174th Infantry Brigade

07/10/2026

Patriot Six, signing on.

The 174th Infantry Brigade Commander, Col. Gary McDonald has relinquished command to Col. Thomas Carroll on 10 July, 2026, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ.

After leading this brigade for 2 years and serving countless partners, we're honored to send off McDonald with a ceremony that shows our gratitude for his humble leadership and commitment to this brigade. We're excited to welcome in Carroll, who we know will serve valiantly with the same fortitude in the years to come. First Army

07/10/2026

Change of Command

07/10/2026

07/09/2026

Congratulations Sandra Bolen for winning civilian of the quarter! Your presence and spirit is truly appreciated as the administrative professional of the 174th by everyone here at the brigade, and we're happy to see you honored for your efforts!

07/08/2026

The 1st Battalion 307th Infantry Regiment “Barbarian” Commander, Lt. Col. Benjamin Hartig has relinquished command to Lt. Col Brandon Newkirk on 9 July, 2026, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ.

Hartig’s dedication to his partner units and leading Barbarian battalion has made him one of the most experienced OC/Ts in the formation, and we’re sad to see him go. We wish him lots of luck and we’re excited to see Newkirk step up to the plate and lead with distinction.

First Army

07/02/2026

After 20 years of dedicated service, Sgt. 1st Class Bernard Baker Jr. retires in a ceremony held at Fort Dix Chapel, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, July 1, 2026. Bernard, a Philadelphia native enlisted in the United States Army in October of 2006 and has several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of combat operations. We wish him and his family the best of luck as they transition into life after the military.

First Army

06/05/2026

The 174th Infantry Brigade held an awards ceremony for Lt. Col. Joshua Grimes, Lt. Col. Cody Martin, Maj. Derrick Dejon, Maj. Maureen Stagney, Maj. Richard Carbone, Maj. Stephen Fitzpatrick, whom all earned their PCS awards in an event on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, June 5th, 2026. This hard-working group of dedicated field grades has been a core piece of the brigade's missions and personality since they joined, and we wish them all the best of luck on their future endeavors.

06/01/2026

Fond farewell!

The 174th Infantry Brigade held a golf scramble and barbecue for outgoing commander Col. Gary McDonald, June 1st, 2026 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. McDonald has led the brigade through innovation and hardship since 2024 and his achievements were celebrated by members of the brigade for all the dedication he's put into leading the unit.

First Army

05/28/2026

Bring the Hammer!!!

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 174th Infantry Brigade, conducted a change of command ceremony where Capt. Emerson Rainey, relinquished his command to Capt. Megan Magoon at the Fort Dix Museum, Joint Base Mcguire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, May 28, 2026. Magoon, a native, was previously assigned to the 1st Battalion, 315th Brigade Support Battalion “Liberty” and was recommended to take command for her outstanding leadership and discipline. HHC welcomes Magoon as the newest member of the Hammer family.

First Army
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
87FSS

05/13/2026

Philadelphia’s Own!!!

Master Sgt. Victor Escalera Jr., assigned to 1st Battalion, 315th Brigade Support Battalion, retires after 24 years of honorable service in a ceremony held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 13, 2026. Escalera enlisted in 2002, and performed above and beyond throughout his 24 years and through five combat operations. We wish him and his family the best of luck as they transition to the next chapter of life.

First Army
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst