New leader takes helm of large, diverse mission portfolio

Army Lt. Col. Brandon S. Ebel handed command of Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Anniston, Alabama, to Army Lt. Col. Nick Taylor on June 6 in a ceremony led by Army Brig. Gen. Kevin L. Cotman, the DLA Distribution commanding general. The event also marked Ebel’s retirement after 24 years of Army service.

“Your impact on the joint force is immeasurable, but at times it can be overlooked,” Cotman said. “I want you to know that I see it. I see your dedication, your pursuit of excellence, and all that you have accomplished under Brandon’s leadership.”

During Ebel’s tenure in Anniston, the operation adopted digital tools that sharply accelerated processing of urgent orders—from roughly two and a half days to a little over half a day. He also oversaw an organizational realignment that merged seven divisions into three mission-focused teams, boosting the distribution center’s surge capacity.

Taylor arrives after serving as the deputy assistant chief of staff for operations and future operations chief with the 593rd Corps Sustainment Command. Commissioned in 2003 through Officer Candidate School, he holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design from Radford University and a master’s degree in national defense and strategic studies from the Naval War College.

His military education includes the Combat Advisor Training Course, Naval Command and Staff College, Logistics Captains Career Course, Ordnance Basic Officer Leadership Course and Airborne School. His previous assignments include roles with the 551st Medical Logistics Company, 62nd Medical Brigade (2003–2008); 125th Forward Support Company, 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment (2008–2009); 308th Brigade Support Battalion (2009–2010); 657th Forward Support Company, 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment (2010–2011); and command of the 247th Quartermaster Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (2011–2013). He later served as a recovery team leader for the Joint Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Accounting Command (2014–2016); a company grade assignment officer at U.S. Army Human Resources Command (2016–2018); Distribution Integration Branch chief for the 593rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command (2019–2020); support operations officer and executive officer for the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (2020–2022); and most recently commanded Alpha Company, 6th Battalion, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade (2022–2025).