Proving Ground to Activate Contracting Battalion

A new unit will be activated later this month at Aberdeen Proving Ground.

The 926th Contingency Contracting Battalion will be activated in a ceremony at 10 a.m. on Aug. 27 in Mallette Auditorium at the proving ground.

The new unit's formation marks the end of old military practice for personnel in the contracting career field. Before, workers would do day-to-day training with the Expeditionary Contracting Command. Members are now being sent to contracting centers like the one on the proving ground. With the new unit, the proving ground's Army Contracting Command will include integrated military members for the first time, according to a release.

"This action provides greater predictability for our civilian contracting leaders in assigning work to Soldiers in their offices," Maj. Gen. Camille M. Nichols, commanding general of the Army Contracting Command in Huntsville, AL, said in a release. "It also provides greater professional development opportunities for contracting soldiers as they are offered increased contracting experiences.”

Lt. Col. Derek Draper will command the new unit, according to a release. Draper will also remain chief of the garrison contracting division at the proving ground for Army Contracting Command.