How do you conduct an assumption of command/responsibility ceremony for a unit with no outgoing commander and 1SG?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 05:42:37 -0400

I recently took part in standing up an Area Support Group in Jordan, and am the HHC commander. I was wondering if anyone knows the reg or what it should look like to conduct the ceremony since this is a newly stood up unit.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2021 9:08 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 09:08:08 -0400

What about a unit activation ceremony?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2021 10:42 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 10:42:59 -0400

sounds like you shoukd be looking for the Unit Activation reg.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2021 1:50 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 13:50:28 -0400

I would treat it like a normal CoC but only talk about the incoming leader. Speak briefly about the unit mission, hand the colors over to the leader after maybe uncasing them, and follow up with the normal ceremony. I believe activation guidelines will help but don't stress about. Try to make the moment simple.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jul 31 at 2021 3:49 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 15:49:41 -0400

So, I'm a little unclear on the exact situation. Are you taking command AS the unit is being stood up? If so, then what others have already said about Unit Activation ceremonies.

Or has the unit already been stood up? In the later case, there are really two options, one of which will seem to make the most sense to you/your uptrace. Do a modified assumption of command. BN commander passes the guidon to you. You give a (very brief) speech. Similar for the COR. Or, and I may get some hate mail for this, you could just post your assumption of command memo and start commanding...

In my career, I did, and have seen, all three methods. All are sometimes appropriate IMO. I personally value the impact of ceremonies like this less than the average servicemember, with some notable exceptions. We did my incoming and outgoing BN COCs by the book, and I am really glad about that. Even if it took me more than twice as long as I rehearsed to get through my outgoing speech.

Response by 1SG Mitchell Smith made Jul 31 at 2021 4:26 PM

1SG Mitchell Smith — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 16:26:25 -0400

As a 1SG and incoming to a previous 'weak' 1SG. Having a great Command Team is the most important part of a Commanders success. A 1SG will have several shots at leading
soldiers commanders usually only get one shot at it.

With that said, most come in with piss and vinegar ready to change the world. It could have been the CO and 1SG didn't see eye to eye and he sat silently waiting on the next Commander " not saying that's right. Once you're in and settled with your 30-90 day assessment put it down on paper (in counseling) what you expect of your 1SG and goals you want to achieve as a Team.

Good Luck.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 1 at 2021 12:12 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 12:12:59 -0400

We have troops in Jordan? Why?

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 1 at 2021 12:56 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 12:56:25 -0400

Perhaps that is what TRUMP is going to do on August 13, 2021. Only a dozen days until his Presidency is restored. With millions on Gunnies out there I better be ready

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 1 at 2021 12:57 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 12:57:30 -0400

It’s an activation ceremony and you in case the colors

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 1 at 2021 3:29 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 15:29:44 -0400

KISS!

Response by 1SG Chad Mcdaniel made Aug 6 at 2021 5:31 PM

1SG Chad Mcdaniel — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 17:31:30 -0400

Activation Ceremony, you are not Changing Command or Assuming Command so no Change of Command or Assumption of Command. Also last I knew they did away with Assumptions of any enlisted below CSM.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2021 11:04 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 23:04:59 -0400

I have seen one before. Do everything like normal but the BN Commander takes the guidon from the 1SG and gives it to you. Just adjust the script.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2021 1:11 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 13:11:09 -0400

Pick up the keys under the doormat and go to work.