HOHENFELS, Germany -- U.S. Army soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment materialize in mass from a cascading screen of red and green smoke. The battalion's specially modified fighting vehicles flank the ranks of troops while ringing out bursts of blank-fire as two helicopters fly low over the field.
The ceremonial opening pays homage to the fighting spirit of the unit, and helps initiate the change of command ceremony for the Warrior battalion at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, July 13.
The passing of the battalion guidon bids farewell and honors the legacy of the outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Matthew T. Archambault, departing after a two-year tenure. Taking the guidon, Lt. Col. Michael R. Condon, accepts the position of battalion commander for JMRC's Opposing Forces.
Soldiers representing all companies of the Warrior battalion, command leadership, soldiers and family members of JMRC, civilians, and representatives of the host nation community attended the ceremony.
Col. Curtis Buzzard, JMRC's Commander Operations Group, first addressed and commended the Soldiers of the battalion.
"You've gained a reputation across the entire Army," he said. "In my time here you all have shown tremendous agility in rapidly adjusting your tactics to those seen on the battlefield today."
In addition to the OPFOR mission, the Warriors have the same training requirements as any other infantry battalion in the Army. Individual and squad level live fire exercises, antitank gunnery, urban operations and advanced marksmanship all occupy the battalion's time when not taking the fight to the training units that rotate through Hohenfels.
"I appreciate the complicated nature of your mission, the unpredictability of demands," he continued "you make up for it with the agility to adjust with creative solutions. Potential adversaries watch how hard we train and your efforts are critical to deterring them."
Their agility and professionalism was not limited to the training area though.
While under Archambault's command, the 1st Bn., 4th In. Regt., produced a McArthur Award Winner and multiple Best Warrior Competition winners for U.S. Army Europe. The battalion executed individual to platoon level range and live fire exercises and conducted an intense training program which qualified many of the soldiers to wear the expert infantry badge. Archambault's command established a pipeline of Soldiers completing Ranger School and many are enrolled and waiting to attend.
"Although he would not claim credit," said Buzzard, "much of these accomplishments are owed to Lt. Col. Archambault's leadership."
Taking the podium, Archambault was clearly moved in retrospect of his time as a Warrior.
"The last two years were a gift I couldn't have imagined," he said.
"We've been truly blessed here and we've had the opportunity to revel in the very essence of what it means to be professionals," said Archambault, "to do in the Army what we came in to do."
"We came to learn and know our trade as no one else knows it," he said, "to be exactly what the Army needs."
He credits his Soldiers for advancing their expertise and presence above and beyond what others achieve. He commended the Warriors' for becoming unmatched as a battalion focused on enhancing U.S. and Multinational Forces' troop readiness.
He honored the Warriors' service and dedication to the Army and their valuable contribution to the growth of his leadership and his observance of the Army values.
"They say to leave things better than you find them," he said. "Well, I leave you better than you found me."
Lt. Col. Archambault will transition the lessons he has learned as an OPFOR commander and impart them on U.S. units training at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Ft. Polk, Louisiana.
After taking the lectern, Lt. Col. Condon thanked Archambault and Buzzard for their confidence and trust as he embarks on his journey in command and addressed the Warriors gratefully.
"To the men and women of the Warrior battalion," said Condon. "It is my honor and privilege to join your amazing team."
The Warrior and JMRC communities will long reap the results of Lt. Col. Archambault's work within the battalion, and are confident in Condon's leadership taking the OPFOR into the future.
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