As the U.S. military finishes up operations in Afghanistan, Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division are welcoming a new commander.

Brigadier General Milford Beagle took command from Major General Brian Mennes during a special ceremony on Fort Drum Monday afternoon.

Mennes led the division through its most recent deployments, and now hands over his command at a time when the future is unknown.

There are still a small number of 10th Mountain Division soldiers in Afghanistan.

Beagle, who comes to Fort Drum from Fort Jackson in South Carolina, says there may be a very small number of soldiers still deployed for a while.

Beagle says he still needs some time to really narrow down his focus for the division, but he already knows what will be on top of the list.

“I’ll tell you for sure, number one is going to be people, followed very closely by readiness. If we take care of our people, everything falls into place when you do that. It’s not just your soldiers, but it’s your families, your civilians, as well as your community,” Beagle said.

Beagle is very familiar with the area, having served as the division's deputy commanding general for support.

Mennes' next stop is not yet determined.