BROOMFIELD, Colo. (11/19/11) – The Colorado Army National Guard’s 169th Fires Brigade gained a new commander Saturday evening.

Army Col. Gregory Miller relinquished his position as brigade commander to Army Col. Mark Brackney, formerly the chief of staff of the COARNG, at the Omni Interlocken Resort during the 169th FiB’s annual ball.

“It’s an honor and a privilege – a privilege being something that is very impactful to me,” said Brackney. “Everybody who’s been in the Guard, or any military – especially as an officer – you may put six or seven years in as a commander out of every 30, so every command you have is something very precious.”

Brackney doesn’t plan on making any immediate changes, but says he is ready to, “do it right, do it now, do it anyhow,” regardless of the challenge.

“All of us have leaders put above us,” said Brackney, “but out real boss in the military is the American public. I want to make sure that everyone in that brigade, every Soldier, every officer, every NCO (noncommissioned officer) understands that no matter who you work for, your real boss really is the American people.”

Miller is moving on to his new position as the J-6 joint staff officer handling information technology communications for Colorado, and will continue his full time job in the G-6 office for the COARNG.

“Being a commander is the epitome of being a Soldier,” said Miller. “Being a commander is the ultimate because you’re being with the Soldiers and able to take care of them. I am just honored to work with all of the knowledgeable, excellent Soldiers of the 169th FiB.”

Brackney believes there is no replacing Miller, who has been in the brigade since 1984.

“Col. Miller is an outstanding commander. He has taken that brigade and continued to build upon the shoulders of giants,” said Brackney. “It’s not filling the shoes of the person beforehand; it’s taking the leadership to the next level. There is no replacing Col. Miller; but what I can do is add some of my talents and focus to what he’s already built and move forward.”

The 169th FiB is the oldest unit in the COARNG. The 169th FiB plans, prepares, executes and assesses combined arms operations to provide close support and precision strike for corps, divisions, and brigade combat teams and support brigades employing joint and organic lethal and non-lethal fires and capabilities to achieve distribution effects in support of commanders' operational and tactical objectives. On order, the 169th FiB conducts defense support of civilian agencies.