Gov. Brian Schweitzer and Brig. Gen. Randy Mosley made two high-level appointments within the Montana National Guard last week, naming a new director of the Joint Staff and a new commander of the 495th Combat Support Battalion.

Col. Bradley Livingston was appointed the new director of the Joint Staff at the Joint Forces Headquarters at Fort Harrison.

The Great Falls native is also in line to receive his star and enter the state’s limited pool of general officers.

“I’m definitely humbled by their decision,” Livingston said Monday, speaking from Washington, D.C. “It gives me an opportunity to continue preparing the guard for state emergencies.”

Livingston replaces Brig. Gen. John Del Toro, who now commands the Montana Air National Guard in Great Falls.

As director of the Joint Staff, Livingston will oversee strategic planning and ensure the Montana Guard is ready both logistically and operationally for state and federal missions.

“For a lot of us, I think Katrina brought back how important the National Guard is,” Livingston said. “The people know they can count on their National Guard to assist the state of Montana in an emergency.”

Lt. Col. Scott Smith, of Helena, was appointed commander of the 495th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, replacing former commander Lt. Col. Patrick Nugent.

“I think a battalion command is the dream of every Army officer,” Smith said. “As our state changes, the opportunity for getting a battalion command changes as well.”

Based in Kalispell, the 495th specializes in logistics, transportation and general combat support. As commander, Smith will oversee the welfare of 500 soldiers.

“We provide multifunctional logistics to any theater of operation that needs it,” Smith said. “We have the administrative command of other subordinate units in the state to contend with as well, all with different mobilization times and different mobilization requirements.”

Smith earned his commission in 1990 and has served as the guard’s public affairs officer and as a training site manager, among other duties.

Martin Kidston can be reached at 447-4086, or at mkidston@helenair.com