FORT BENNING, Ga., (July 7, 2016) -- The Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade held a change of command ceremony June 30 at Victory Pond.

Col. David Fivecoat relinquished command to Col. Douglas Vincent.

Prior to taking command at Fort Benning, Vincent was the Professor of Military Science for the Virginia Military Institute.

Brig. Gen. Peter Jones, Infantry School commandant praised the leadership of Fivecoat and his accomplishments as commander of the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade.

"Under the leadership of Col. Fivecoat and Sgt. Maj. (Curt) Arnold, they built and led an organization that could adapt, that could overcome. They provided necessary guidance, direction and motivation every step of the way, focusing on standards and what was important to build the next generation of Rangers," Jones said.

Fivecoat took command in June 2014. During his tenure, three women made history as the first female Ranger school graduates.

"You have made an impact on every unit you have built, and every Soldier you have trained," Jones said.

Fivecoat spoke about the accomplishments of the brigade.

"I have been truly fortunate to be able to be a part of this great organization and serve side-by-side with superb Ranger instructors, blackhats, aviators, medics, Soldiers and civilians who work here," said Fivecoat.

The day before the change of command ceremony, Fivecoat jumped with a Pathfinder class.

"Yesterday I got to take what I think will be the last jump of my Army career," Fivecoat said. "Like the old paratrooper in the song, I will slip away from the ARTB and you amazing leaders."

The incoming commander, Col. Vincent, expressed gratitude to all who attended the ceremony.

"I am inspired and awed by this amazing opportunity to serve in the unit as a torch at the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade," said Vincent.

He thanked his Family for their support and all his mentors for their guidance throughout his life and career.

Vincent said how he was looking forward to working with the unit.

"You know that the greatest Soldiers and leaders are not merely assembled, they have to be forged in fire," said Vincent. "You are that fire, and I look forward to turning up the heat with you."