I had the privilege of attending about as good a change of command as you are ever likely to see. The Marines get some well-deserved credit for their drill team, but the Army's Old Guard is the President's escort and our nation's top ceremonial unit for a reason. They showed why yesterday when COL Jim Markert took command of the 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) from COL Dave Anders. The Army's premier band Pershing's Own and the Fife and Drum Corps provided the perfect musical accompaniment. The troops of the Old Guard filled the parade field w/ martial splendor. But the highlight of the day was the speech by incoming commander COL Markert. It was one of the first ugly hot days of Summer here and the soldiers had been baking nicely for a while. All they had left was to endure the endless prattle of the new boss man and they could pass in review and pass into the A/C. COL Markert took only 21 words to greet them and announce all policies and procedures were still in effect. The troops were too disciplined to give the rousing cheer such a brilliant economy of words deserved, but we in the stands did. Plus he sure gained some good will and respect from the soldiers he now commands. Bravo Sir! Here are some pics and video from the event.
Read the complete post at http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Blackfive/~3/mcgCAsIvFVA/the-old-guard-changes-command.html
Posted
Jun 19 2012, 02:01 PM
by
BLACKFIVE