Lau assumes command of 3,200 Nevada Guard soldiers

A Dayton man will become the Nevada Army National Guard’s newest Land Component commander at a change of command ceremony Sunday at the Nevada Air National Guard Base in Reno.

The change of command ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Col. Randy Lau will assume command from Brig. Gen. Troy Armstrong. The Land Component commander oversees the Nevada Army Guard and serves as the commanding officer of more than 3,200 soldiers across the Silver State.

“I want to thank our leadership and the state of Nevada for their faith in my ability to take command,” said Lau, who has served numerous commands during his career, including the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), California Army Guard, 2021-22.

Prior to his command in California, Lau worked multiple roles in the Nevada Army Guard including more than two decades assigned to the 1st Squadron, 221st Cavalry.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve the soldiers and family members of the Nevada Army Guard,” he said. “We will prioritize building readiness with urgency, care for our soldiers and their families, and drive innovation and excellence to meet every challenge.”

Armstrong, a resident of Henderson, has served as commander of the Nevada Army Guard since 2020. Under his leadership, the Nevada Army Guard secured millions of dollars in state and federal funding for training facilities, including more than $40 million for weapons qualification ranges and maintenance and infrastructure.

According to the Nevada Guard, the organization consistently ranked among the top 10 states in the nation for recruiting, retention, and medical readiness during Armstrong’s tenure.

Armstrong serves in a full-time civilian capacity with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He is director of Child Protection Investigations for the Unaccompanied Minor Bureau, Office of Refugee Resettlement.

Armstrong received U.S. Senate approval for a certificate of eligibility of promotion to the rank of major general. He will continue serving the Nevada National Guard as the assistant adjutant general.

“Randy brings a wealth of experience and proven leadership to this role,” Armstrong said. “Having previously commanded the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in California and served as the director of Operations and Training for the Nevada Army National Guard, he is well-equipped to build on the strong foundation we have established.”