Brig. Gen. Allen J. Pepper assumed command of the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command during a Sept. 6 ceremony at Redstone Arsenal.

Lt. Gen. Christopher Mohan, deputy commanding general and acting commander of the U.S. Army Materiel Command, hosted the ceremony and addressed attendees by explaining USASAC’s strategic advantage to America’s fighting forces and U.S. national security.

“It’s imperative that our partners are equipped with what we need them to have, and they are trained to the standards we need them to hold,” said Mohan. “That makes the alliance strong. It promotes stability and deters aggression … and if that fails, it helps win wars.”

USASAC’s security assistance mission strengthens U.S. alliances and partnerships, and supports Combatant Commander engagement strategies, and according to Mohan, Pepper is exactly what USASAC needs at this critical moment in time.

Mohan described several assignments that prepared Pepper to lead USASAC, including key roles in the reposturing of U.S. peacekeepers in the United Nations mission in Mali, providing Washington and Combatant Commanders with a clear understanding of French and Congolese defense priorities while serving as the attaché in both countries, and actions that set the stage for a transition of Operation Inherent Resolve and a stronger relationship with the Iraqi military.

Pepper thanked Mohan for the introduction and acknowledged the USASAC team for their warm welcome. He said USASAC’s mission is at the forefront of world events right now and he has watched from afar, “over the years, whether it was working with a SATMO team in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo … or seeing the Office of Security Cooperation in Baghdad working with USASAC” to develop capabilities for the Iraqi Security Forces.

Pepper said he is honored, after 31 years of service, to now lead the command that is known as the “Army’s Face to the World.”

“Thanks to the leaders of various sister organizations for coming out to support USASAC this morning,” said Pepper. “I look forward to working with you in the months ahead. Finally, thanks to all who have welcomed us so warmly here—-we are excited to contribute to this wonderful community.”