Arkansas Tech alumnus Col. Michael D. Merritt is set to take the top post at the Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center this weekend.
Col. Merritt will assume command of the center from outgoing commander Col. Robert E. Embrey during a ceremony scheduled for Saturday morning.
Merritt holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Arkansas Tech and began his military career in 1984 when he received a regular Army commission through ROTC.
He left active duty in 1988 and joined the Mississippi National Guard. Upon returning to the Natural State, he joined the Arkansas National Guard in 1998. While with the Arkansas National Guard, Merritt has served in a variety of roles including two battery commands, the Arkansas OCS commandant and a deputy brigade commander.
He deployed to Iraq in 2006, and he is currently enrolled in the Army War College.
For his service, Merritt has received the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.
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