FORT SILL, Oklahoma (Dec. 6, 2018) -- The unit colors of Ordnance Training Detachment - Sill changed hands Nov. 30, signifying new leadership during a ceremony at the Graham Resiliency Training Support Campus here.

Maj. Carlos G. Arriaza took the reins from outgoing commander Capt. Ryan Conway. Lt. Col. H. Russell Ravenhorst, 73rd Ordnance Battalion commander, was the officiating officer; and OTD-S 1st Sgt. Matthew Klawinski was the commander of troops. 1st Lt. Bayle Kirkland, OTD-S executive officer, served as emcee.

Dozens of leaders, OTD-S Soldiers, both in training and cadre, DA civilians, family and friends attended the 9 a.m. ceremony. Arriaza, a logistics officer, was most recently at Osan Air Base, Korea. Conway literally moves a couple doors over to become the executive officer of OTD-S.

During the ceremony, Klawinski handed the detachment colors to Conway, who passed them to Ravenhorst, symbolizing not only his passing of authority back to the battalion commander, but also transferring the accomplishments, legacy, and history ofthe unit, said Kirkland. Ravenhorst gave the guidon to Arriaza signifying the authority to command, and expectations of continued mission accomplishment. Arriaza returned the colors to Klawinski affirming his trust and confidence in the Soldiers and leaders of the "Roughneck" detachment.

Ravenhorst noted the numerous accomplishments during Conway's busy five months as commander, and he welcomed Arriaza, but first he spoke about command and leadership.

"Commanders set the azimuth, vision, and command climate," Ravenhorst said. "Our goal as commanders is to make it better.

"Commanders also listen," said Ravenshorst, who made the trip from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. "There is a reason for command teams in the Army. We are a learning organization, and listening is just one key aspect to good communication.

"Commanders decentralize," he said. "This is based on trust. Trust (of subordinates) is an important aspect of mission command.

"Commanders do the right thing. This is the very basis of character," Ravenhorst said. "Take charge, when in charge.

"And balance work and family, and work and social," he said.

"Ryan (Conway), I have seen these attributes you while you commanded this detachment," the lieutenant colonel said.

Ravenhorst recounted the accomplishments of Conway.

"You have ensured over 60 (Advanced Individual Training) Soldiers are ready to contribute to our Army," he said. "This is no small task for one of the smallest TRADOC (Training and Doctrine Command) detachment commanders being geographically dispersed from your battalion, and brigade headquarters.

"You have maintained strong relations with the Fires Center of Excellence team, he said.

Conway also integrated the schoolhouse activities within the command, handled high-profile incidences, executed the first M4 range at the detachment, and always ensured the mission was accomplished, he said.

Ravenshorst welcomed Arriaza, who he said came highly recommended.

"There are a lot of activities planned as we look to the rigorousness of our upcoming training," Ravenhorst said. "I am confident in you, your team here, to maintain focus and to continue to make it better," he said to Arriaza.

Conway who had been slated to become the OTD-S XO in July, instead become its commander when the detachment commander left early to become inspector general at Fort Lee, Va.

In his remarks, the captain thanked his family, numerous individuals by name, and units and organizations who helped him accomplish the OTD-S training mission of teaching young Soldiers radar repair, and Patriot missile maintenance.

"This organization holds the brightest Soldiers, and most dedicated and inspiring NCOs, officers, civilians, warrant officers that I have ever work with in commanding," Conway said. "From the drill sergeants, to the cadre, to my staff, to the students - it's all professionalism every single day. Thank you for being outstanding leaders and individuals."

Arriaza thanked God for giving him the strength to move forward. He also thanked Ravenhorst, and Col. Daniel Ellinger, 59th Ordnance Brigade commander, for giving him the opportunity to take command.

Afterward, he said it is always exciting to be training Soldiers, and to take command. He described his leadership style as setting the standard for his Soldiers.