When Jason Lambert joined the Oregon National Guard, places such as Iraq and Afghanistan were simply names on a map.

Exotic, far away and mildly interesting to many, neither nation breached the collective attention span of America.

Lambert, though, eventually learned a great deal about Iraq. Deployed to that nation twice, Lambert, who grew up in La Grande and attended Eastern Oregon University, said he considered his time in that war-torn nation a key milestone of his military career.

The 40-year-old Lambert, who works as a math teacher at Hermiston High School, reached another career highlight in February when he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Oregon National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, a former Pendleton-area resident, promoted Lambert at a ceremony in Pendleton.

It was great to have him (Rees) take the time to be there, Lambert said. He was very encouraging.

Lamberts promotion arrived three months after he stepped into top slot of Eastern Oregons Army National Guard outfit, the Third Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment. The Third Battalion is part of Idahos 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team. The 116th consists of Guard battalions from Eastern Oregon, Idaho and Montana.

Lambert has spent almost his entire part-time military career in the Third Battalion and traveled with the unit to Iraq in 2004 and 2010.

Lambert served as the battalion executive officer, or second in command, when the unit deployed to Iraq in 2010.

Lambert takes over the battalion commander slot at a critical time in the Third Battalions history. Fresh off a year-long deployment to Iraq, the battalion was recently selected to field the U.S. Armys most up-to-date and technically complex tank the M1A2 SEP.

Lambert said the acquisition of the new tank is significant for the battalion.

We are the only brigade to receive the SEP, Lambert said.

The new tank is a technological game-changer. The tank showcases a host of improvements including upgraded armor, superior thermal imaging systems and an enhanced turbine engine.

Yet the new weapons platform creates higher expectations as well as opportunity, Lambert said.

For a unit fresh off a deployment to Iraq, the addition of the new tanks will create a steep learning curve.

The biggest challenge is putting new leadership in place and getting units ready for new equipment training so soon after a deployment, Lambert said. We dont have the time to rest you normally have after a deployment.

Still, Lambert, 40, said he believes the Third Battalion is up to the task.

We have a lot of expertise, he said. I think we will be highly successful. There is a lot of tradition and pride in this unit.

He said his promotion earlier this month was the culmination of a long-term goal.

It is the peak of my career with the battalion. And it is an honor and a privilege, he said.