Brookhaven resident takes command of specialized New York National Guard unit at Fort Drum

Lt. Col. John Pielli commands the 10th Mountain Division Main Command Post Operational Detachment

Latham, New York (09/23/2024) — New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. John Pielli, a Brookhaven resident, took command of the New York Army Guard's 10th Mountain Division Main Command Post Operational Detachment during a September 13 ceremony at Fort Drum, New York, the 10th Mountain Division's home base.

The unit, known as a MC-POD for short, is made up of National Guard Soldiers who augment the headquarters of the Active Army's 10th Mountain Division when the unit deploys overseas.

Pielli replaced Lt. Col. Alvin Phillips who is being assigned to the New York National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division as the division public affairs officer.

Pielli, who joined the Army in 1992 and has served in the Active Army and Army Reserve, previously served as the fires officer for the Army Guard's 53rd Digital Liaison Detachment, which is based at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City.

Brig. Gen. Peter Fiorentino, the 42nd Inf. Div. deputy commander for support, presided over the ceremony.

"Battalion command is, in my estimation, one of the most important positions you can hold," Fiorentino said. "Only six percent of officers actually make the rank lieutenant colonel, and far fewer get to command at that level. It's one of the most effective commands you can have to positively affect Soldiers."

In his remarks, Pielli said he was looking forward to command the unique unit.

"With the work that you've done, you've earned an excellent reputation with the 10th Mountain Division," Pielli said. "The MCP-OD is a very professional, hardworking group of individuals. With that being said, I cannot wait to start working with all of you."

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