Colonel Ivan P. Beckman assumed command of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center in July 2018. ERDC is one of the most diverse research organizations in the world – seven laboratories located in four states, with more than 2,100 employees, $1.2 billion in facilities, and an annual program exceeding $2 billion. Prior to joining ERDC, Col. Beckman was the State Inspector General for the Mississippi National Guard, where he was responsible for advising the Adjutant General on combat readiness, discipline, and morale, and for providing inspector general assistance to over 12,000 Soldiers and Airmen of the Mississippi National Guard.