NY Army Guard headquarters detachment gets new commander on Wednesday, Sept. 27

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Captain Darren Hagan

LATHAM, NY (09/26/2023) (readMedia)-- The detachment responsible for the 320 New York Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to New York National Guard headquarters in Latham gets a new commander on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 27.

Capt. Darren Hagan, a New Windsor resident, will take over Joint Forces Headquarters Detachment from Major Douglas Berinstein, a Clifton Park resident who has led the detachment since 2021.

Reporters are invited to cover the traditional change of command ceremony at the New York National Guard headquarters in Latham.

WHO: Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general of New York and the presiding officer for the ceremony; Capt. Darren Hagan, the incoming commander; Major Douglas Berinstein, the outgoing commander.

WHAT: Traditional military change of command in which the Headquarters Detachment Guidon will be passed from Berinstein to Hagan, signify the change of responsibility for the detachment.

WHEN: 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023

WHERE: New York National Guard Headquarters, 330 Old Niskayuna Road, Latham.

COVERAGE OPPORTUNITIES

There will be an opportunity to interview the incoming commander and outgoing commander, as well as Major General Ray Shields. Video images include the ceremony and Soldiers in formation.

Members of the press must call Division of Military and Naval Affairs Public Affairs at 518-786-4581 for access to this secure military facility.

BACKGROUND:

HEADQUARTERS AND HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT, JOINT FORCE HEADQUARTERS NEW YORK

The detachment provides administrative support for the 320 New York Army National Guard personnel who are assigned to work at National Guard headquarters. The detachment is responsible for ensuring that these Soldiers meet Army training, health, and fitness standards, and ensure that personnel are placed in the appropriate military schools. The detachment is also responsible for federal military equipment assigned to the headquarters.

CAPT. DARREN HAGAN

Captain Darren Hagan began his military career in 2011 when he enlisted in the New York National Guard as an infantryman assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment.

In 2013 he was accepted into the New York State Army Officer Candidate School receiving his commission in August of 2014 as a Military Intelligence officer.

Upon commissioning in August of 2014, he was assigned to 53rd Troop Command until December when he transferred to the 42nd Infantry Division and ultimately taking the role Assistant Intelligence officer for the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry.

In January of 2017 he was transferred to the 10th Mountain Division Main Command Post Operational Detachment as the targeting officer. He deployed to both Iraq and Kuwait in that position. He also served as the executive officer with the detachment.

Hagan is a graduate of the information operations qualification course, military deception planners' course, military intelligence advanced course, and military intelligence basic course.

He works as a full time National Guard officer for the mission assurance assessment team which supports the Army by evaluating important U.S. strategic assets.

Hanga's awards include: the Joint Service Commendation Medal, ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL, and the Army Achievement Medal.

MAJOR DOUGLAS BERINSTEIN

Major Berinstein began his career in 2006 by enlisting in the Field Artillery completing basic training in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Upon commissioning as an officer in May 2009, Berinstein was assigned as a platoon leader in the New York Army National Guard's 206th Military Police Co.

In February 2011 he transferred to the 107th Military Police Co. and deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where he took over as company executive officer. In 2013 he was assigned to HHD, 104th Military Police Battalion as an assistant operations officer.

Berinstein transferred to Joint Forces Headquarters in January 2016, serving on the joint staff in the operations section. He then was assigned to Headquarters Company of the 102nd Military Police Battalion in June 2017 as the battalion supply officer.

In September 2020 Berinstein was promoted and assigned as the Camp Smith Garrison executive officer. Berinstein Berinstein's next assignment is battalion operations officer for the 102nd military police battalion.

Berinstein is a graduate of the Army Command And General Staff College, and both the Military Police and Logistics captains career courses.

Berinstein holds a law degree from Albany Law School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from New England College. In civilian life, Berinstein currently works as an attorney in the office of legal affairs at the Division of Military and Naval Affairs.

Berinstein's awards include: the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal.