Col. Dennis A. Bickett of Sioux Falls assumed command of the South Dakota Army National Guard’s 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) during a change of command ceremony in Sioux Falls, on October 14.
Bickett assumed command from Col. Phillip R. Stiles of Rapid City. Stiles has served as the 196th MEB commander since October 2021. Bickett will be responsible for the command and control of three battalions, which are comprised of 12 units totaling more than 1,600 soldiers in 15 communities throughout South Dakota. The 196th MEB assists assigned units in meeting training, administrative, and logistical requirements to ensure they are ready and available for all state and federal missions.
Stiles thanked the Soldiers and leaders of the 196th MEB. “I appreciate all you’ve done. You’ve made my job easy,” stated Col. Stiles. “One thing I want you to know is that I care about this organization and the SDNG. I care about every one of you.”
Bickett enlisted in the SDNG in 1988 as a 12B, combat engineer, and in August of 2000 he received a direct commission to second lieutenant. He has served in several leadership positions in the 153rd Engineer Battalion and deployed with them in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from December 2003 to March 2005. Bickett’s command positions include Company C, 153rd En. Bn., 153rd En. Bn. Commander, and 109th En. Bn. Commander. He also held several key staff positions within the 153rd. Bickett is no stranger to the 196th MEB, having previously served as the Assistant Operations Officer and the lead Operations Officer. He previously served in several staff positions in the Joint Force Headquarters before being selected to command the 196th MEB.
Bickett is a graduate of South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of South Dakota, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
“Thanks to my family for being here,” Bickett stated. “Thank you to the SDNG leadership for having the faith in me to do this job. Thank you to the Soldiers, NCOs, and Officers of the 196th. You made the choice to serve this great state and nation.”
“I’ve known Col. Bickett for more than a year but less than 40 years,” stated Brig. Gen. David Dailey, SDNG Assistant Adjutant General – Army. “He’s always been one of those guys I’ve wanted on the team. I know you’ll do an outstanding job as the new 196th MEB Commander.”
“We are Citizen-Warriors and the 196th MEB is a significant part of our organization,” stated Maj. Gen. Mark Morrell, SDNG Adjutant General. “Col. Bickett and family, yours now is the sacred honor of command once again. Don’t try to be a leader, try to be worthy of leadership.”
Col. Dennis Bickett resides in Vermillion, S.D., with his wife Angie and their two children Ashlyn and Bradyn. Bickett is a physical therapist for the VA Sioux Falls Health Care System.
Col. Dennis Bickett addresses the Soldiers of the 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade during the change of command ceremony in Sioux Falls on October 14, 2023. Bickett will responsible for the training and administration of over 1600 Soldiers across the South Dakota Army National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Col. Scott Linquist)
Col. Dennis Bickett, 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade commander, presents his wife, Angie, with a flower bouquet at the change of command ceremony in Sioux Falls, S.D., Oct.14, 2023. Bickett took command from Col. Philip Stiles, who commanded the MEB since 2021. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Col. Scott Linquist)
Comments