ADELPHI, Md. -- A change of command and patching ceremony was held at the U.S. Army Reserve Research Laboratory here March 2 to commemorate Col. John M. Diaz, commander, United States Army Reserve Information Operations Command and a native of Centerville, Ohio, as he relinquished command to Col. Mark. C. Ditrolio, a native of San Antonio.
The USARIOC's citizen soldiers, aptly named "Guardians of the Net," leverage their civilian-acquired information technology and cyber security skills, experience and education to defend critical national infrastructure abroad and within the United States.
Under Diaz's leadership, the USARIOC deployed four detachments, totaling more than 100 cyber security soldiers to defend army and coalition information networks in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
The USARIOC recently was awarded the ISC2 Government in Information Security Leadership Award for the rapid development and deployment of individual and team cyber training technologies, programs and tools serving as a moniker of excellence defining cyber workforce initiatives.
Additionally, they fostered multiple training relationships with U.S. Cyber Command, Army Cyber Command, the U.S Intelligence Community, Department of Homeland Security, Naval Postgraduate School, military service academies, Carnegie Mellon University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The USARIOC is the Army Reserve's premier cyber unit, ready at all times to defend the nation.
"While you attack and defend from afar and through an ephemeral void called cyber space you are freedom's warriors. You are guardians of the net," said Diaz. "What you bring to the fight can be found nowhere else in the entire world … Col. DiTrolio brings you grand vision, brings you leadership and he brings you a caring patience. He will serve you well as you will serve him well together you will go far in the defense of our country."
"Soldiers of USARIOC, it is an honor to be your commander. This is an outstanding unit with a group of exceptionally talented soldiers," said DiTrolio. "I commit to help you continue to the great work that you do. These are interesting and challenging times we have right now … but I know that the soldiers of the USARIOC will continue to rise to the challenges and I look forward to being there with you."
Effective Feb. 1, the USARIOC's higher headquarters transitioned from the United States Army Reserve Joint and Special Troops Support Command to the 76th United States Army Reserve Operational Response Command signifying a shift in the organization's history.
With the transition to the 76th USARORC, the unit has inherited the lineage and honors of the historic 76th Infantry Division. Along with this inheritance, the 76th and its assigned units have the distinct privilege of continuing the legacy of the 76th ID by being authorized to wear the division's shoulder sleeve insignia - one that is so rich in tradition, history and honor. To honor this, the USARIOC will be the first of 20 subordinate commands to wear the 76th's patch.
"Let me just say how ironic it is and I think fitting that you are the very first unit to put the 76th patch on your shoulders and what an honor it is for me to be here with you," said Maj. Gen. Daniel L. York, commanding general, 76th USARORC. "Cyber didn't exist and I think it only appropriate that cyber warriors be the very first citizen soldiers to put the 76th patch on."
The USARIOC's patching ceremony was initiated by Dr. Walter Mietus, a 76th Infantry Division World War II veteran, as he placed the patch on the commanding general, symbolizing the continuance of the 76th ID's legacy. Mietus then went on to patch all soldiers of the USARIOC.
"It's a mind-blowing experience for me being away from the military for all these years," said Mietus.
Social Sharing