FORT BLISS, Texas – The United States Army confirmed a change of command at Fort Bliss and the 1st Armored Division that will take effect at the end of October. President Trump nominated Brig. Gen. Brandon Anderson on Sept. 30 to lead the storied “Old Ironsides” and the nation’s largest installation in the Borderland.
Anderson’s background and new responsibilities
Brig. Gen. Anderson most recently commanded the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, where he oversaw the Army’s premier combat‑training complex. He also led the Joint Task Force‑Southern Border, a force of roughly 8,000 service members charged with supporting border‑security missions.
Fort Bliss officials highlighted Anderson’s experience in training soldiers and managing a major installation, saying his record will be “invaluable” for maintaining the high combat readiness of the division’s Iron Soldiers and for safeguarding the nation’s southern border.
Transition of leadership
Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, who has served as commanding general of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss for the past 27 months, will relinquish his duties and assume the three‑star post of deputy commander of U.S. European Command. During his tenure, Taylor deployed the division to Europe for a nine‑month rotation and relocated the Joint Task Force‑Southern Border headquarters from Arizona to El Paso.
“Protecting the homeland is the top priority of our national leadership, and Brandon’s selection is a clear indication that the Army values this mission,” Taylor said in a statement. “His experience at the National Training Center, combined with his senior command at Fort Irwin, will be critical for instilling the highest levels of combat readiness in our Iron Soldiers, for leading one of the largest military installations in the United States, and for ensuring our nation’s border is defended.”
Community ties
Both commanders expressed deep appreciation for the El Paso community. Anderson called it “a privilege” to return to the area and serve alongside the Old Ironsides. Taylor noted that his family has “loved the special relationship between Fort Bliss and El Paso” and will miss the “wonderful community here in the Borderland.”
The division will hold a promotion ceremony for Maj. Gen. Taylor’s elevation to lieutenant general, as well as the formal change‑of‑command ceremony for Anderson, on Oct. 30 at the 1st Armored Division Parade Field. The event is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. and will be open to the public.
What this means for El Paso
Fort Bliss is a major economic engine for the region, providing thousands of civilian jobs and supporting local businesses. The leadership transition underscores the installation’s continued commitment to both national defense and community partnership. Residents can expect ongoing engagement between the base and local organizations, as well as sustained focus on border‑security initiatives that align with the priorities of the Trump administration.
For more information about the ceremony or to arrange a visit, contact the Fort Bliss Public Affairs Office.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
