KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Soldiers with the Train, Advise, Assist Command-South (TAAC-South), which is comprised of the 40th Infantry Division with the California National Guard; the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division; and NATO allies, participated in a transfer of authority ceremony, March 14, 2018.
During the ceremony, leaders from the 1st BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., relinquished command, authority, and responsibility to the leaders of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
Col. Toby Magsig, commander of the 1st BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., relinquished command and authority as the Kandahar Airfield commander to Col. Dave Zinn, commander of the 2nd IBCT, 4th Inf. Div.
Command Sgt. Maj. Robert H. Cobb, 1st BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., relinquished responsibility as the TAAC-South command sergeant major to Command Sgt. Maj. Anton J. Hillig, 2nd IBCT, 4th Inf. Div.
The ceremony included the casing of the 1st BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., colors, which symbolized the end of the brigade's deployment and return to Fort Bragg, North Carolina
"To Col. Magsig and Command Sgt. Maj. Cobb ... as the deputy commander and senior enlisted leader of TAAC-South, I relied heavily on your judgment and leadership every day we served together," said Brig. Gen. John Lathrop, commanding general for TAAC-South and reviewing officer of the ceremony. "Perhaps your most important contribution was leveraging your leadership and energy toward the development of the (vehicle-borne improvised explosive device) working group. (Although) borne out of the tragedy of losing two paratroopers (it) had a material impact on saving lives of TAAC-South Soldiers (and for that) the 82nd Abn. Div., 40th Inf. Div. and the entire (Combined Joint Operations Area-Afghanistan) owes you a debt of gratitude, thank you."
Zinn, whose brigade arrived to Afghanistan in late February, extended his gratitude to the leaders and Soldiers of the 1st BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., for relief in place, he said.
"Your unit demonstrated exceptional professionalism, complete transparency and a selfless willingness to help us to be successful, exactly what I expect from world class paratroopers," said Zinn.
As Lathrop and Soldiers of TAAC-S bid farewell to Magsig, they welcomed Zinn to the TAAC-South Family.
"TAAC-South could not be more fortunate to have the War Horse brigade on ground led by you," said Lathrop. "Your combat record is impeccable and the Soldiers of the (War Horse brigade) have shown themselves to be a tough and dedicated formation."
As the Soldiers of the 1st BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., prepare to return home, the 2nd IBCT unfurled its colors to mark the beginning of its deployment.
Zinn took command of the 2nd IBCT in June 2017 and expressed how proud he and his Soldiers are to be part of TAAC-South and the resolute support mission.
"We are humbled at the opportunity to work closely with some of our strongest NATO allies, particularly our close friends from Romania and Bulgaria," said Zinn. "It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve alongside you, and we look forward to working together to achieve success."
As part of TAAC-South, the 2nd IBCT'S mission will be to train, advise and assist the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces through security force assistance and integration of effects in order to develop long term sustainability.
"(The 2nd IBCT) understands fully that this is a critical year in Afghanistan," said Zinn. "We are trained, we are ready, we are confident and we are resolute."
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