Indiana National Guard’s 81st Troop Command Changes Commanders

Indiana National Guard soldiers with the 81st Troop Command welcomed their new commander during a ceremony Saturday at Stout Field.

Maj. Gen. Timothy Winslow, of Carmel, and previously the director of the joint staff, assumed command from Brig. Gen. Patrick Thibodeau, who had held the 81st reins since January 2019.

In Winslow’s remarks as the new commander of the 81st Troop Command, he spoke to the diverse capabilities of the 81st, which includes cyber units, military police detachments, a civil support team, public affairs and history detachments.

“The types of units in this command is really what inspires me,” said Winslow. “From one end of the spectrum to the other it all speaks on the legacy of the 81st troop command. The variety of the nonstandard structure will be a challenge, but also a lot of fun.”

Indiana Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Dale Lyles, officiated the ceremony that culminated in the passing of the colors, signifying the passing of leadership from one commander to the other.

Lyles spoke to the many successes at home and abroad of the 81st Troop Command under Thibodeau’s leadership to include the establishment of the 127th Cyber Protection Battalion as well as missions throughout the United States, Africa and the Middle East.

The 81st Troop Command soldiers nicknamed the War Eagles, are prepared to rapidly deploy in order to successfully execute missions supporting overseas contingency operations and defense support of civil authorities missions at home in the Hoosier State. After approximately 37 years of service in the Indiana National Guard, including a combat deployment to support Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008, Thibodeau plans to retire.