News Summary
Lt. Col. William South has officially assumed command of the 926th Engineer Battalion in Birmingham, AL, coinciding with the Army Reserve’s 117th birthday celebrations. With nearly 30 years of military experience and a dual career as a contracting officer, South emphasizes the balance between civilian and military responsibilities. He has held various leadership roles and is dedicated to improving soldiers’ living conditions through his work in facility improvements. South encourages others to consider joining the Army Reserve for opportunities in purpose, adventure, and professional development.
Birmingham, AL – Lt. Col. William South has officially taken command of the 926th Engineer Battalion in Birmingham, an event that coincides with the Army Reserve’s 117th birthday celebrations this month. This significant career transition marks a full-circle moment for South, who began his military journey with the battalion’s Alpha Company in 1997.
In his civilian life, South works as a contracting officer at the Engineering and Support Center in Huntsville, where he is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and safety for soldiers through various facility improvement projects. His expertise plays a crucial role in managing contracts related to HVAC upgrades and fire alarm systems that directly impact the living conditions of service members.
As he steps into his new role, South emphasizes the importance of balancing a civilian job with military responsibilities as a matter of purpose and commitment. His work at the Engineering and Support Center involves overseeing the Utility Monitoring and Control Systems (UMCS) program, which is integral to improving operational efficiency and safety for Soldiers.
South’s impressive career includes nearly 30 years of military experience, encompassing various leadership positions. He began his military career by enlisting in the Alpha Company of the 926th Battalion and later transitioned to commissioning through the ROTC program at the University of North Alabama in 2002. His ongoing military journey has included leadership roles such as instructor, battalion contracting team leader, and company commander, diversifying his experience in various operational environments.
Since beginning his civilian career with the Corps of Engineers in 2006, South has acquired a broad skill set, transitioning from roles as an accountant and data systems analyst to contracting in 2018. His dedication was further demonstrated when the Army Reserve funded his Level 1 Defense Acquisition University contracting certification, officially qualifying him as an acquisition officer.
South’s dual career paths have been mutually beneficial. He notes that his military training has significantly enriched his civilian role. Such a background has enabled him to navigate the complexities of contracting with precision and efficiency. His attention to detail ensures that contracts are awarded accurately and completed in a timely manner, thereby minimizing challenges that may arise in the management of project timelines and resources.
Supervisors at the Engineering and Support Center recognize South’s military experience as enhancing his capabilities as a contracting officer. They commend him for effectively balancing the demands of military service while fulfilling his duties in a civilian capacity. South expresses gratitude for the understanding and support he has received from his colleagues during periods of military leave, highlighting the conducive work environment established for Reservists.
Apart from leading the 926th Engineer Battalion, South has served in multiple deployments, including missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. Such experiences have ingrained in him a personal understanding of the conditions faced by Soldiers, motivating him to work diligently toward improving their living and working environments.
As he embarks on this new chapter, South encourages others to consider joining the Army Reserve. He emphasizes the opportunities it presents for purpose, adventure, and professional development, drawing from his vast experiences in both military and civilian capacities to inspire and guide prospective recruits.
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Additional Resources
- The Redstone Rocket
- Wikipedia: Army Reserve
- Dignity Memorial
- Google Search: 926th Engineer Battalion
- Obituary: Richard Condrey
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Military
- Obituary: John Martin
- Google News: Military Leadership
- Obituary: Deborah Garrard
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
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