Col. Walter E. Piatt assumes command of the Infantry School during a 4 p.m. ceremony today at the Benning Conference Center.

Piatt takes over the position that was left vacant by Brig. Gen. Bryan R. Owens, who departed in June as commander of the Infantry School as the post was transformed into the Maneuver Center of Excellence.

Piatt has been deployed four times to the Middle East, twice to Afghanistan and twice to Iraq.

Early in his career, Piatt served at Fort Benning. After enlisting in the military in 1979, he attended basic, infantry and Airborne training on post before he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Brag, N.C.

As an enlisted soldier, he also has assignments with the 172nd Infantry Brigade, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky.

After leaving active military service, he graduated from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in biology and re-entered active service in 1987.

He also has a master of science degree in military history and a master’s in military science.

Some of Piatt’s numerous awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

Piatt is the second officer to assume a top command at Fort Benning over the last month. Late last month, Col. Thomas S. James took command of the U.S. Armor School.

He assumed command from Brig. Gen. Ted Martin who returned as commander of West Point where he graduated in 1983.