Photo By Pvt. Autumn Johnson | U.S. Soldiers with the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, stand...... read more read more
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FORT RILEY, Kansas — The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, conducted a change of command ceremony at the Cavalry Parade Field on Fort Riley, Kansas, July 10, 2023.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III, and Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher L. Mullinax, command team of the 1st. Inf. Div. and Fort Riley, presided over the event as “Devil Brigade” transitioned command from Col. Brian E. McCarthy to Col. Ian J. Lauer.
The official party, consisting of Meyer, McCarthy and Lauer, performed an inspection of troops prior to the passing of colors, a tradition that dates back to Alexander the Great. The color guard ceremoniously presented the colors to the official party, signifying McCarthy giving command of the brigade to Lauer.
McCarthy commissioned through Officer Candidate School in 1998 as an Armor officer, and has served in the 18th Airborne Corps, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Inf. Div., and the 1st Cavalry Div. among other units. McCarthy is a graduate of the Armor Officer Basic and Infantry Captains Career Courses and was a Command and General Staff College Art of War Scholar. He is also a graduate of the School of Advanced Military Studies and the Army War College's Carlisle Scholars Program. He has served in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, including three deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and another for Operation Inherent Resolve. His awards include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal. He served as the 1st ABCT commander since June 2021.
“Waking up this morning, I thought back to the first time I held those colors, 25 months ago, and I cannot believe how quickly the time has gone by,” McCarthy said. “I'm amazed by all these Soldiers and what this armored combat brigade has done and continues to do for our nation. I've always been confident in the Devil Brigade Combat Team’s ability to meet every challenge.”
During his speech, McCarthy mentioned that one of his former commanders often told him that there is nothing more important than a Soldier.
“Each of you joined to do better, to be better,” McCarthy said. “You joined something larger than yourself. It's your Army that gave this world this great nation. Without the 1st Infantry Division, without America’s first brigade, the United States that our founding fathers envisioned does not exist. There is nothing more important than a Soldier and it's been my honor to stand within your ranks.”
Following his closing remarks, McCarthy recited the “Long Motto Call”, the Division’s motto, as his last order for the unit after which Lauer thanked his predecessor and formally introduced himself to the unit.
Lauer received his commission through the University of Minnesota in 1999. He has graduated from Armor Captain's Career Course, and the Joint Command and General Staff College at the Baltic Defense College in Tart, Estonia. He is a 2022 graduate of the United States Army War College with a master's degree in Strategic Studies. His last assignment was as the Assistant Chief of Staff, operations and training officer, for the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps - Turkey in Istanbul, Turkey. Lauer has had three deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and one deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“To the Soldiers of America’s first brigade, your professionalism is on full display here today,” Lauer said. “You honor the U.S. Army, the 1st Inf. Div. and the Devil Brigade by upholding the time honored traditions of this ceremony. Our war fighting purpose is clear and we will continue to execute the routine things well, while building the most capable and lethal combined arms team possible.”
Following Lauer's remarks, the brigade performed a “Pass in Review”, the most traditional part of the ceremony which demonstrates the glory and strength of the assembled troops.
To conclude the ceremony, the Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard rushed across the field to perform a cavalry charge, the finest tradition of the cavalry. The ceremonial charge is reminiscent of the historic Army tradition in which mounted combatants advanced towards their enemy in an attempt to engage in close combat.
“Let fortune yield to experience and steal your resolve in declaring a séance,” Lauer said. “Let us try sustaining victory throughout, because this we’ll defend. Duty First. America’s First. Devils.”
| Date Taken: | 07.10.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 07.18.2023 17:52 |
| Story ID: | 449347 |
| Location: | FORT RILEY, KANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 438 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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