Do you think company level change of responsibility ceremonies are needed?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 08:28:47 -0400

There is a new policy that stops the change of responsibility ceremonies below battalion level.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jun 13 at 2015 8:45 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 08:45:56 -0400

Its a great ceremony, one where the outgoing Commander can really show some personal appreciate with his/her troops.

Sir, can you share that policy, is it a local policy?

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 13 at 2015 8:47 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 08:47:39 -0400

Yes, I think company level COR ceremonies should continue to happen. I have never heard of this policy...though I have been out since 2011. Is this a new thing? Perhaps a local policy?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 13 at 2015 8:47 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 08:47:42 -0400

I feel its just important to recognize the transfer of authority of the 1SG as it is the company commander so policy be damned.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 13 at 2015 9:40 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 09:40:21 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member it is a very important ceremony. Totally agree with this new concept. Thanks MAJ Carl Ballinger for helping me pull my head out of my @#! I like the idea and I think is a great move to build unity and the command realtionship of the 1SG and CSM at the company, battalion, brigade, and BCT/Division levels. 1SG and CSM rock and they make stuff happen!

Response by COL Jeff Williams made Jun 13 at 2015 1:28 PM

COL Jeff Williams — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 13:28:04 -0400

Change of Command or Change of Responsibility? I think there is a difference

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jun 13 at 2015 3:41 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 15:41:22 -0400

I think company change of commands are needed, simply it is part of military tradition and sets forth the UCMJ command in the unit. Discipline starts within the unit, commander/1SG has the task at hand. Respect to all that have endured!!!

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jun 13 at 2015 3:48 PM

SGT Richard H. — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 15:48:29 -0400

I don't know if it's necessary, really, but I think it's a useful ceremony versus a new commander just showing up one day. It kind of makes it official.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jun 13 at 2015 7:47 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 19:47:13 -0400

Needed? No. For that matter, change of command ceremonies (at any level) are also not "needed". However, they are all symbolic, and they allow opportunities for the incoming and outgoing commanders and senior NCOs to show their appreciation for the troops that have influenced, or will influence, any success they will have in those leadership roles. Thus, I think they should remain.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jun 13 at 2015 8:43 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 20:43:31 -0400

YES, without a doubt! It gives the Soldiers of that unit a chance to see and hear the new CO and/or First Sergeant. It gives that Commander the chance to start out on an even slate with the men of his new company, for the first time they meet as a Company...I could go on and on. And someone at DA thinks it is a good idea to slap traditions in the face...well, I guess...after all these are those wonderful people that are now making it an issue what shower a person uses based upon what it thinks it is.....God I am glad I am retired.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2015 6:59 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 06:59:45 -0400

My thoughts are no and I didn't have one because I took a non traditional 1SG job but, I can see how plenty of people would want one. I just don't like fanfare.

Response by COL Jeff Williams made Jun 14 at 2015 8:51 AM

COL Jeff Williams — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 08:51:45 -0400

I think a any level, if nothing else, it acknowledges the role and importance that the 1SG and CSM has. It also gives others the chance to show their gratitude for the job they have done. I cannot think why their would be a policy against it, but then again......

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2016 1:01 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 13:01:52 -0400

I remembered there was a FORSCOM email message came down about a year ago stating that there will be no more change of responsibilities for below BN level. Anyone still have that email message?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2018 10:57 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 10:57:11 -0400

First, to the best of my knowledge, there is no such policy. Second, let me explain something, especially to those that replied "not necessary or needed". Visualization is a VERY strong tool to use in any organization. How often do we ask "show me" when we don't understand something? Or use the phrase, 'seeing is believing'? It is important for the Soldiers of a unit to see that the 1SG on the left is no longer in charge and that 1SG on the right is. This applies to almost all ceremonies. To those who "don't believe in pomp and circumstance" need to understand that ceremonies are not for those that are being honored, it is for the audience. During an awards ceremony, it is important for Soldiers to know that they can be rewarded for good work and going above and beyond. During COC and COR, it is for the Soldiers to know who is in charge, visually seeing it take place sends a very clear message. Tradition comes into play when you arrange the extent of the ceremony; how elaborate you want it. I agree with others in this thread, simple is better.

Response by SFC Domingo M. made Feb 11 at 2021 8:48 AM

SFC Domingo M. — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 08:48:36 -0500

Do you mean Change of Command ceremonies at company level? I stood in formation for many of those in my time. It's good to have the out going Commander to make his final comments to the unit and to formally pass the Company Guidon on to the incoming Commander. It's tradition and I like tradition. Traditions are under attack nowadays constantly. We need to hold on to as many as we can for as long as we can.