A change of command ceremony is one with a long tradition in the military dating back to the Napoleonic era. It is the formal transfer of authority for a large military unit, like a battalion or division, from one commander to another. Lt. Colonel Dave Osborn formally assumed command of the 3/297 on Saturday May 26th and I was able to attend the change of command ceremony marking that event. The ceremony took place at Camp Buehring in a large hanger at the airstrip there. Soldiers from all five of the battalion’s companies were present in formation. There were several generals and other dignitaries in the small audience gathered for the occasion.
The ceremony began with the entrance of the outgoing commander, the incoming commander and an officer representing the overall command, in this case, Third Army. They stood before the formation of soldiers for the posting of the colors. The color guard, consisting of two soldiers with rifles at shoulder arms flanking two flag bearers carrying the U.S. flag and the battalion flag, slowly paraded the colors to the front of the formation. A rendition of the National Anthem followed. After that, the outgoing commander, acting as the host for the event, escorted the new commander on a review of the troops.
When that was completed the formal transfer of command took place. The outgoing and incoming commanders moved to a position facing each other about two feet apart close to the color guard. The Third Army officer then stood slightly back and between them facing the color guard and the formation. The outgoing commander took the battalion flag from the flag bearer. He handed it to the Third Army officer representing the higher command, who in turn handed the flag to the incoming commander. The flag was handed back to the flag bearer and the officers moved to chairs and a podium where each in turn made short remarks on the occasion. The colors were then slowly paraded off to the side of the formation by the color guard and the ceremony was concluded.
It was a simple event yet full of symbolism and tradition. The battalion flag symbolized the soldiers that the new commander now had as his responsibility. The presence of the American flag symbolized the oath all soldiers take to defend the nation, their fellow citizens and the constitution.
Lt. Colonel Osborn is an experienced officer with many years of service in the regular army and the Alaska Army National Guard. He recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan and volunteered to take on the assignment of leading the 3/297 during the final five months of its mission in Kuwait. I’ve met Colonel Osborn on several occasions over the years and know him by reputation. The battalion is in capable hands.
1 Comment
May 28, 2007 at 9:10 am
Hi Mike~
No one told me that you were doing this. I can’t wait to see the documentary. I’ll keep it short as you probably have a ton of other things to do. We’ll add you to our prayers. Enjoy the experience.
Angelique