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

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.

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"

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

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.

COL (Join to see), 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.

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.

Remarks complete...

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!

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?

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.