By Sgt. David C. Kirtland, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 199th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) held an official change of command ceremony at Camp Beauregard in Pineville, La., on September 13, 2025. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Kenneth D. Paul, outgoing commander, relinquished command to Lt. Col. Richard J. Deblieux, incoming commander.
Brig. Gen. Jason P. Mahfouz, the assistant adjutant general – Army of the LANG, presided over the ceremony, passed the unit colors to the incoming commander and spoke at the event.
“On behalf of Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, I want to express thanks to Lt. Col. Paul for the completion of a successful command and well wishes to Lt. Col. Deblieux going into his command,” said Mahfouz. “These two gentlemen do a lot of heavy lifting for our organization and have done that heavy lifting for a long time.”
Since December 2023, Paul has guided the battalion through multiple training cycles and missions. Under his command, the battalion advanced its mission of providing top-tier military instruction and professional development courses for Soldiers across the State and region.
“When I assumed command, I knew the mission of this battalion was unique and no risk was afforded,” said Paul. “We were entrusted to build the future of our force, train leaders and sharpen skills to prepare Soldiers to serve with competence and confidence.”
Deblieux brings years of operational and instructional experience to his new position. In assuming command, he pledged to continue building on the battalion’s reputation as a premier training organization.
“It’s an incredible honor to assume command of this exceptional battalion. A unit charged with one of the Army’s most vital missions, training and shaping the future leaders of this organization,” said Deblieux. “I am deeply humbled by the trust placed in me and accept this responsibility.”
The 2-199th, headquartered at Camp Beauregard, plays a vital role in developing Soldiers’ leadership skills and technical proficiency, directly contributing to the readiness and strength of the Louisiana National Guard. Second Battalion is charged with providing the Officer Candidate School, Platoon Trainer Qualification Course, Tactical Certification Course, Pre-Warrant Officer Candidate Course, Basic Motor Transport Operator Course, Basic Horizontal Construction Engineer Course, Basic Carpentry and Masonry Engineer Course and the Basic Military Police Course.
