Col. Mark McClellan takes over as garrison commander at Fort Hood

FORT HOOD, Texas (KWTX) - The reins of Garrison Command at Fort Hood have been handed to a new leader.

Colonel Lakicia Stokes has held the title of Fort Hood Garrison Commander for the past two years.

“The Fort Hood Garrison is responsible for one of the most important military bases in the world,” said Lt. Gen. Kevin Admiral, Commanding General of III Corps & Fort Hood. This special team manages facilities and resources that allows our units to train and achieve high levels of readiness.”

The garrison commander essentially acts as a city manager overseeing day-to-day operations that impact the lives of solders, their families, and civilians on post.

This gives the command and title of Garrison Commander or Col. Mark McClellan, whose first trip to Fort Hood shaped his military career.

“25 years ago, as a young cadet at Fort Hood during CTLT with 212 Cav., I witnessed the incredible power and teamwork of a tank platoon,” said Col. McClellan.

“That experience solidified my decision to serve as an armor officer. Returning here now, after many years, feels like a full circle moment.”

It’s a mission the Commanding General of III Corps and Fort Hood says he is more than qualified for.

“Mark comes with a tremendous reputation from Fort Benning, where he served as director of Command and Tactics Directorate,” said Le. Gen. Admiral. “He’s a proven leader and I’m looking forward to everything he will accomplish here with is at Fort Hood.”

Colonel Stokes will remain at Fort Hood as the Director of Maneuver Support and Sustainment Test Directorate for Operational Test Command.

The post of Garrison Commander of an installation is a two-year assignment and is traditionally held by someone with the rank of Colonel.

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