FORT WALKER, Va. –
Col. Gerald Mazur took command of the Virginia National Guard’s Fort Belvoir-based 91st Cyber Brigade from Brig. Gen. Rusty McGuire during a ceremony Oct. 26, 2024, at Fort Walker, Virginia.
Brig. Gen. Charles B. Martin Jr., commander of the Virginia Army National Guard, presided over the change of command ceremony and the exchange of organizational colors signifying the transfer of command from McGuire to Mazur.
“Col. Mazur, I’m very proud you were selected as commander of this unit, and I acknowledge that you have some big shoes to fill,” said Martin during the ceremony. “You’ve got proven experience over the course of your career. You’re the right person at the right time with the right skills for this job. I’m confident you’ll uphold the high standards set by Col. McGuire, and that you’ll take this unit to even greater heights.”
Mazur said he’s proud for the opportunity to lead the National Guard’s first, and only, cyber brigade.
“It’s certainly an honor and a privilege to take command of this incredibly talented cyber brigade at this critical time in our nation’s history,” Mazur said during the ceremony. “Our mission is essential to the nation, the Army, Virginia and the other 30 states represented in the brigade. I’m humbled by the opportunity and proud to lead a team of such dedicated and exceptional cyber professionals.”
McGuire, who was promoted to brigadier general just days following the change of command ceremony, thanked the cyber Soldiers he’s led for the last two years.
“It has been one of my greatest honors in serving on the tip of the spear with all of you dedicated and professional cyber warriors,” said McGuire. “I leave this formation as a better officer because of the knowledge you have all collectively shared with me. This knowledge better prepared me to visualize the complex challenges of a multi-domain battlefield.”
McGuire has served as the 91st’s commander for more than two years, though his history with the brigade goes much further back.
“I served with this brigade the day we stood up,” said McGuire, referring to the unit’s initial activation in 2017. “I have watched you all do what others said could not be done. You have all fundamentally changed the way the DoD looks at Guard forces in the cyber domain. There is a reason we keep mobilizing our best to serve on active duty and it is because of the unwavering support and dedication you all demonstrate on a daily basis.”
Martin acknowledged McGuire’s leadership and success in his role as the 91st’s commander.
“To command the 91st Cyber Brigade, with members located across 31 states, it’s truly a unique position that doesn’t exist anywhere else,” said Martin. “The training and readiness oversight that you’ve provided to the National Guard’s cyber formation, to include international exercises across the globe, has been outstanding. Rusty, I salute you for your extraordinary service. Your efforts have contributed in so many ways to the success of the Virginia National Guard and I look forward to continuing to serve with you in your new capacity.”
Mazur acknowledged the difficulty filling McGuire’s shoes, but remains confident in his ability to handle the challenges ahead.
“I would like to thank Col. McGuire for his leadership and for leaving the brigade in a high state of readiness,” Mazur said. “We will continue to build on the foundation of readiness to become more agile, innovative and ready to defend against a rapidly evolving threat in this technologically advanced warfighting domain. I’m committed to ensuring that we remain at the forefront of readiness and training, prepared to support our commitments to Army Cyber Command, Joint Force Headquarters Cyber-Army, and any emerging missions that come our way.”
Mazur also had a message for the brigade’s Soldiers.
“To the Soldiers and leaders of this brigade: your expertise, commitment, and your families’ support are what make us strong,” he said. “Together, we will continue to build on the legacy of excellence that defines the 91st Cyber Brigade and the Virginia Army National Guard. I look forward to working with each of you.”
Read more about the 91st at https://vngpao.info/yckujpv2.