FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Nov. 6, 2024) – Soldiers of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), held a color casing ceremony Nov. 6 on Fort Drum to observe the time-honored tradition of storing the guidon before a deployment.
Soldiers stood in formation behind their unit guidons before a crowd of 10th Mountain Division troops. Each guidon represents the heart of an organization and its Soldiers. The color casing ceremony signifies that the unit is preparing for its mission and will soon deploy. Once the unit reaches its destination and takes on its assigned task, the colors will be uncased, symbolizing that the unit is actively engaged in its mission.
Brig. Gen. Joseph Escandon, 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum deputy commander – operations, said the color casing ceremony holds special significance for Soldiers.
“The casing of the Warrior Brigade colors is not just a ritual; it represents the sacrifices and dedication of each Soldier in the formation. It serves as a reminder of the mission, their values, and their unwavering commitment,” he said.
Lt. Col. Ross Daly, commander of 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, explained the meaning of the color casing ceremony in preparation for a deployment.
“The act of casing the colors symbolizes the preparedness of the unit to mark a moment where the unit is no longer going to be at its home station but going forward on a campaign, … as you can see with many of the colors and streamers from prior campaigns,” Daly said.
The casing ceremony marks a pivotal moment for the unit. It symbolizes the transition from a garrison environment, as they roll up the unit guidon and case it in preparation for the deployment.
“Your training, professionalism, and unit esprit de corps have prepared you for the challenges ahead,” Escandon told the Soldiers standing before him. “You embody the very spirit of the 10th Mountain Division and all of the Mountaineers that have gone before you. The rest of the division is proud to serve alongside you, fully knowing that you will accomplish this critical mission to the highest of standards.”
The Warrior Brigade Soldiers trained extensively to prepare for their deployment to U.S. Central Command, including Mountain Peak and Warrior Peak before their culminating event at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Johnson, Louisiana, in which they used innovative techniques to fight a simulated enemy.
Daly said he believes in his troops, and he is excited to see how they perform during their upcoming deployment.
“We prepared for combat by starting at the individual level, working to team, squad and above, culminating at the Joint Readiness Training Center where we were able to fight as a battalion, preparing for the challenges known and unknown. I have faith and full confidence that we’re ready for the challenges ahead,” he said.
Cpl. Nicholes Indrieri, a mortarman assigned to 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, expressed his excitement for the upcoming mission.
“I’m super prepared to head over and I’m excited to go,” he said.
Social Sharing