New Leaders Take the Reins of the Blackhorse Regiment

FORT IRWIN, Calif. -- Troopers of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment conducted a rare combined Change of Command and Responsibility ceremony on Fritz Field, July 1.

During the ceremony, the Regiment Commander, three squadron commanders and a Squadron Command Sergeant Major relinquished their duties to new leaders.

Combining ceremonies to mark changes in leadership is not uncommon for many units in the Army, but to do it on such a large scale is. Since all five outgoing leaders received orders to their next assignments at nearly the exact same time, the cerimonies were consolidated into one event.

Col. John L. Ward, the 65th Colonel of the Regiment, passed the unit colors to Col. Kevin L. Jacobi who is joining the Blackhorse. Jacobi served as the Director of Operations for the Combined Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa at his previous assignment. Ward will become the Chief of Staff for the 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

"I along with those departing this unit love this Regiment for its traditions, its rich history, but even more so for the people past and present associated with it," said Ward during his farewell address to the Regiment. "I have heard some people say it's all about the stories. And to some degree I agree with that. But I will go one step further and say it's all about the people, the people who create those incredible stories."

Lt. Col. Frederick R. Snyder served as the 1st Squadron Commander for the past two years. He will become the Enlisted Personnel Directorate Chief for Military Occupational Specialties 19K (M1 Armor Crewmember) and 19D (Cavalry Scout) at Fort Knox, Ky. Snyder passed the squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Paul J. Wilcox. Wilcox is joining the Regiment from his most recent assignment as an instructor in the Department of Tactics at the Command and General Staff Officers Course.

Lt. Col Jeffrey G. Bramlett served as the 2nd Squadron Commander for the past two years and relinquished his command to Lt. Col. Shane D. Celeen. Celeen joins the Regiment from his most recent assignment as a Professor of Military Science at Colorado State University.

Lt. Col. Scott M. McFarland served as the Commander of the Regimental Sustainment and Support Squadron (RSS), 11th ACR for the past two years. McFarland will become the the Personnel Directorate Office Chief of the Ordnance Corps, Fort Lee, Va.

Command Sgt. Maj. Gary D. Shine served as the RSS, senior enlisted advisor for the past two years. After more than 30 years of honorable service Shine will retire from the Army. He passed the noncommissioned officer's saber to Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth L. Reynolds, who joins the Blackhorse from the 45th Sustainment Brigade, Fort Shafter and Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

"Having been in this Army for 31 years, I know that it takes strong and inspired leadership to set the conditions that; not only does a unit accomplish its missions but also truly takes care of its families," said Maj. Gen. Theodore D. Martin, Commanding General of the National Training Center. "The Blackhorse command team did just that."

Ward spoke of the leaders taking command of the Regiment, reminding them that they are not members of a new team rather; they are new members of a team that has been present since 1901. "Believe me; our veterans won't let you forget that. I along with those others departing today are honored to say that with you, we rode with the Blackhorse; the best damn Regiment that you will ever see."

Following Ward's address, he and Jacobi shook hands before Jacobi took to the podium.

"To the Soldiers and Families, and the friends of the Blackhorse; Kathy (spouse) and I are deeply humbled to be joining the ranks of the most professional, disciplined and formidable outfits on the earth. To you I pledge my service and devotion to duty every day."

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