By Staff Sgt. Noshoba Davis, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana Army National Guard’s 199th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) held a change of command ceremony at the Dabadie Center on Camp Beauregard in Pineville, Louisiana, June 14, 2026.
During the ceremony, Col. Kevin James relinquished command of the regiment to Col. Stewart Adams. The formal transfer of authority signifies the passing of responsibility for the unit’s mission, personnel and readiness.
“You’ve done an outstanding job,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, the adjutant general of Louisiana, addressing James. “I look forward to your future leadership as director of intelligence (J-2).”
Friloux also welcomed Adams to command.
“You’ve had all the key assignments and schools to prepare you for this position. I know you’re ready,” said Friloux. “The key facet of this unit is ensuring we have future officers and NCOs. That responsibility lies in your hands and those of your command sergeant major to continue the great work Kevin has done here.”
The ceremony was presided by Friloux who oversaw the traditional passing of the guidon, a longstanding military custom symbolizing the transfer of leadership and trust between commanders.
The event was attended by Louisiana National Guard leaders, Soldiers, family members and distinguished guests.
“I am truly humbled to command the 199th Regiment (RTI),” said Adams. “I would first like to acknowledge Col. James for a job well done. You led the regiment through a lengthy and demanding accreditation process. I appreciate your leadership and guidance in maintaining the highest standards.”
“Training the leaders of tomorrow to win our nation’s wars and preserve our freedoms is what I’ve been charged with, and I gladly accept that responsibility,” Adams continued. “These are dynamic times in a complex and adaptive environment. We will remain the standard while striving for excellence across all training competencies.”
Under James’ leadership, the regiment earned an almost perfect score during its accreditation, achieved a 100% retention rate throughout his command, commissioned 75 officers and trained hundreds of junior leaders through the Noncommissioned Officer Academy and military occupational specialty courses.
James addressed the audience and reflected on how the Army has evolved during his 27 years of service.
“The Army has changed from BDUs, a largely analog operating environment and a conventional, predictable battlefield to large-scale combat operations against near-peer adversaries where the battlefield is dominated by drones, cyber threats and multidomain friction,” said James.
“We are the foundation where those modern, adaptable warfighters are molded, tested and certified,” he continued. “You are training the Total Force. You are setting the gold standard for enlisted leadership across the Army, proving every day that the National Guard is a premier institution for professional military education.”
James also thanked the regiment’s staff and leadership.
“To the officers and staff, thank you for your counsel, steadfast planning and ability to resource the mission,” said James. “You have made us a tough team to beat. I could not have asked for a better team to lead.”
As part of the ceremony, James received the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of his service and leadership during his tenure as commander.
The 199th Regiment traces its roots to the Louisiana Military Academy, which operated from 1960 to 1997, before becoming the 199th Regiment (Leadership) from 1997 to 2008. The organization began its training mission by conducting the Officer Candidate School program in July 1960.
In July 1976, the unit established the Noncommissioned Officer Academy, which taught the Primary Noncommissioned Officer Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course and First Sergeant Course.
Over the years, the 199th Regiment (RTI) has evolved to meet the needs of the Army and the Louisiana National Guard. Today, the Regiment trains Soldiers from the active-duty Army, Army Reserve and National Guard.