Col. Ingrid Parker (left) accepts the colors of the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade from Maj. Gen. Christopher Ballard, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command commanding general, during a change of command ceremony held on the MacArthur Parade Field at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston July 7. Parker takes over for Col. James “Jamey” Royse (right), who was the brigade’s commander for two years. Royse is leaving the 470th MIB to become director of intelligence for U.S. Army Central at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. (Photo by Olivia Mendoza)

Col. Ingrid Parker became the new commander of the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade during a change of command ceremony held on the MacArthur Parade Field at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston July 7.

Parker assumed command of the 470th MIB as she accepted the brigade’s guidon from Col. James “Jamey” Royse, who was the brigade’s commander for two years. Royse is leaving the 470th MIB to become director of intelligence for U.S. Army Central at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.

Before an audience that included her family members, JBSA leaders, members of the 470th MIB and brigade units, Parker delivered her first remarks as the brigade commander.

“As I stand here very humbled from the grandeur of the occasion, I’m truly, truly appreciative of this opportunity,” Parker said. “I wish I could begin to describe the incredible feelings of gratitude, humility and joy that are absolutely consuming me.”

Prior to taking the helm of the brigade, Parker was a National Security Agency Cyber Fellow for the U.S. Army War College. She has 24 years of experience in the military, which started when she became a commissioned military intelligence officer in 1993.

Parker’s previous assignments include serving as the garrison commander at the U.S. Army Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, a military research and manufacturing facility; and as the Enterprise Geospatial Product Trainer and the Counter-Terrorism Senior Operations Leader at the NSA at Fort Meade, Md.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Ballard, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command commanding general, said through his work and leadership Royse left his mark on the brigade.

“For the past two years, the 470th MIB has been led by one of the Army’s best,” Ballard said. “Col. Jamey Royse, you are a true leader and intelligence professional. You’ve been operationally laser focused and you’ve invested in developing new intelligence capabilities, innovative enterprise solutions and in developing junior leaders at all levels.”

Ballard, the presiding ceremony officer, said Parker is the perfect leader to take over the 470th MIB and continue the brigade’s legacy of excellence in intelligence gathering.

“We are all delighted the Army saw fit to assign you to this command at this time in its history,” Ballard said. “Your technical competence, varied experience and caring leadership are a great fit for where this unit is going. Enjoy the ride and the opportunity to serve with these terrific men and women as their commander. It doesn’t get any better than this.”

In his remarks, Royse thanked his family for their support and members of the intelligence brigade he led and worked with for five years. Before becoming commander of the intelligence brigade in July 2015, Royse was the commander of the 717th Military Intelligence Battalion, a unit of the 470th MIB.

“The leaders of the 470th MIB provide excellent direction, development and discipline to get the job done year-round, every single day,” Royse said. “This unit is filled with excellent leaders, from non-commissioned officers ranking from corporal to command sergeant major who accomplish complex missions while taking care of soldiers; to the warrant officers, steeped in experience and technical competence; to the civil servants who carry continuity and deep knowledge of how to accomplish challenging tasks; to the officers, diligent and driven by their common commitment to excellence and to uphold their oath to our Constitution.”

Referring to the brigade’s motto, “Forge the Future,” Royse recognized the servicemembers in the brigade who help protect the country.

“Those three little words, ‘Forge the Future,’ embody the spirit of the Soldiers who stand before us willing to give their last full measure to provide us all a buffer of security from those who would do us harm,” he said. “I am immensely proud, often impressed, but never surprised by the character, competence and commitment of these well led Soldiers.”

In addition, Royse thanked two of the commanders that support the 470th MIB, Ballard and Maj. Gen. K.K. Chinn, U.S. Army South commanding general.

“Thank you for the freedom to command,” Royse said. “Thank you for exercising mission command in a way that allowed me to leave it better than I found it. It was an ideal environment and climate.”

Royse said he had faith in the leadership abilities of Parker, who he worked with previously while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.

“I’ve known your strong character, your graceful but firm voice and your positive demeanor,” he said. “You will forge a future with this brigade impressively.”

Headquartered at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, the 470th MIB is composed of five units who help provide multi-disciplined intelligence support for U.S. Army South and U.S. Southern Command and intelligence operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. In addition, the 470th MIB provides counter-intelligence support and force protection for counterintelligence missions throughout the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.