USAMRMC Capt. Aaron Northup assumed command of Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command at Fort Detrick Jan. 11. In this position, Northup will oversee the day-to-day operations of all active duty Soldiers serving at MRMC.

Northup is the youngest of seven children and hails from a small town in Wisconsin. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and spent four years in the Infantry before changing his focus to the Medical Service Corps, where he worked in construction management and medical logistics. In addition, Northup has spent time in Germany and Iraq as well as served as the Aide-de-Camp to Lt. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker and Maj. Gen. Carla G. Hawley-Bowland. In addition to his family, he takes great pride in the fact that he truly enjoys his job. He says, every job he has held has been a good one and that he has never had a bad job.

Northup's approach for his role as the Company Commander is one of leadership, maintenance, and care.

"Leaders are there to lead, and they should do so by being an example and setting the standard." He adds that it is vitally important to never lose sight of the Soldier because the Soldier is the entire reason for our work at MRMC.

In this new role, his primary goal will be to support the everyday activities of Soldiers so that they are able to focus on the overall MRMC mission. He says this is a great opportunity to build the Company and ensure that it is operating smoothly and effectively. Northup intends to accomplish his goal by following the rules and regulations that have been established by the U.S. Army in a straightforward and honest manner. He describes himself as a "black and white kind of guy" who will do whatever is necessary in order for the Company to be successful.

In his spare time, Northup enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter and maintaining an active life; he is an avid golfer and also enjoys skiing, snowboarding, and traveling.