PICATINNY ARSENAL, New Jersey –
Brig. Gen. John T. Reim assumed his new roles as Joint Program Executive Officer Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO A&A), and Picatinny Arsenal Commanding General, as Brig. Gen. William M. Boruff relinquished his authority and responsibilities to his successor in a change of command ceremony here on June 10.
Before his new assignment, Reim served as Director, Defense Security Cooperation Management Office – Afghanistan. Reim is a native of Franklinville, New Jersey, and graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering management.
JPEO A&A is responsible for development, procurement and fielding of lethal armaments and ammunition, providing joint warfighters and allies with overmatch capabilities. Functions of the office include integrating budgets, acquisition strategies, research and development, and life-cycle management across all armament and ammunition programs.
The Honorable Douglas R. Bush, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, presided over the ceremony.
Bush thanked Boruff for his contributions in advancing a number of U.S. Army initiatives, including the Extended Range Cannon Artillery, the new suite of ammunition for the Next Generation Squad Weapon, and modernization of the ammunition industrial base.
“He is extremely dedicated to the success of our joint warfighters, modernization of the organic industrial base and support of operations worldwide,” Bush said. “Bill, your outstanding leadership and contributions to the Army, sister services and the nation, our coalition partners, are exemplary,” Bush added.
Bush said Reim has a broad range of experience that provides solid grounding for his new assignment, and can continue the momentum of the organization. “John is an accomplished officer across his Army career,” Bush said. “John, you have my full confidence and support as you lead this illustrious team into the future.”
Boruff thanked members of the JPEO A&A workforce for its support and assistance in making the difficult decisions. “Just the pure professionalism of this organization is fantastic, so it’s been an honor to end my career here as the commanding general of this installation.”
The retiring general described his 39 years and six months of service as a blessing for him and his wife, Linda, who he called the “cornerstone” of the family during his multiple deployments. Boruff noted that she gave up her career as an Army nurse to care for the family and to support his career.
“Needless to say, that has always made me successful, and this star is just as much her honor as it is mine,” Boruff added.
In his remarks, Reim noted that he was a “Jersey Boy” who never had a chance to serve in his home state until now. “It feels really good to be home in the great state of New Jersey,” he said.
The incoming general thanked Bush for his trust and confidence, and praised Boruff for his leadership and accomplishments on behalf of the U.S. Army.
“Patty and I are both extremely excited to join team Picatinny and the JPEO enterprise,” Reim said. “The team here has a critical mission and a significant part to play in our nation’s defense.” Reim and his wife have four children, who form the core of what he calls “Team Reim!”
The ceremony included a symbolic transfer of command responsibility with the passing of the keys to the cannon gates from Boruff to Reim. A retirement ceremony for Boruff was held after the command ceremony.