel Scott Winter, a student at the Centre for Defence Strategic Studies.

We will reserve the warmest welcomes for when he arrives to continue the tradition of the great connection we have with the garrison.