FORT KNOX, Ky. (July 11, 2017) -- Leadership of U.S. Army Cadet Command's 4th Brigade changed hands as Col. Matthew Ingram handed the unit colors to incoming commander Col. Farrell Duncombe during a change of command ceremony July 11 at Olive Theater. The 4th Brigade is headquartered out of Fort Bragg, N.C.
Dumcombe comes to 4th Brigade from the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy (Eisenhower School), Washington, D.C. Ingram is heading to Turkey where he will serve as the G-2 for the NATO and Allied Land Command.
Maj. Gen. Christopher Hughes, commander, USACC and Fort Knox, opened the ceremony with comments and well wishes for both of Ingram and Duncombe.
"There's an old saying in ROTC that "if you know one ROTC program, then you know just one ROTC program." That is because our programs are diverse, in geography, our people and especially our Cadets. Our Cadets come from a variety of different backgrounds, skills, abilities and different parts of the country. Simply stated -- no two programs are alike," he said. "In a brigade as diversely situated in geography and people such as 4th Brigade, it takes a clear vision, innovation and a sense of urgency to keep pace. Colonel Matt Ingram epitomizes these strengths and our Army's success completely depends on leaders of quality such as him."
Hughes went on to thank Ingram for his work at 4th Brigade and for Cadet Command.
"When leaders of quality are selected to be a commander, the responsibility, the authority, and accountability becomes absolute. When as officer is selected for command, it is the ultimate vote of confidence by one's superiors and the Army," said Hughes. "Matt Ingram is an excellent example of a leader who took command and held himself accountable - accountable to his superiors and his subordinates alike. His impact on 4th Brigade, Cadet Command and the Army cannot be overstated here today. You have left a legacy that will be seen and felt for many years to come."
The commanding general added, he thinks Duncombe will be up for the challenge of brigade command.
"When one commander leaves, another is chosen to take the reins of responsibility - the mantle of leadership and command," said Hughes. "Colonel Duncombe comes to us with a wealth of experience including multiple deployments across the globe. His experience will go a long way in preparing our future Army officers for a very complex and unpredictable world."
Serving as the commander for 4th Brigade was a great honor, said Ingram.
"I've had the opportunity to be a part of something far bigger than myself -- the development of future officers," he said. "I'm talking about the development of future officers to ensure the security of our nation and our way of life. We are where the rubber meets the road -- the quality, agility and adaptability of our leaders directly impacts the quality of our Soldiers."
Ingram then shared his confidence in Duncombe and wished him success leading the brigade.
"It's been a pleasure working with you for the past couple of weeks. You're an outstanding man of character and I have no doubt you will absolutely knock it out of the park," said Ingram. "This organization is going to thrive under your leadership and I look forward to hearing about the accomplishments of 4th Brigade under your command. I wish you the best of luck as you write the next chapter in the brigade's history."
The new commander then took a few moments to share his hopes for the command under his leadership.
"I am truly humbled and honored by the opportunity God has given me to command the 4th Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade and to serve the great men and women of this unit," said Duncombe. "I look forward to the journey that we will embark upon together as we recruit, educate and develop citizens and Cadets to become people of character who perform honorable service for the Army, our nation and the world."
The U.S. Army Cadet Command is the largest single source of new officers for the Army, commissioning the majority of the Army's new officers each year through the senior ROTC program.
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