JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON—On July 11, 2025, the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE) held a significant change of command ceremony, where Brig. Gen. Clinton K. Murray transferred command to Maj. Gen. Anthony L. McQueen.
The ceremony was presided over by Lt. Gen. Milford H. Beagle Jr., who currently serves as the commanding general of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, as well as commandant of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
During this traditional event, Beagle accepted the unit colors from Murray, symbolizing the authority of the new commanding general, McQueen.
Murray had taken command of MEDCoE in November 2023, a period characterized by a transformation within the Army’s approach toward combat, notably shifting from counterinsurgency operations to large-scale combat operations.
This change necessitated a new strategy in how Army Medicine provided lifesaving care in battle scenarios.
In his remarks, Beagle commended Murray’s leadership, emphasizing that “some leaders bring credentials; Clint brings credibility.” He praised Murray for his ability to build trust and implement vital Army Medicine training concepts effectively.
Murray’s tenure saw significant accomplishments, including the successful completion of a pilot program focused on enhancing combat medic training, developed in collaboration with the Medical Education and Training Campus, a tri-service training facility located near MEDCoE.
Beagle highlighted other transformational efforts led by Murray and Command Sgt. Maj. Laragione, such as the reimagining of combat medic training, the expansion of prolonged field care, and the incorporation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and artificial intelligence (AI) into the Basic Officer Leaders Course.
Additionally, they reformed Army casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) doctrine to better align with the needs of large-scale combat operations.
Murray will transition to a new role as the Joint Staff Surgeon in Washington, D.C., and expressed his appreciation for the talented individuals at MEDCoE during the ceremony.
He remarked, “When I came here 18 months ago… I thought I’d be doing some mission command and intent. What I realized incredibly quickly is you’re the most talented organization I’ve ever worked with, hands down.”
On the other hand, Maj. Gen. McQueen returns to MEDCoE following his role as the Deputy Surgeon General within the Office of the Surgeon General in Washington, D.C.
Beagle also praised McQueen’s professional reputation for excellent leadership and the ability to enhance organizational culture and deliver readiness.
“It is his reputation that stands out,” Beagle noted, adding that McQueen is well-equipped to foster a sense of urgency and care in Army Medicine.
In his address, McQueen expressed gratitude to Army senior leadership for the opportunity to lead MEDCoE, acknowledging the crucial and complex nature of the mission.
He stated, “I do acknowledge what our mission is, and how important it is, and I assure you, we will focus our resources every day on conserving the fighting force, so that our Soldiers are able to win and come home safely.”
MEDCoE is tasked with envisioning and designing Army Medicine capabilities that not only support current field operations but also future forces.
As one of 10 Centers of Excellence under the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, MEDCoE plays a vital role in shaping the future of Army Medicine.
For further information on MEDCoE, visit https://medcoe.army.mil/
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