Army’s ‘Spartan’ brigade gets a new leader

ANCHORAGE — Fit and ready for action, the Army’s only airborne brigade in the Pacific now has a new leader.

Col. Paul Larson assumed command of the Army’s 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division during a ceremony Friday, March 24 on Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson. Larson takes over from Col. Scott Green, who was credited with making a number of improvements to the brigade’s fitness during his 28-month stint leading the “Spartan” brigade.

“His troopers are eating healthier than ever,” said Maj. Gen. Bryan Owens, commander of U.S. Army Alaska.

Read the full story online at the Chugiak-Eagle River Star here: http://www.alaskastar.com/2017-03-24/army%E2%80%99s-spartan%E2%80%99-brigade-gets-new-leader.

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• Matt Tunseth is the editor of the Chugiak-Eagle River Star and can be reached at matt.tunseth@alaskastar.com.

Col. Scott Green speaks during a change of command ceremony for the Army’s 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division on Friday, March 24, 2017 on Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson. During the ceremony, Col. Paul Larson took command from Green, who had led the brigade since 2014. Though leaving the 4/25, Green isn’t leaving base — his next assignment is as Chief of Staff for U.S. Army Alaska. (Star photo by Matt Tunseth)

Maj. Gen. Bryan Owens, Commanding General of U.S. Army Alaska, speaks with Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz during a change of command ceremony for the Army’s 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division on Friday, March 24, 2017 on Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson. During the ceremony, Col. Paul Larson took command from Col. Scott Green, who had led the brigade since 2014. (Star photo by Matt Tunseth)

Paratroopers with the Army’s 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division salute during a change of command ceremony Friday, March 24, 2017 on Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson. Col. Paul Larson took command from Col. Scott Green, who had led the brigade since 2014. (Star photo by Matt Tunseth)

Paratroopers with the Army’s 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division stand at attention during a change of command ceremony Friday, March 24, 2017 on Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson. (Star photo by Matt Tunseth)