1-147th Field Artillery Battalion changes command WATERTOWN, S.D. – Lt. Col. James Linn, of Brandon, is the new commander of the South Dakota Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 147th Field Artillery in Watertown. Linn received command of the unit Saturday, Sept. 27, from Lt. Col. Doug Bogenhagen, of Wahpeton, N.D., who commanded the unit since November 2012. As the commander of the 1-147th, Linn is now responsible for the planning, execution and support of a headquarters battery, two Multiple Launch Rocket System firing batteries and one forward support company – totaling about 400 Soldiers in three communities throughout eastern South Dakota. “Taking command of any battalion is truly an honor, but taking command of the 1/147th is a dream come true. I enlisted here and have worked my entire career to get the opportunity to command here,” said Linn. “I look forward to once again be part of the 147th team. The field artillery in the South Dakota Army National Guard has an incredible reputation nationwide with a distinguished history that reaches back for almost a century. I can only hope that we as a team can live up to both during my tenure here.” The 1-147th also assists assigned units in meeting training, administrative and logistical requirements to maintain the units’ readiness in support of their state and federal missions. In his civilian life, Linn is employed by Sanofi Pharmaceuticals as an executive sales professional. Linn has been a member of the National Guard for 26 years. Bogenhagen, the departing commander, will be assigned to 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, of Sioux Falls, as the deputy commander.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 21:06:40 +0000