PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - Soldiers assigned to U.S. Army Garrison Picatinny Arsenal traded their U.S. Army Materiel Command patch for that of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology) or ASA (ALT) during a patching ceremony here on Feb. 18.
A patching ceremony in the U.S. Army is a tradition that marks a Soldier’s transition to a new unit or to mark participation in a combat deployment. The ceremony also symbolizes a soldier’s integration into an organization’s history.
In accordance with Headquarters Department of the Army Execute Order 123-25, the Secretary of the Army directs that all uniformed soldiers supporting garrison operations will wear the shoulder sleeve insignia of their installation senior commander’s unit.
Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, Picatinny Arsenal commanding general and Joint Program Executive Officer Armaments and Ammunition, wears the U.S. Army Acquisition Corps patch. It features the Greek “Alpha” and Omega” and is adapted from the organization’s emblem, symbolizing the intricate and continuous acquisition process and mission.
The ASA (ALT) team operates across the spectrum of the Army modernization and enterprise to ensure land and cyberspace dominance for the U.S., its partners, and allies.
“We can’t do what we do here at the Arsenal without the garrison team,” Reim said during the ceremony.
“When you look at where we are at in history, what we are doing in terms of readiness and modernization, and to support our international partners, it all starts with safety, security, wellness, and all the services and support that the garrison provides. I think it is symbolic and important that we are all wearing the same uniform and now the same patch.”
Reim then gave direction to publish the orders before first “patching” Lt. Col. Craig A. Bonham II, Picatinny Arsenal Garrison Commander.
The garrison commander than patched Command Sgt. Maj. David M. Franks, the organization’s most senior non-commission officer (NCO).
Bonham and Franks then simultaneously swapped out the patches of the garrison’s two religious support specialists, Sgt. 1st Class Randy McKire Jr., and Sgt. Tisha Rivera, to close out the brief but symbolic ceremony.
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