Fort Polk and its Joint Readiness Training Center will fall under new leadership in the coming weeks as Brigadier General David S. Doyle prepares to relinquish command of the military installation to the incoming Brigadier General David W. Gardner.

Gardner is not a stranger to Fort Polk, having served as the JRTC Operations Group Commander from 2018 to 2020. His most recent assignment has been at Fort Hood, Texas where he served as the Commanding General, United States Army Operational Test Command/Deputy Commanding General for Operational Testing, United States Army Test and Evaluation Command.

BG Doyle has been at the command of Fort Polk since Oct. 13, 2020.

In a letter released publicly on Tuesday, Doyle said it has been “an honor and privilege” to serve the Vernon Parish installation.

“The tremendous leaders on this installation and the collection of outstanding local civic leaders have been tremendous teammates,” Doyle wrote.

Gardner will assume command during a Change of Command Ceremony at Fort Polk’s Warrior Field on July 11.