Military Awards and Promotions

Ceremonies depicting military personnel receiving awards and promotions, highlighting service recognition, formal attire, and camaraderie among troops.

Sgt. Richard Carlson of Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, a Health Care Specialist with the Minnesota National Guards Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Battalion, 94th Cavalry Regiment, shakes hands with Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew R. Metter. Carlson was one of twelve National Guard Soldiers who competed in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, participated in an awards ceremony. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Brig. Gen. Colby Wyatt, director of joint staff for the Oklahoma National Guard, pins the Legion of Merit medal on Col. Thomas Gibson, outgoing commander for the 45th Field Artillery Brigade, during a change of command ceremony at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Mustang, Oklahoma, Jan. 7, 2023. Gibson served as the commander of the 45th FAB for three years and relinquished command to Col. Johnnie Moss. (Oklahoma National Guard

Sgt. Richard Carlson of Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, a Health Care Specialist with the Minnesota National Guards Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Battalion, 94th Cavalry Regiment, shakes hands with Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew R. Metter. Carlson was one of twelve National Guard Soldiers who competed in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, participated in an awards ceremony. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. ARMY JAPAN held a patching ceremony at Yano Field in CAMP ZAMAJAPAN on JUNE 17th, 2022, authorizing both U.S Army Soldiers and JapanSelf-Defense Force members to wear the new patch that symbolizes theirenduring bilateral relationship.

Maj. Gen. Bob D. Harter receives the 81st Readiness Division's guidon during his assumption of command ceremony held today at the 81st Readiness Division on Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. Harter, who officially assumed command of the 81st RD on September 20, 2022, most recently served as the Deputy Chief of the Army Reserve at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.Distinguished guests at this event included Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels, Chief of the Arm Reserve and Commanding General of U.S. Army Reserve Command; the Honorable Kevin Shwedo, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, South Carolina; Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, South Carolina Adjutant General; Mrs. Jennifer Harding, South Carolina State Chair, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve; Mr. George Sharpe, Staff Representative from the office of U.S. Senator Tim Scott; Mr. Sam Brick, United States Army Reserve Ambassador; Brig. Gen. Jason Kelly, Commanding General, U.S. Army Training Center and Fort Jackson; Brig. Gen. (Ret) Jan Haigler;

U.S. Army Col. John B. Mountford, Deputy Commanding Officer of Maneuver, of 1st Infantry Division congratulates newly promoted U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Geoffrey A. Norman, deputy commanding general of support of the 1st Infantry Division during his promotion ceremony at Poznan, Poland, June 1, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies.

Lt. Col. Stephen Schippers (left) receives the colors of the Training Support Command, Military Intelligence Readiness Command (MIRC), as the acting commander from Col. Ricardo Warfield (right), MIRC deputy commander, during a relinquishment of command ceremony, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, July 15, 2022.

Senior leaders with the 88th Readiness Division and Mission Command Support Group (MCSG), 88th Readiness Division prepare to pass the MCSG guidon during the change of command ceremony at Ft. Snelling, Minnesota, Nov. 20, 2022. The passing of the guidon is a tradition where the outgoing commander symbolically relinquishes command by passing the guidon to the incoming commander.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Higgins, 354 Civil Engineering Squadron commander (left), delivers a mission brief to U.S. Air Force Col. David Berkland, 354th Fighter Wing commander (middle), and U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David Nahom, commander of Alaskan NORAD Region, Alaskan Command and 11th Air Force (right), during a base visit at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Sept. 30, 2022. The briefing outlined personnel, equipment, and challenges faced in Arctic conditions.

Maj. Gen. David Hodne, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, gives a coin to 1st Lt. Noah Saren, a best ranger qualifier assigned to 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., April 19, 2022, at Fort Carson, Colorado. The 4th Inf. Div. Best Ranger team traveled to Fort Benning, Georgia, to compete in the Best Ranger Competition with competitors from all across the Army.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sean M. Castilla, left, incoming commander of Battlegroup Poland and commander of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-8 CAV), converses with U.S Army National Guard Lt. Col. Trevor M. Phillips, outgoing commander of Battlegroup Poland and commander of the 1st Battalion, 185th Infantry Regiment during a Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Oct. 4, 2022. The 3-8 CAV is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

From right to left, Capt. Gregory Bremser, outgoing commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division passes the company colors to Col. Andrew Kiser, commander of 2SBCT, during a change of command ceremony July 22 at Fort Carson, Colo. The passing of the colors during a change of command ceremony symbolizes the transfer of authority from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.

U.S. Soldiers, assigned to the 1st Armored Division, receive Army commendation medals from Maj. Gen. Sean C. Bernabe, commanding general of 1st Armored Division, for earning 1st place Iron Squad, Noncommission Officer, and Soldier during the award ceremony at the conclusion of the Iron Squad Competition at Fort Bliss, Texas, April 22, 2022.The Iron Squad Competition is a four-day event designed to test each squad and individual competitors physical stamina, Warrior Tasks and Battle Drill skills and military knowledge. The winning squad will advance to compete in the III Corps Best Squad Competition later this year at Fort Hood.

The 405th Army Field Support Brigade Commander, Col. Brad Bane, passes the Army Field Support Battalion-Benelux colors to Lt. Col. Blake Smith, signifying Smiths official appointment as commander of AFSBn-Benelux. Smith assumed command of the battalion from Lt. Col. Aaron Jones during a ceremony at the Zutendaal Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksite in Belgium, June 16. (photo by Henri Cambier)

Command Sgt. Maj. Blake Wise accepts the colors for Troop Battalion at Madigan Army Medical Center on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., at a Change of Responsibility Ceremony on Aug. 3, from Lt. Col. Princess Palacios, the commander of Troop Battalion.

Lt. Col. Timothy Sullivan, second right, salutes Col. William Miller during the 131st Force Support Squadron change of command ceremony Aug. 4, 2022, in Knob Noster, Mo. Sullivan relinquished his command upon his retirement, and Lt. Col. Steven Eldien, right, became the new commander.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Narciso Cruz, the land component commander of the Puerto Rico Army National Guard, encourages Soldiers from the 770th and the 755th Transportation Companies of the 292nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion of the Puerto Rico Army National Guard that competed in a rodeo for the title of best heavy equipment transporter driver at Camp Santiago Joint Training Center, Salinas, Puerto Rico, July 15, 2022. The competition promoted team building and cohesion while learning new skills that the soldiers will be able to utilize in the future.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Travis Betz (left), battalion commander of the 1st Battalion, 58th Aviation Regiment (AOB) and U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Shane Kester (right), senior enlisted leader of the 1-58th AOB, uncase the regiment colors during the Air Operations Battalion (AOB) transfer of authority ceremony from the 1st Battalion, 107th Aviation Regiment (AOB) to the 1-58th AOB at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 15, 2022. The uncasing of the colors signifies the battalions arrival and preparedness to assume its role within the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa.

U.S. Army Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, receives the unit colors from Maj. Gen. John W. Brennan, then commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, during a transfer of authority ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 8, 2022. Brennan relinquished command to Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane.

U.S. Air Force Gen.Tod D. Wolters, Commander, U.S. European Command, and NATOs Supreme Allied Commander Europe, shakes hands with Command Sgt. Maj. Robert V. Abernethy during the U.S. European Command change of responsibility ceremony, Stuttgart, Germany, Tuesday, June 7, 2022. Abernethy, a South Carolina native, assumed responsibility from Chief Master Sgt. Phillip L. Easton, who served as the commands top enlisted adviser since August 2019.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Peter M. Ammerman, outgoing commander, receives the district colors from Sgt. Maj. Joseph Taylor, the Expeditionary Districts senior enlisted advisor, at the Transatlantic Expeditionary District's Assumption of Command ceremony, July 21, 2022, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Maj. Gen. Kimberly Colloton, Commanding General of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division, left, presided over the time-honored transfer of authority and command ceremony as Ammerman, the outgoing commander, will transfer command to Lt. Col. Richard T. Childers, the incoming Expeditionary District Commander. (Photo by Ahmed Magdy, ASG-Kuwait Training Support Center)

Senior Master Sgt. Delmont Benjamin, 20th Maintenance Group Weapons Standardization superintendent, greets U.S. Army Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, U.S. Central Command commander, at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. on 7 July, 2022. This visit helped familiarize General Kurilla with the intricacies of the AFCENT mission of delivering dominant air power to secure and stabilize the CENTCOM area of responsibility.

Brig. Gen. Lori Robinson, Deputy Commanding General of Support with 2nd Infantry Division/ROK Combined Division, conducts a maintenance terrain walkthrough of the 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade footprint on Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, Sept. 15, 2022. The purpose of the maintenance terrain walkthrough is to ensure a high level of awareness and command interest in field maintenance by ensuring senior Command Groups understand how their maintenance program operates.

(From left to right) Col. Dave Mattimore, state aviation officer of the New Hampshire Army National Guard, presents Chief Warrant Officer 5 Daniel Jacques with a Meritorious Service Medal, at the Army Aviation Support Facility, May 15, in Concord, NH. Jacques retired after 40-years of service to the New Hampshire Army National Guard. Throughout his tenure he served as a U.S. Army Aviator, deploying seven times in support of various operations as a pilot. (Photo

720th MP Battalions squad is recognized for their win and presented with Army Commendation medals, as well as commemorative statuettes.

Col. Kenneth Black, 96th Mission Support Group commander, salutes during a retreat ceremony June 13 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The ceremony was held to honor of Brig. Gen. Scott Cain, 96th TW commander, before his change of command June 30. (U.S. Air Force photo/Ilka Cole)

Lt. Col. Steven J. Kurczak, deputy commanding officer of the 3rd Infantry Division Artillery, welcomes Soldiers to the 3rd ID during a patching ceremony at Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart, Georgia, April 19, 2022. The ceremony welcomed Soldiers to the 3rd ID, Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield and gave them their first opportunity to meet their division, brigade and battalion leadership.

11 Soldiers of the 35th Infantry Division Artillery were promoted to the ranks of Sergeant and Staff Sergeant during a ceremony at the Division Headquarters in Leavenworth, Kansas, January 7, 2024. The Soldiers were promoted by Capt. Hans Stephensen and Acting 1st Sgt. Andrew Eicholtz.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley congratulates the newly promoted U.S. Army Col. Geoffrey A. Norman, deputy commanding general of support of the 1st Infantry Division during his promotion ceremony at Poznan, Poland, June 1, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies.

Lt. Col. Gregory Polk, the Task Force Pioneer commander, shakes hands with a U.S. Soldier during an award ceremony at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq, April 22, 2022. As part of Army tradition, Task Force Pioneer facilitates mass ceremonies to present awards and recognize exemplary accomplishments.

Lt. Col. Gregory Polk, the Task Force Pioneer commander, shakes hands with a U.S. Soldier during an award ceremony at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq, April 22, 2022. As part of Army tradition, Task Force Pioneer facilitates mass ceremonies to present awards and recognize exemplary accomplishments.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Christopher Alfonso, incoming 14th Fighter Generation Squadron (FGS) commander, assumes command of the 14th FGS during a squadron activation ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 13, 2022. The activation of the 14th FGS aligns the 35th Fighter Wing with the Combat Oriented Maintenance Organization concept that enables fighter aircraft to be employed with greater agility.

U.S. Army Col. Carrie Perez, commander of the 36th Sustainment Brigade and Command Sgt. Maj. Ernesto Castillo, senior enlisted advisor to Perez, case their brigades flag during a transfer of authority ceremony, Nov. 3, 2022, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The transfer of authority ceremony signifies the end of the responsibilities of Task Force Phoenix followed by the assumption of responsibility by Task Force Hellfighter.

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Christopher Mahoney passes the guidon to outgoing battery commander Capt. Clinton Bradley on Sept. 18, 2022 at the Flemington National Guard Armory. Capt. Jennifer Wain replaced Capt. Bradley who was promoted to another assignment in the National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Pfc. Michael Hayes)

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Justin Seals, the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron operations flight superintendent, shakes hands with Col. Shaun Bellamy, the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing A/2,3,5 director, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Leaders with the 378th AEW gathered to congratulate Seals on his selection for the rank of chief master sergeant.

U.S. Army Cpl. Andrew Somerville, a wheeled vehicle mechanic, and U.S. Army Cpl. Giuseppe Conigliaro, an automated logistical specialist, with Task Force Paxton, Pennsylvania Army National Guard are promoted to the rank of specialist during a promotion ceremony held in Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 15, 2024.. Somerville and Conigliaro were pinned by 1st Sgt. Madia Nieves, India Company, 328th Brigade Support Battalion first sergeant. Promotion ceremonies in the U.S. Army are important occasions that recognize the dedication, hard work, and accomplishments of soldiers as they advance in their military careers. Army National Guard

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ricky Cooksey, pins the rank of sergeant on U.S. Army Sgt. Bryson Kephart, both assigned to Headquarters Headquarters Battery 1st Infantry Division Artillery, at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, July 1, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division Artillery is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Major General Patrick B. Roberson, commanding general, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, presents a green beret to a Special Forces graduate during a Regimental First Formation at Fort Bragg, North Carolina May 12, 2022. The ceremony marked the completion of the Special Forces Qualification Course where Soldiers earned the honor of wearing the green beret, the official headgear of Special Forces.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Latoya M. Manzey, left, commander assigned to 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, receives the unit colors from U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Bass, outgoing command sergeant major of the 588th BEB, during a change of responsibility ceremony at Żagań, Poland, Sept. 12, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Latoya M. Manzey, left, commander assigned to 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, receives the unit colors from U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Bass, outgoing command sergeant major of the 588th BEB, during a change of responsibility ceremony at Żagań, Poland, Sept. 12, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jedediah Smith, a 103rd Rescue Squadron pararescueman of the 106th Rescue Wing, Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, New York Air National Guard, receives The Air Force Commendation Medal for heroism for actions at sea, at a ceremony on base, June 4, 2022.

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael C. Williams, senior enlisted advisor, 1st Armored Division, passes the division colors to General Maj. Gen. Sean C. Bernabe, outgoing commander, 1st AD, during a change of command ceremony at Fort Bliss, Texas, July 14, 2022. This part of the ceremony represents Bernabe's final duty as the commander before he relinquishes his command. Bernabe served as the commanding general for 1st AD and the senior mission commander of Fort Bliss since September 2020.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospitals Medical Department Activity (MEDDAC) company held a Change of Command ceremony June 15, 2022, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where Capt. Huy T. Nguyen relinquished command to Capt. Joshua J. Lockwood.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mark Gorzynski, commander of the 119th Field Artillery Regiment, Michigan National Guard gives an overview of operations to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard, during exercise Summer Shield at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, May 26, 2022. Summer Shield, led by Latvian Mechanized Infantry Brigade is one of multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe that make up Defender Europe 22 exercise, led by U.S Army Europe and Africa. Defender demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO.

Maj. Gen. David Francis, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commander, presents a challenge coin to Sgt. 1st Class Jacob Durski, 1st Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment, at the 1st Aviation Brigade Headquarters July 18, 2022, at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Hector Garcia, the 156th Wing command chief, presents a coin to Senior Master Sgt. Saul Soto, the chief master sergeant of the Air Force liason, during Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass visit with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico, May 16, 2022. CMSAF Bass spent time with Airmen at the 156th Wing and emphasized the importance of total force integration and overcoming challenges to more effectively accomplish the Air Force mission and be ready for the ever-evolving battlefield that future conflicts may hold.

U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Sean Donahoe, Commander, 39th Transportation Battalion, speaks about the various accomplishments of U.S. Army Capt. Brenda Rodriguez, outgoing commander, 66th Transportation company, during the Change of Command ceremony at, Kleber Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany, on Jan. 8, 2024.

1st Signal Brigade hosts Light Up the Night on Wednesday, Sept. 7, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Downtown Plaza on Camp Humphreys. The event is open to all members of the USAG Humphreys community to learn about suicide, including risk factors, warning signs, statistics, treatment, and how to report about it responsibly.

Soldiers assigned to the 135th Quartermaster Company, 87th Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, receive the DUI-Free streamer for their guidon, Feb. 10, 2023, on Fort Stewart, Georgia, for having no incidents of Soldiers driving under the influence. The streamer marks the units discipline and dedication to the prevention of alcohol misuse and potentially deadly behaviors. Col. David Key and Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Campbell, the 3rd DSB command team, affixed the streamer to the guidon and expressed their gratitude to the Soldiers' and leaders' commitment to the safety and welfare of Soldiers, families and community members.

After a weeklong competition, Maj. Gen. Michael C. McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commander, presents awards to the top noncommissioned officer, drill sergeant and Soldier during a ceremony at Fort Rucker, Ala., Aug. 5, 2022. Pictured (L to R) are: the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Sgt. Chance Cane, Letterkenny Army Depot, Chambersburg, Pa.; the USAACE Drill Sergeant of the Year Staff Sgt. Christopher Kramer, 128th Aviation Brigade, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.; the USAACE NCO of the Year Staff Sgt. Matthew Vecchione, 1st Aviation Brigade; and the USAACE Soldier of the Year Spc. Joseph Shaffer, 1st Aviation Brigade.

Maj. Gen. Kimberly Colloton, Commanding General of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division, passes the unit colors to Lt. Col. Richard T. Childers, the incoming Expeditionary District Commander, during an Assumption of Command ceremony, July 21, 2022, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. (Photo by Ahmed Magdy, ASG-Kuwait Training Support Center)

Lt. Col. Peter M. Ammerman, the interim Expeditionary District Commander, receives a salute from Sgt. Maj. Jun Tomagan, the Expeditionary District Senior Enlisted Advisor, at the conclusion of the Relinquishment of Command ceremony where Col. Kenneth N. Reed, outgoing Commander, transferred command of the district to Ammerman, April 25, 2022, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Ammerman, a Texas Army National Guard engineer from the 176th Engineer Brigade, will lead the district until Reeds replacement, Lt. Col. Richard Childers, arrives in July, from his current assignment as the Walla Walla District commander. (Photo by Richard Bumgardner, Transatlantic Expeditionary District Public Affairs)

U.S. Army Pfc. Casimir Cyriaque, left, a CH-47 helicopter repairer assigned to 2nd Battalion, 104th Aviation Regiment, Connecticut Army National Guard, shakes hands with fellow soldiers following an award ceremony for the 2023 Connecticut Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition winners, inside the auditorium of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, East Lyme, Connecticut, March 26, 2023. The competition drew soldiers from across the Connecticut Army National Guard and over the course of three days these competitors faced off against one another in a variety of events testing their physical fitness, land navigation skills, marksmanship skills and warrior task competencies.

The 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC), South Carolina National Guard, recognized the promotion of U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Manucy to colonel, Oct. 6, 2022 in Anderson, South Carolina. Manucy was pinned by his wife Dreama Manucy. In attendance were U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Frank Rice, 263rd AAMDC commander, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Richard A. Wholey Jr., 263rd AAMDC deputy commander, retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Timothy Sheriff, and retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Keith Phillips.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Shawn Tabankin the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Zeller, the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment senior enlisted advisor, cases the battalions colors during a ceremony at Fort Bliss Tx., Sep. 6. The units colors were cased to signify that the unit has finished its training and is ready to deploy overseas. The colors will be unfurled in Africa when the unit assumes responsibility for a security mission as part of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

Sgt. Maj. Joseph O. Richardson (left) shakes hands with Maj. Michael C. Fancher at the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command Headquarters, Aug. 26. A native of Holton, Indiana, Fancher earned his Master EOD Badge. U.S. Army photo by Marshall R. Mason.

Maj. Gen. David Hodne, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson (left) presents Capt. Marquis Morris, company commander of Battle Company, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div, with the Armor and Cavalry Leadership Award for 2021, Fort Carson, Colorado, April 5, 2022. The Armor and Cavalry Leadership Award is awarded in recognition of leadership excellence within armor and cavalry units each year by the Office of the Chief of Armor.

Tech. Sgt. Thomas Siler pins the Technical Sergeant rank onto newly promoted Tech. Sgt. Eric Terry during the April unit training assembly roll call at Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno.

Maj. Christoph Hänsel, the Deputy Senior National Representative for Germany, pins the German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship on a U.S. Soldier during a German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship awards ceremony at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq, April 15, 2022. The German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship is awarded to soldiers proficient in marksmanship and is an official military award authorized for wear only by enlisted service members.

Command Sgt. Maj. Adam T. Lepley (right), passes the unit guidon to Col. Erik C. Johnson, commander of the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade, during a Relinquishment of Responsibility ceremony at Palm Circle, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, June 22. The 402nd AFSB will welcome a new command sergeant major in August.

The 109th Air Control Squadron commander Lt Col Chris Bilderback relinquished command to Maj Joshua J. McCarty during the Change of Command ceremony at Roland Wright Air Base on 11 June 22.

Col. Brian Moore, left, 51st Maintenance Group commander, presents a Meritorious Service Medal to Maj. Benjamin Abshire, 51st Maintenance Squadron outgoing commander, during the 51st MXS of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 23, 2022. Abshire earned this medal for his outstanding leadership over 380 military personnel, civilians and Korean nationals.

Command Chief Master Sgt. Steven Best engages with service members from the 123rd Airlift Wing, after assuming the role of wing command chief for the Kentucky Air National Guard in Louisville, Ky., May 3, 2022. Best has served with the wing since 1998 in the 123rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, and was awarded First Sergeant of the Year for the wing in 2015.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Laura A. McHugh, deputy adjutant general - Army, Pennsylvania National Guard, congratulates Col. John M. Wenzel, new commander of the 166th Regiment - Regional Training Institute, following the regiment's change of command ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, Pa. Jan. 19, 2024.

220825-N-GX935-9440 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Aug. 25, 2022). Cmdr. Paul Mahoney, commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training and Evaluation Unit (EODTEU) 2, relieved Cmdr. Douglas Alley during a change of command ceremony held Aug. 25 onboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Fort Story. Under the direction of commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2, EODTEU 2 oversees training for all East Coast based EOD and Mobile Diving and Salvage units, as well as EOD Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8, based in Rota, Spain.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen L. Davis, the Inspector General of the Department of the Air Force, left, listens to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Tom James, commander of the Joint Task Force-Space Defense during his visit to the organization at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, Sept. 30, 2022. During the visit, Davis, as well as Lee M. Russ, member of the Senior Executive Service and the executive director for the Office of Special Investigations Office of Special Projects, received a capabilities briefing and a tour of the SMSgt H. Robert Mosley II operations floor.

Lee M. Russ, left, member of the Senior Executive Service and the executive director of the Office of Special Investigations Office of Special Projects, shakes hands with U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Tom James, commander of the Joint Task Force-Space Defense at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, Sept. 30, 2022. During the visit, Russ, as well as U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen L. Davis, the Inspector General for the Secretary of the Air Force, received a capabilities briefing and a tour of the SMSgt H. Robert Mosley II operations floor.

Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Ratliff, 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief, gets promoted during a ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait. He was promoted by Lt. Col. Sylvester dAgrella, 386th ECES commander, on Sept. 17, 2022. Ratliffs family was able to watch his promotion ceremony via cellphone streaming. Nearly 100 firefighters, friends, fellow chiefs and leaders took part in the ceremony. Ratiff, who is deployed from the 132nd Civil Engineer Squadron, Iowa Air National Guard, joined the top 1-percent of enlisted members upon promoting to his new rank.

220609-N-FP334-1040 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (July 09, 2022) U.S. Army Soldiers from the 19th Space Company, 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, pass a guidon during a Change of Command ceremony. The Change of Command ceremony transferred command of 19th Space Company, 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, from U.S Army Capt. Chris Cooper to U.S. Army Capt. Ryan Loughran.

Maj. Gen. Laura Yeager, incoming 40th Infantry Division Commander (left), stands beside Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, The Adjutant General, during Yeager's promotion ceremony held on Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, California, June 29.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Shawn Tabankin the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Zeller, the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment senior enlisted advisor, cases the battalions colors during a ceremony at Fort Bliss Tx., Sep. 6. The units colors were cased to signify that the unit has finished its training and is ready to deploy overseas. The colors will be unfurled in Africa when the unit assumes responsibility for a security mission as part of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Bobby Budde, outgoing commander of the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, relinquishes command to Brig. Gen. William Betts, commander of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, during the unit's change of command ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oct. 14, 2022. During the change of command ceremony, Lt. Col. Michael Deprey assumed command. The primary purpose of a change of command is for subordinates to witness an officer formally assume responsibility, authority and accountability for the unit. These ceremonies preserve the tradition of military service and stimulate unit esprit de corps.

Maj. Gen. David Hodne, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, awards a coin for excellence to a Soldier assigned to 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4ID, May. 3, at Fort Carson, Colo. The Stryker brigade combat team is a mechanized infantry force structured around the Stryker eight-wheeled vehicle, capable of rapidly projecting combat power. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Jason Elmore

New York National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Ciampolillo, the outgoing command sergeant major of the 53rd Troop Command, receives the Legion of Merit from Brig. Gen. Joseph Biehler, the commander of the 53rd, during a change of responsibility ceremony at Camp Smith Training Site, New York on May 15, 2022 . Ciampolillo turned over the duties as top enlisted leader for the 4,400-Soldier unit to Command Sgt. Major Marc Maynard.

The 109th Air Control Squadron commander Lt Col Chris Bilderback relinquished command to Maj Joshua J. McCarty during the Change of Command ceremony at Roland Wright Air Base on 11 June 22.

Brig. Gen. Matthew S. Warne, Commanding General of the 102d Training Division (Manuever Support), surveys the major site improvements at the Fort Totten, N.Y. motor pool on Nov. 4, 2022, as 1st Lt. Paul Rumenik of the 77th Sustainment Brigade explains the scope of the ongoing coordinated clean-up efforts between the numerous U.S. Army Reserve units, civilians, and full-time employees who call Fort Totten home. Rumenik has been working in conjunction with other leaders - including the installation facilities coordinator, Capt. Eduardo Uresti of the 102d - as the 102d and the 77th are primarily overseeing the coordination of the ongoing improvement project at the installation. The 102d is part of the 80th Training Command (TASS). Photo by Master Sgt. Benari L. Poulten, 80th Training Command Public Affairs Office.

The command team from 311th Signal Command, which included Brig. Gen. Kevin Meisler and Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan DeHart visited the 41st Signal Battalion and had the opportunity to to recognize and give coins to some soldiers there.

Soldiers of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Task Force Nighthawk, arrive to begin training during KFOR 31 in Hohenfels Training Area in Germany on Oct. 3, 2022. KFOR 31 is a multinational training event conducted to prepare units for their deployment to the Kosovo Regional Command East. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Anna Pongo)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Drew Gehler, right, commander of the 475th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron (EABS), renders a salute to Col. Matthew Bartlett, left, commander of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group, during a change of command ceremony at Manda Bay Airfield, Kenya, May 09, 2022. Gehler relinquished command of the 475th EABS to Lt. Col. Phillip Ferris, the incoming commander. The 475th EABS provides base operations and communications support for 13 mission partners enabling Special Operations Command Africa missions in Kenya and Somalia. Together, with African and international partners, they help provide a secure, stable, and prosperous Africa.

Col. Michael Flaherty, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team commander (right), informs Lt. Gen. Antonio A. Aguto Jr., 1st Army commander (left), and Brig. Gen Thomas E. Moore II, Ohio assistant general for the Army, about the ongoing training exercises during Operation Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 11, 2022. Northern Strike is designed to challenge training audiences with multiple forms of convergence that advance interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

U.S. Army Capt. Stephen Noorlag, commander assigned to Chaos Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-1 ABCT) operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID) discuss infantry movement with NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland Soldiers during a combined arms rehearsal at Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Nov. 1, 2022. The 3-1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, prepare to depart from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Jan. 25, 2024. More than 1,500 NJARNG Soldiers are deploying to support U.S. Central Commands Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve. This is the largest deployment of NJARNG Soldiers since 2008.

U.S. Air Force Col. Bryan T. Callahan, 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and 435th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, presents Col. Timothy J. Ritchie, outgoing 435th Air and Space Communications Group commander, with The Legion of Merit for his services commanding the 435 ACOMG during a change of command ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 8, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Gregory Beaulieu, 633d Air Base Wing commander, stands with U.S. Army Col. Frankie Cochiaosue, right, 733d Mission Support Group incoming commander and Col. Chesley Thigpen, left, 733d MSG outgoing commander during the 733d MSG change of command ceremony at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, June 23, 2022. The 733d MSG mission is to provide garrison support in crisis and emergency management, mail operations, installation and Rapid Port Opening Element support and exercise development to sustain Soldiers and customers in accomplishing the JBLE mission.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John Dreska, Commanding General, 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, presents a coin to U.S. Army Pfc. Baleria Garcia, 198th Regional Support Group, for her support during African Lion 22 at Tan Tan, Morocco, June 23, 2022. African Lion 22 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the theater for strategic access.

Airmen from the 118th Medical Group simulate a deployed scenario April 7, 2022 at Berry Field Air National Guard Base, Nashville, Tennessee. Members from across the 118th Wing took part in the largest on-base readiness exercise in wing history April 5-9, to help prepare and train the wing for a near-peer conflict.

March Air Reserve Base Airmen with the California Air National Guard host a Change of Command ceremony for incoming 163d Attack Wing Commander Col. Clark Bramante at March ARB, Oct. 16, 2022. A Change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit to a commanding officer. The mission of the 163d ATKW is to provide dedicated, disciplined, and diverse guardsmen ready to defend California, the nation and local communities from any threats that compromise the safety, security and well-being of citizens and allies.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bishop relinquished command of the 131st Logistics Readiness Squadron to Col. William Miller, 131st Mission Support Group commander, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Sept. 11, 2022. Lt. Col. Bishop will be working at the Air National Guard Readiness Center in Maryland supporting the Manpower and Personnel Directorate.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Donald W. Ferguson, incoming Command Sergeant Major of the Security Force Assistance Command hands the unit colors to Sgt. Maj. Brandon Creel, symbolizing his commitment to the Soldiers from the SFAC, during the Change of Responsibility ceremony at Fort Bragg, N.C., Aug. 2, 2022. A change of responsibility ceremony represents the passing of responsibility from one senior enlisted advisor to another.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jimmy R. Canlas, Defense Logistics Agency Energy commander, coins a 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron Airman at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Oct. 13, 2022. While visiting JB Charleston, Canlas coined multiple Airmen and recognized them for their hard work and accomplishments.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mason Geigle, 173rd Medical Group, was coined by the Oregon Adjutant General, Major General Michael Stencel, Apr. 4, 2023 at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Geigle was recognized for his leadership in the Medical Group and his work as the sole medic for the Tyndall TDY in March.

U.S. Army Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau speaks with leaders of NATO enhanced forward presence during a welcome ceremony at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, June 16, 2022. Hokanson visited various nations in Europe, in order to identify opportunities to expand cooperation and to gather further information for the planning of joint activities.

The 2nd Infantry Division Artillery conducted a change of command ceremony July 6, 2022 on Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea. Col. David Pasquale, the outgoing commander, relinquished his responsibilities to Col. Alexander Lee during the ceremony.

U.S. Army Maj. Brendan T. Collins, 39th Transportation Battalion Executive Officer (right) und Capt. Zachary B. Griffin, incoming 42d Transportation Company, commander (left) ensure the unit guidon is ready for presentation during the activation ceremony, Oct. 14, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Germany

U.S. Army Sgt. David Pullins, a Military Policeman assigned to Brussels, inspects the uniform of a Soldier during Drills and Ceremonies, the mystery event for the USAG Benelux Best Warrior Competition, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, Feb. 27, 2023.

Soldiers from the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) are competing in the 2022 U.S. Army Reserve Small Arms Championship from Sept. 11 thru Sept. 17 on Camp Robinson, N. Little Rock, Arkansas.ARROWS FORWARD to 1st Lt. Chance Hernandez, Master Sgt. Jason Lee, and Sgt. Robert Flores from San Antonio, Texas, and Staff Sgt. Cameron L. MacDonnell from Huntsville, Texas.The competition is a live-fire training event that tests Soldiers ability to employ both primary and secondary weapon systems. The program is designed to develop marksmanship skills at the entry and intermediate level.If shooting weapons, building relationships that can last a lifetime, and getting paid sounds good to you, click the link to sign up and learn more.https://armyreservemarksman.info/newsletter/BIG THANKS to the 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) for helping with coverage.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joshua Schreiber, a section leader with Alpha Company, 2nd Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania Army National Guard receives a promotion to the rank of sergeant first class during a promotion ceremony held in Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 17, 2024. Promotion ceremonies in the U.S. Army are important occasions that recognize the dedication, hard work, and accomplishments of soldiers as they advance in their military careers. They provide an opportunity for unit cohesion, morale building, and the reinforcement of Army values and traditions. Army National Guard

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kyle, right, 432nd Maintenance Squadron commander, gives the guidon flag to Col. Scott, left, 432nd Maintenance Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, May, 10, 2022. Kyle relinquished command of the 432nd Maintenance Squadron to Lt. Col. Jennifer.

Maj. David Knox, the new commander of the 380th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron, receives the 380th ECONS guidon from Brig. Gen. Andy Clark, the commander of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, during a change of command ceremony June 6, 2022 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. The 380th ECONS is focused on expanding the capabilities of the warfighter by making sound business decisions that produce both short and long-term advantages.

168th Engineer Brigade Transfer of Authority

U.S. Army Col. Scott P. Nicholas, commander of Task Force Mustang (center), accompanied by Command Chief Warrant 5 Rick Dillenbeck, command chief warrant officer of TF Mustang (left), and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert W. Hartzog (center-right), brigade command sergeant major, render their first salute to the Uncasing of the Colors during a Transfer-of-Authority ceremony held at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Aug. 27, 2022. 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, mobilized as Task Force Mustang, is deployed in support of the Combine Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve mission to advise, assist and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of Daesh, the common Arabic term for ISIS, within designated areas of Iraq and Syria.

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