If you got the chance to recommend what the Battalion Commander said at his Change of Command speech...what would it be?

2015-03-03T11:09:08-05:00

It has been 2 amazing years as the Commander of 1-14 Cavalry. The Troopers here are representatives of the best that the United States has offered on the plate of sacrifice to the ideals that make this nation great. Now I have to sum all this up in a change of command speech and it sickens me every time some douche-waffle gets up there and recites his last 2 OER's so everyone knows how great he is. You're in formation...what do you want to hear that would actually make standing at parade rest for 30 minutes worth a damn?

Invite others to respond

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Mar 3 at 2015 11:31 AM

2015-03-03T11:31:54-05:00

Is COL Private RallyPoint Member word locked can't be....LOL

I agree that something short but maybe put some anecdotal stories about your time in command and words of wisdom to pass down to the troopers.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Mar 3 at 2015 11:44 AM

2015-03-03T11:44:22-05:00

Sir, you said: "You're in formation...what do you want to hear that would actually make standing at parade rest for 30 minutes worth a damn?"

My first thought:
"Beer is on me"

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Mar 3 at 2015 12:31 PM

2015-03-03T12:31:50-05:00

Some thoughts/recommendations on BN change of command outgoing speech.
- Clear, concise, and accurate. Don't use five words when one word will suffice.
- It is about the formation, not about you. Therefore talk about the formation.
- Talk big picture unit accomplishments then provide little picture examples. Use Soldier names and anecdotes where possible. This draws in both the Soldiers and their families. For example the outstanding 1SG and how he/she contributed, the Soldier who was awarded the Soldier's Medal and why, the LT who you want your parents to meet, etc.
- Be humble personally but talk like a proud parent when it comes to the formation.
- If you talk for more than 10 minutes then you have not been concise enough. Brevity has a quality all its own.

Response by SGT James Elphick made Mar 3 at 2015 2:57 PM

2015-03-03T14:57:38-05:00

Let your soldiers know how much it means for you to have served with them and that you are proud of the accomplishments of the battalion during your time as commander

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Mar 3 at 2015 3:14 PM

2015-03-03T15:14:21-05:00

Dismissed!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 3:19 PM

2015-03-03T15:19:57-05:00

COL Private RallyPoint Member, I've witnessed many command changes in my career. The speeches that have never left me weren't actually "speeches." They were communications from an out-going commander to his or her troops, one of the last of such that he or she will ever make to the soldiers.
Be sincere. Provide a few anecdotes about your service. Consider your troops and what side of you that will leave an impression. You can brag on yourself, but I assure you, it will be forgotten. Be concise and sincere. Mostly, be human. And never forget that there are troops who may, one day, try and follow in your footsteps.
Best of luck, Sir. Thank you for your service.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Mar 3 at 2015 3:28 PM

2015-03-03T15:28:28-05:00

Who am I to give advice on a change of command ceremony to a Lt Col? Well here it goes. Less is more in cases like this. Sincerity and brevity coupled with a few heart felt short stories about the unit's history and how it ties to the troops in front of you. I've been on the other end of a change in command in dress uniform in the heat hoping not to collapse as you hear other rifles and Marines hitting the deck.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Mar 3 at 2015 3:34 PM

2015-03-03T15:34:43-05:00

Sir, I would be sure to thank your family (if applicable) and all the battalion's soldiers.

Response by GySgt Joe Strong made Mar 3 at 2015 3:49 PM

2015-03-03T15:49:40-05:00

Whatever the Outgoing Commander wants to express about how he feels about the Troops, about the Command in 10 minutes, that's 600 seconds. Plenty of time.
Incoming Commander can feel free to express his vision for the Command, any express goals in 1/2 that time.
Troops should be off the Parade deck in no more than 5 additional minutes.

And that should be the definition of a LONG Change of Command. Less is more.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Mar 3 at 2015 4:06 PM

2015-03-03T16:06:58-05:00

I'd recommend he have a sit down event at theater, chapel, or similar venue. Say whatever wants the troops to know. Say he goodbyes and thank you. Then at Change of Command, keep his speech short, less than five minutes.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 4:12 PM

2015-03-03T16:12:50-05:00

Sir, there ain't much you can say that's going to make junior enlisted and junior NCOs want to be there. As far as I'm concerned, the change of command ceremony is like a wedding, it ain't for the attendee's benefit. Say what you want to say, be sincere, none of the enlisted want to be there anyway, a few minutes of listening to an officer hasn't killed a soldier yet.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 4:12 PM

2015-03-03T16:12:56-05:00

I would like to actually only have to stand there for 30 minutes (including having to be there early). That'd be a real treat!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 4:19 PM

2015-03-03T16:19:45-05:00

Sir! Thank you for caring. 3 steps
1 welcome every and thank guest naming only those who out rank you and family. NO more than 1-2 minute.
2. One sentence that defines the unit.
One sentence that is moment it time
1-2 sentences about Why you like the people of you unit. 2-5 minutes
3. Address your unit (if appropiate face them) with two briefy, direct, bad ass sentences that tell them how awesome they. 2-5 minutes
Add pauses for effect. 5 -12 minutes total. Leave your command awesome.

Anyone can talk for days but people remember the brief and powerful stuff.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Mar 3 at 2015 6:36 PM

2015-03-03T18:36:59-05:00

Sir, can you follow up with us and let us know what all you said in the speech? Or better yet, was it filmed and can you share it with all of us?

Response by SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. made Mar 3 at 2015 6:40 PM

2015-03-03T18:40:43-05:00

My three favorite words in a military parade were, "Pass in Review". Joking, sorta...

If I'm standing there freezing to death or sweating my ass off, which is customary, I'd appreciate hearing the accomplishments of the battalion during the period of your command, a few of the funnier highlights as well, and recognition of those who may have departed to that great Army in heaven during the period in question. Recognize the units strengths, weaknesses that were overcome, assets, and threats (if any). Make it interesting while maintaining the traditions of our Army.

Congratulations Colonel!

Response by SSG Kenneth Lanning made Mar 3 at 2015 6:42 PM

2015-03-03T18:42:28-05:00

Remarks complete...

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 3 at 2015 6:49 PM

2015-03-03T18:49:34-05:00

"Don't overthink the Problem"
- A Kennedy (USMC).

- It's not about what you've done, it's about what your men have done, and what your men are going to do. You are proud to have been a small part of that.

- In the last few years, you've seen their already sizable accomplishments, and more importantly you've seen their potential. Both personal, and to train others.

- As you said, "The Troopers here are representatives of the best that the United States" tell them that. Exactly that. With that passion. The reason you dread these speeches is because you don't think you can adequately convey the emotion you feel with mere words, when your men have shown you ACTION over the last few years.

- Talk about the man who is replacing you. How he deserves their trust, confidence, and everything they have shown you.

- And finally, something that General Zinni did for us at his retirement ceremony, which really struck home and made it "worth it" to stand out there at parade rest for a 30 mins. Do a school circle before the event. Call the guys together and do a quick thank you. Something much more informal, and let them know this is appreciated, and that you would prefer to do something shorter, but "we all have to play the game."

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 6:58 PM

2015-03-03T18:58:33-05:00

COL Private RallyPoint Member, many good suggestions on here for making heartfelt ovations to the Warhorse Troopers. I will simply add two things:

1. For the love of God, please don't say "I would be remiss if I did not thank..."

2. Make sure that neither you nor your successor say "Spearhead"

Best wishes of success in your next assignment!

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Mar 3 at 2015 7:22 PM

2015-03-03T19:22:22-05:00

COL Private RallyPoint Member, I would recommend his command philosophy- discussing leadership, standards, troop leading procedures, short/long-term objectives within the organization. I would always focus on training and family first to make it an cohesive Army Unit. All of this within 10 minutes or less.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 8:24 PM

2015-03-03T20:24:33-05:00

First off, Sir, be yourself. Beyond that, be bold, be brief, and be gone!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Mar 3 at 2015 8:44 PM

2015-03-03T20:44:14-05:00

COL Private RallyPoint Member, almost every post I've seen from you on this forum was to the point, well thought out, energetic and appropriate. I'm confident that when you stand before your Troopers, you'll have thought of the right things to say!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 8:58 PM

2015-03-03T20:58:23-05:00

COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM hit the nail on the head. My outgoing CO for my current command made a 3 minute speech. Mine was going to be around 45 seconds as incoming but the CSM said I needed to introduce myself then and there. As such my incoming was as her outgoing. I started with, "So I came here saying my speech be shorter than hers. That's gonna be tough to do with an intro, but I'll try...."

While ceremony. .....17 minutes with 2 awards presented. Lol. ....the 1SG was shocked!!
V/R,
CPT Butler

Response by SFC Josh Jackson made Mar 3 at 2015 11:11 PM

2015-03-03T23:11:22-05:00

Incoming: You guys look great, we're going to be awesome, let's get the hell off this parade field and get after it!

Outgoing: You guys were great, we were awesome, let's get the hell off this parade field and get after it!

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 1:32 AM

2015-03-04T01:32:38-05:00

Sir, here's 50 points for the use of "douche-waffle!" Now, if you can incorporate that into the speech, the terrorist would lose.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 4:27 AM

2015-03-04T04:27:17-05:00

'Remarks complete. Dismissed'

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 10:44 AM

2015-03-04T10:44:02-05:00

Congratulations COL Private RallyPoint Member, on a successful command. Having just changed command last year, but having spoke on more than a few occasions, I share equal sentiments about recapping my support form or thanking everyone and anyone.

Speak about something -- speak about veterans, or the profession -- give a message to those in the crowd. If you do what many others do (see above), most are not going to remember it. If you try to give a message, many may not remember it. But a few might. I talked about service and remembering those who served before us and I had a few remark that it was refreshing, but that doesn't mean I did well or was right.

But other than thanking my immediate family, I believe as leaders we should provide a message to our soldiers, peers and those that chose to attend. Strive to make an impact -- this is your TED talk and you have the chance to change a few lives, potentially. Maybe talk about veterans suicide or other issues that you commented on so eloquently here on RP...

For inspiration from another cavalryman, read T Roosevelt's entire speech Citizenship of the Republic. Plenty of motivation in there for me as I conducted more than a few presentations.

My two cents. Again, congratulations from one Cav commander to another.

Response by MAJ Chris Ballard made Mar 4 at 2015 2:04 PM

2015-03-04T14:04:50-05:00

Remind him there is no bad speech under two minutes long. You can cut down on a lot on your time if you skip buzzwords.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 3:24 PM

2015-03-04T15:24:53-05:00

Less

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 4:11 PM

2015-03-04T16:11:30-05:00

Thank those who outrank you for their attendance. Speak about the adversities your unit faced, and how they overcame them as a reminder of what kinds of situations they can overcome together; praise your unit for the things they did exceptionally well because they really are that good; tell them goodbye in whatever way is fit for you, and introduce your replacement.

Retire the party to the appropriate venue for food, drinks, and a good time. Best to go out with a bang, and a great party where soldiers can see you as a human being who truly appreciates all they've done during your tenure will do wonders for their morale and pride. Congratulations, sir!

Response by SSG Paul Pattat made Mar 4 at 2015 4:54 PM

2015-03-04T16:54:06-05:00

Keep in straight and to the point. Soldiers aren't in formation to hear you talk. There's a place and time for that way before CoC.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 4 at 2015 10:21 PM

2015-03-04T22:21:50-05:00

Do not forget to thank your spouse, if so authorized by MTOE. Either do it or first or last. Don't forget unless you want to do your personal property inventory on your front lawn later on that evening.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 4 at 2015 10:24 PM

2015-03-04T22:24:14-05:00

recommend highlighting great soldiers and the accomplishments of the command.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 10:37 PM

2015-03-04T22:37:26-05:00

When is your ceremony Sir? I have drill up there this weekend and would shake your hand.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 4 at 2015 11:36 PM

2015-03-04T23:36:28-05:00

Be Ready, Be Brief, and Be Gone. The rules I learned, from one of my BCs were the host has 3 minutes, the outgoing commander has 5, and the new guy has 1... No one really cares what the host or the new guy has to say....

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 12 at 2015 12:01 AM

2015-03-12T00:01:42-04:00

Be brief, be concise, and be gone. No one really cares what you have to say, but your family and friends. The troops on the field, just want to leave ASAP.

My Battalion Commander, when I was an XO had a rule, that I adopted... the host gets 3 minutes, the Outgoing Commander gets 5, and the new guy gets a 1 minute. Thank those who helped you be successful, especially your Soldiers, and don't forget the ones closest to you. Be brief, be concise, and be gone.

The only time I violated his credo, was perhaps when I retired....

Thanks for your service!!!

Response by CPL Jesse Vasconcelos made Mar 25 at 2015 10:02 PM

2015-03-25T22:02:19-04:00

"Let's kick some a**" oh yeah did you hear the one about the goat and the Navy?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 10:09 PM

2015-03-25T22:09:12-04:00

The following is a transcript of outgoing company commander Capt. Vince Miller’s change of command speech:

Good morning everyone. I’d normally begin with our unit motto, but after two and a half years of starting every meeting and discussion with it, I just don’t think I can stomach it anymore. So I’ll say good morning like a normal human being.

I should probably thank my battalion commander for the opportunity to command this company over the last few years, in both combat and garrison, but I think I’d rather go out into the parking lot and key his car for saddling me with the greatest collection of idiots, malingerers, and criminals that have ever walked the face of this earth.

You’ll notice my wife and daughters aren’t here sitting in the audience today. That’s because Sheila left me six months ago when I had to skip our 10th anniversary trip to Jamaica so I could come in on a Sunday for unit PT, since one of you dipshits decided to go out and get his third DUI.

I wasn’t allowed to go to marriage counseling last year when our relationship was on the rocks because the commander had said that soldiers were the priority. So instead I gave my slot to Private Steadman and his former prostitute wife who he met on R&R in Brazil the month prior. Once they got back, she took all his money and Steadman killed himself. So thanks for that.

Do any of you morons have any clue how much paperwork it causes when you blow your sad little heads off? At least have the courtesy to go AWOL first. But for fuck’s sake don’t come back for at least 30 days so I can drop you off my books and let someone else deal with the meatsack of failure that is your existence.

This would now be the part of the speech where I talk about our glorious combat achievements. Too bad, there’s nothing glorious about walking around Afghanistan for 12 months finding IEDs with your feet. Now I’m deaf in one ear, have almost a pound of shrapnel in my ass, and occasionally I wake up screaming for no fucking reason. But you know what? That doesn’t make me a goddamned hero. That was the worst part about coming back. Not my empty home, empty bed, or shattered dreams. No, it was listening to you fuckwads thump your chests and talk about how badass you all were. Did any one of you actually get a confirmed kill over there? One?

I didn’t think so.

So in closing, let me say this. Thank you for the countless weekends I lost with my daughters because I had to deal with your trivial bullshit. Thank you for the two suicide investigations that forced me to cancel training events I’d planned for almost a year. And most importantly, thank you for the dishonesty, poor accountability, and outright theft of almost two million dollars in equipment, which is why I won’t be receiving another paycheck until February.

May God smite you all with the power of a thousand suns, and your souls be condemned to Hell for eternity.

And to the incoming commander. Good luck and God bless you for making such terrible life choices.

There’s a bottle of scotch in the third drawer of my desk. You’re going to need it.

I hate you all.

Outgoing Company Commander: 'I Hate You All'

Response by LTC J. Lee Mudd made Mar 30 at 2015 6:14 PM

2015-03-30T18:14:45-04:00

I'm scheduled to take command on May 31, and I've been considering the same thing. Traditionally, the main speech is for the outgoing to commander to thank the troops for their support and hard work, while the hosting officer usually expresses congratulations for a job well done and welcomes the incoming commander and spouse.

I've been told the new commander should not say much more than "I welcome the opportunity to command such a fine unit and look forward to our upcoming challenges. All policies and procedures remain in effect until further notice." Of course, a bit more is necessary, but standing there speechifying does little good unless one is a master rhetorician.

To answer your question, LTC Halvorsen, I'd recommend thanking your family for their support, your boss for the opportunity and guidance, hitting a couple of highlights where the battalion/squadron was successful against challenges, perhaps mention a couple of MVPs in the unit, and finally thank the Soldiers, NCOs and officers of the unit for their loyalty to you and their service to the Nation.

Then salute while the band plays the Garryowen!