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FORT JACKSON, S.C. (WACH/AP) -- A veteran of three tours in Iraq is taking command of the Army's largest training post.

Brig. Gen. Bryan Roberts assumes command at Fort Jackson in Columbia on Tuesday from Maj. Gen. James Milano, who is retiring after 33 years in uniform.

"Time flies unbelievably fast," said Milano.

Roberts was involved in training Iraqi forces during his last deployment. He will become the 45th commanding general in Fort Jackson history.

Roberts has also served as the deputy commander of the U.S. Army Recruiting Command at Fort Knox., Ky., and as commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team with the 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas. He has served as a plans and operations officer in the White House military office and on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon.

"I think my biggest challenge, along with my battle buddy Commander Sergeant Major Benson, will be just upholding the tradition of excellence here," said Roberts

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University in commercial marketing and merchandising, a master’s degree from Central Michigan University in administration and a master’s degree from the National War College in national security and strategic studies.

In addition to his deployments to Iraq, Roberts served overseas in Germany and Bosnia.

Roberts is married with three children.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)