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The Army is an organization richly steeped in tradition, most of which is rooted in its earliest beginnings. The Change of Command Ceremony is one of the most common and is rooted in military history dating back to the 18th Century. At that time, organizational flags were developed with color arrangements and symbols unique to each unit. The flag served as a rallying point and reminder of their allegiance to their leader during battle. To this flag and its commander, military members dedicated their loyalty and trust. When a change of command took place, the flag was passed to the individual assuming command in the presence of the entire unit. All unit members could witness their new leader assume the responsibility and trust associated with the position of commander. He who possessed the flag also held the unit members’ allegiance. This symbolic tradition has survived throughout military history.
On January 30, 2022 at 10:00 Captain Tomeca Barnes relinquish command to Captain Eric Williams. During Captain Eric Williams ceremony speech he talked about two key principles: mentality and time. Captain Williams emphasize that in order for Alpha Company to move in the right direction they must change their mindset and value time. Having a strong mentality to balance life and the military is key for our soldiers. Soldiers must possessed the mentality of an Eagle. An eagle is the only bird that can fly in high attitude. One will not see a pigeon flying with eagles because eagles only fly with other eagles. Captain Williams emphasized that soldiers must associate with other soldiers who are at a higher or on their level, or who can help them grow. Find soldiers who think like you so that you can both dream and grow together. “One way to kill a dream is by telling it to a small minded person.”
The other key principles that Captain Williams talked about was time. He emphasized that “time” is the most important thing in life one must value. Time is non-refundable, you can’t get time back. Time must be prioritize, valued, and not wasted. Soldiers need to stop wasting time with naysayers and negative people. The rich man and poor man both have the same 24 hours in day, but how they used their time is solely depend on them. Soldiers must understand how to use time to make good habits of structuring and organizing their Army career or life. If soldiers understand the value of time, they can gain experience and develop skills needed to advance their Army career. Captain Williams closing remarks, “Treat a soldier as he is and he will remain what he is. Treat a soldier as he can and should be, and he will become as he can and should be.”
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