Brig. Gen. Robert J. Pratt is the first commander of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB), formerly the 404th Chemical Brigade where he also served as commander prior to its restructure. He assumed this position in April 2008. As commander of the 404th MEB, he is responsible for the overall readiness, operations, training, maintenance, and logistical support of his subordinate units as well as the management, welfare, morale, discipline and safety of its members

General Pratt holds a Master's Degree in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College and a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. 

General Pratt has more than 28 years of military experience. He served as an enlisted member of the Illinois Army National Guard from 1980 to 1983 prior to receiving his commission. He was commissioned in 1983 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Western Illinois University.

General Pratt joined the Illinois Army National Guard in September 1980 as a private and was commissioned as a second lieutenant on May14, 1983. Following commissioning, he was assigned as a platoon leader with the 1st Battalion, 123rd Infantry Brigade in Peoria. He has held various command and staff positions throughout his career including, battalion executive officer, 1st Battalion, 123rd Infantry Brigade, Bloomington; battalion commander, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Brigade in Urbana; 66th Infantry Brigade commander in Decatur, during transition to the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Urbana; Strategic Planner, Joint Force Headquarters in Springfield; and Assistant Adjutant General, Joint Staff Commander Joint Task Force, Joint Force Headquarters in Springfield; commander of 404th Chemical Brigade in Chicago.

General Pratt's awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with 1 silver oak leaf cluster and 2 bronze oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, 2nd Award, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Silver Hour Glass, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, 2nd Award, Parachutists Badge, Air Assault Badge, and various awards and decorations from the Illinois Army National Guard.

General Pratt's civic affiliations include member of the American Legion Post 93, Farm Bureau, National Guard Association of Illinois and National Guard Association of the United States.

General Pratt is married with three children.

As of Jan 2011

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