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

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.

COL (Join to see), 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!

"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."

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!

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

COL (Join to see), 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.

Is COL (Join to see) 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.

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.

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.

Congratulations COL (Join to see), 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.