'Chapter' closed: Task Force Marshall encases colors

Photo By Emily Hileman | Maj. Gen. William B. Dyer III, commanding general of 108th Training Command, speaks before the unveiling of a statue dedicated to Task Force Marshall, Oct. 20. For nearly 20 years the task force was tasked with training service members before they deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.  

FORT JACKSON, SOUTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

10.20.2023

Story by Emily Hileman 

Fort Jackson Public Affairs Office

“The greatest secret in the state of South Carolina,” also known as Task Force Marshall encased its colors, Oct. 20, following almost 20 years of successful missions.
“Task Force Marshall has been an important spoke in the wheel of the Global War on Terrorism for almost 20 years (by) training inactive ready reserve Soldiers and sailors” said Timothy Small, former drill sergeant and alumni of Task Force Marshall and guest speaker for the event.
Task Force Marshall was established at McCrady Training Center on the far east side of Fort Jackson in 2004 to refresh Basic Combat Training skills and issue personal equipment to surging troops for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom
In 2005, the Navy stood up the Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center Detachment for the 17-day Navy Individual Augmentee Combat Training course. More than 37,000 sailors received imperative training from Army drill sergeants for joint land-based overseas assignments during the Global War on Terrorism.
The following year in 2006, the 98th Training Division became the sole provider of Task Force Marshall Army cadre until the mission was completed this year.
The encasing of the colors was held at McCrady Training Center and was immediately followed by the dedication of a monument to all who have served and supported Task Force Marshall.
Originally under the command of 108th Training Command and 98th Infantry Division, Task Force Marshall reported to the Leader Training Brigade prior to being deactivated, Oct. 20.
Although the colors were encased and the unit deactivated, Col. Kenneth M. Dwyer, Leader Training Brigade commander challenged the members of Task Force Marshall to stay vigilant and prepared.
“Just because this chapter is over does not mean this story has concluded,” he said. “There will be another mission … So, do not allow the blade to become dull. Do not allow your warrior tasks to be diminished. Stay prepared. Stay sharp. Be ready for the next battle, the next fight, the next chapter in your careers.”
Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, South Carolina adjutant general, also emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant, steadfast and “true to the calls that have allowed this nation to be a beacon of hope to the world.”
He continued to applaud the efforts of the Army and Navy and the power of the partnership they displayed over the nearly 20-year mission.
“The power of working together to a common cause to a common good,” McCarty said. “We put down those differences that we have and embraced what makes us strong. It gives us what we have here today – a success story that has been told and will continue to be told for years to come.”
Task Force Marshall was named for General of the Army George C. Marshall. Marshall, a celebrated World War I and II veteran and secretary of state, has been one of only five Soldiers to hold the rank of five-star general.
Over his four years of serving as the Assistant Commandant of the Infantry School at Fort Moore (previously Fort Benning), Georgia, he transformed Active Duty, National Guard and Army Reserves infantry training and he also heavily influenced Army doctrine during this time.
Marshall went on to serve as the Army Chief of Staff in 1939. During this time, he raised and equipped the largest ground and air force in the history of the U.S., which earned him the nickname “the organizer of victory” by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
Maj. Gen. William B. Dyer, 108th Training Command commander, highlighted the parallels between George C. Marshall’s efforts at Fort Moore and Task Force Marshall’s ability to combine all three Army components to enhance effectiveness in war and to advance the cause.
“It’s bittersweet,” said Lt. Col. Thaddeus Clark, Task Force Marshall commander. “I, personally, didn’t want it to end, but once the Navy said they had an alternative plan, then we had to focus on shutting it down.”
Reserve and Active Guard Soldiers assigned to Task Force Marshall will revert to reserve status, return to their home units, and receive further assignments. The guidon and other unit memorabilia will be divided between the 98th Training Division’s Museum at Fort Moore (previously Fort Benning), Georgia and 108th Training Command’s Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Date Taken: 10.20.2023
• Date Posted: 10.26.2023 07:49
• Story ID: 456569
• Location: FORT JACKSON, SOUTH CAROLINA, US