Prineville police chief gets new Guard post

Prineville Police Chief Eric Bush will be spending some time in Korea in coming months, in his second role — as an Oregon Army National Guard brigadier general.

The Oregon Military Department said Monday that Bush, commander of the 82 Brigade Troop Command, has been assigned as the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, J-3, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea.

In his new role, Bush will work directly with another Oregonian, Maj. Gen. David B. Enyeart, who is the Chief of Staff, J-3, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea. Enyeart has held the position since February 2012.

The mission of the CJ3 is to provide operational direction for all Republic of Korea and U.S. Forces assigned to and under the operational control of the Commander, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea/Ground Component Command to properly train and prepare ROK and U.S. Alliance Forces.

Both Enyeart and Bush have also served as law enforcement officers in their respective communities; Enyeart as Toledo, Ore. police chief. Bush has served with the Prineville Police Department since 1988.

Bush is certified as a corrections officer, has worked as a narcotics detective, and, in 1997, received recognition as the Oregon Narcotics Enforcement Association Officer of the Year for his region. He is also a 1999 graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Bush holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and Communications from Western Baptist College and a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.

He is a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and his awards include the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star.

Col. Steven R. Beach is scheduled to assume command of the 82 Brigade Troop Command.

The United States and Korea are observing the 60th anniversary of the Korea War Armistice on July 27 with events planned in both countries. The Oregon National Guard plans to participate in the commemoration scheduled in Wilsonville.

Bush noted Monday that the role is an Army Reserve position, with “trips back and forth,” and the same time commitment to the Guard he has now.

“It varies from 74 to 139 days a year,” Bush told NewsChannel 21. “The biggest change is that I won’t be doing traditional ‘drill weekends’ or an ‘”annual training’ that is typically associated with reserve service. Rather, my time will be driven by training and operational requirements from Korea.”

And he’s not too worried about how things will go back home while he’s out of the country.

“I have a great team here,” he said, adding, “Keep in mind much of that time runs over weekends as well. “