Col. Derek Baird speaks with students in the Field Artillery Captains Career Course in January of 2024. (Judith Oman/Fort Sill Public Affairs)

The garrison commander of Fort Sill, in Oklahoma, was removed from his position last month with the Army providing an often-cited statement that officials lost “trust and confidence” in his ability to lead.

Col. Derek Baird took command of garrison operations at Fort Sill in June 2024 and was suspended in November while Installation Management Command conducted an administrative investigation into allegations officials did not release to the public. He was fired from the position Jan. 28 “due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to command.”

The Army frequently uses the phrase as a justification for relieving a commander following an administrative review. Additional information is protected by the Privacy Act, according to the Army.

A garrison commander oversees the day-to-day operations of an Army base, including infrastructure, security and quality-of-life for residents — similar to the role of a city manager in civilian communities.

Management and leadership of Fort Sill will sit with the post’s deputy garrison commander Julia Sibilla, an Army civilian, according to IMCOM.

Baird enlisted in the Army more than 28 years ago and transitioned after four years from a research technician to a field artillery officer through Officer Candidate School, according to his service biography.

He has deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. Before becoming the garrison commander at Fort Sill, he served as the assistant field artillery commandant. He served as a battalion commander with the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.

Army officials declined to provide details on Baird’s next assignment.