Military Promotions and Ceremonies

Images of military personnel during promotion ceremonies, award presentations, and command handovers, showcasing camaraderie and formal military events.

U.S. Army Cpt. Nicholas J. Hedlesky, outgoing commander of Signal, Intelligence, and Sustainment Company, passes the unit colors to U.S. Army Lt. Col. John C. Hately, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, during the change of command ceremony in Poznan, Poland, July 1st 2022. SIS Co. 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 deploy corps in Europe.

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. James Green, 207th Military Intelligence Brigade, walks with Maj. Gen. Todd Wasmund, commander of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, during a tour of the 207th's Analytical Control Element on Caserma Del Din Aug. 31, 2022.

Maj. Gen. David Hodne, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, gives a coin to 1st Lt. Michael Lazich, a best ranger qualifier assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., April 19, 2022, at Fort Carson, Colorado. Lazichs team placed 24th in the 38th Annual David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition 2022.

Maj. Gen. David Hodne, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, gives a coin to Staff Sgt. Ethan Danielson, a best ranger qualifier assigned to 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., April 19, 2022, at Fort Carson, Colorado. Danielson finished a buddy run event with 1st Lt. Kevin Spellacy, a best ranger qualifier assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., to earn them 7th place overall. The buddy run event is team oriented where the group of rangers must work together to execute the event in a timely manner.

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Cesar M. Quintana Jr., Dental Health Command Europe, senior enlisted advisor prepares to pass the unit colors during an assumption of command ceremony in Sembach, Germany, Sep. 22, 2022. DHCE oversees command and control functions of three Dental Health Activities located throughout Europe.

Maj. Gen. Kimberly Colloton, Commanding Ceneral of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division, hosts a Relinquishment of Command ceremony where the outgoing Expeditionary District Commander, Col Kenneth N. Reed, will transfer command of the district to interim Expeditionary District Commander, Lt. Col. Peter M. Ammerman, April 25, 2022, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Colloton hosted the time-honored transfer of authority and command ceremony as Reed was selected to lead the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Southwestern Division. Ammerman 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 Cpt. Nicholas J. Hedlesky, outgoing commander of Signal, Intelligence, and Sustainment Company, passes the unit colors to U.S. Army Lt. Col. John C. Hately, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, during the change of command ceremony in Poznan, Poland, July 1st 2022. SIS Co. 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 deploy corps in Europe.

220609-N-FP334-1066 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (July 09, 2022) U.S. Army Soldiers from the 19th Space Company, 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, salute 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.

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 Capt. Anthony Maggio, the Equal Opportunity Director at the 117th Air Refueling Wing, holds a retirement ceremony at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Jan. 6, 2024. Maggio retired after 22 years in the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard.

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.

U.S. Army Col. Seth Morgulas, commander of the 369th Sustainment Brigade and Command Sgt. Maj. Curtis Moss, senior enlisted advisor to Morgulas uncase 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.

The Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 89th Military Police Brigade conducts a change of responsibility at Fort Cavazos, Texas Jan. 29 2024. 1st Sgt. Jonathan Stilwell relinquished responsibility to 1st Sgt. Jason Garrison and will become the new 1st Sgt. for the 64th Military Police Company.

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.

Col. Stephen Owen congratulates Col. Matthew Parker on his assumption of command of the Aviation Center Logistics Command, July 13, 2022, at Fort Rucker, Ala.

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.

Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting, commander of Space Operations Command, left, alongside Col. Marcus Jackson, commander of Space Base Delta 2, right, walk into the installation fellowship hall to meet with Airman and Guardians for a luncheon as a part of Lt. Gen. Whitings visit at Buckley Space Force Base, Colo., 12 Dec, 2022. Lt. Gen. Whiting shared a meal with a diverse group of service members and got the opportunity to answer their questions and elaborate on their importance to the space mission.

1st Cyber Battalion bid farewell to and presented awards to Reserve Soldiers from Cyber Protection Teams 183 and 186 in a ceremony today in Signal Theater at Fort Gordon, Georgia. CPTs 183 and 186 mobilized in September of 2021 to support teams across the Cyber Protection Brigade. CPT 183 is from Adelphi, Maryland, and CPT 186 is from Coraopolis, Pennsylvania.

U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Michael D. Stohler, commander, Indiana Air National Guard, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Michael E. Dixon participate in an assumption of responsibility ceremony at the 122nd Fighter Wing (FW), Indiana September 10, 2022. During the ceremony Chief Master Sgt. Kyle D. Hoopingarner assumed the position of 122nd FW command chief followed by Dixon assuming the position of Indiana Air National Guard state command chief.

Lt. Col. Chris Zingarelli, Air Force Research Lab Detachment 15 commander, relinquishes command during the inactivation of the AFRL Det. 15 at Kihei, Hawaii, May 26, 2022. After two decades of conducting research and operational missions, the detachment transitioned to the Space Force as the 15th Space Surveillance Squadron.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Richard H. Deane, commander of troops, prepares to pass the unit colors during the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center-Europe, assumption of responsibility ceremony, Sep 15, 2022 in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Master Sgt. Andrew R. Colburn assumed responsibility from Master Sgt. Charles W. Douglas.

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command commander, greets Guardians, Soldiers and civilians at the Wideband Satellite Communications Operations Center (WSOC) in Landstuhl, Germany, Sep. 12, 2022. On Aug. 15, 2022, the WSOCs mission responsibility transferred from the U.S. Armys 53rd Signal Battalion to the U.S. Space Forces Space Operations Command, under Space Delta 8s 53rd Space Operations Squadron. The transfer marked the first time that all Department of Defense military satellite communication functions were unified under a single military service.

Chief Master Sgt. Allan Lawson accepts the Washington Air National Guard Guidon from Brig. Gen. Gent Welsh, Commander of the Washington Air National Guard during the Change of Responsibility ceremony, Sept. 11, 2022, at Camp Murray. As Chief Master Sgt. Lawson becomes the new Washington Air National Guard State Command Chief, he is replacing Chief Master Sgt. Marvin Boyd who will retire next month.

Col. Joshua Pope, 7th Maintenance Squadron commander, clips the Meritorious Service Medal onto Maj. Jeffrey Erwin, outgoing commander of the 7th Munitions Squadron on Dyess Air Force Base Texas, 16 Jun 2022. Erwin oversaw munitions operations for multiple Bomber Task Force deployments during his tenure as commander.

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)

Col. Scott Carbaugh, incoming 39th Medical Group commander, renders his first salute to Col. Robert Holmes, 39th MDG chief of medical staff, during the change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, June 2, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Bradley Weast, relinquished command to Col. Jason Gingrich, 39th Air Base Wing commander, who then charged Carbaugh with leading the group. The change of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility from one officer to another. Carbaugh previously served as the Air Force Surgeon General consultant for physician assistant clinical operations at the Air Force Medical Readiness Agency, Readiness Analysis Comprehensive Evaluation (RACE) Division, in Virginia.

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.

U.S. Army Col. Jason Arriaga, the commander of the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, receives the brigade colors from Command Sgt. Maj. Albert Serrano, the command sergeant major of the 1st CAB, 1st Inf. Div. during a relinquishment of responsibility held at Marshall Air Field on Fort Riley, Dec. 6, 2022. The passing of the colors back to the commander symbolizes the relinquishing of responsibility of the unit and Soldiers by the outgoing senior enlisted advisor.

Maj. Gen. Levon E. Cumpton, the adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard, meets with members of the 139th Airlift Wing during a base tour at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 20, 2022. Cumpton was briefed on the 139th Airlift Wings North Site Development Plan.

Command Sgt. Maj. Mason Riepe, the incoming battalion command sergeant major for the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, stands ready during the Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Fort Benning, Georgia on September 30, 2022.

A soldier receives an award from Col. Andrew Kiser, commander of 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a formation on April 29, at Ft. Carson, Colo. The brigade held the formation to publicly recognize excellent performance across the organization and to hold a standing power throw competition. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Jason Elmore

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Spencer Morris, a Military Policeman assigned to Brussels, inspects Soldiers during Drills and Ceremonies, the mystery event for the USAG Benelux Best Warrior Competition, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, Feb. 27, 2023.

Maj. Todd Yehle, right, accepts command of the 741st Maintenance Squadron from Col. Kenneth Benton, during an assumption of command ceremony Sept. 6, 2020, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Guidon bearer Senior Master Sgt. Michael Marshal, 741st Maintenance Squadron Senior Enlisted Leader, looks on. The 741st Maintenance Squadron supports all maintenance activities affecting the bases Minuteman III launch facilities and missile alert facilities. The squadron plans and monitors production efforts of more than 300 maintenance technicians and conducts all ancillary and technical training, ensuring job proficiency and mission readiness.

U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Maj.) Daniel Wilton, a chaplain with the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, receives the Meritorious Services Medal in Peoria, Illinois, April 30, 2022. Wilton has served in the role for six years.

Lt. Col. Derek Reeves, incoming 1st Battalion 77th Field Artillery Regiment commander, passes guidon as to signify the change of command at Tower Barracks, Grafenwoehr, Germany, Aug. 2, 2022. Lt. Col Anthony Brunner relinquishes responsibility of 1st Battalion 77th Field Artillery Regiment Field Artillery Regiment to Lt. Col. Derek Reeves.

U.S. Army Major General Christopher LaNeve, Commanding General of the 82nd Airborne Division, awards the Army Achievement Medal to 82nd ABN DIV Paratroopers for their exceptional performances while competing for their respective Expert Badges during testing phases held by 2nd Brigade Combat Team at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on August 22, 2022. These Paratroopers were awarded for accomplishing their tasks with no deficiencies, otherwise known as true blue.” Paratroopers train to not only meet the Army standards, but to excel at every opportunity.

LTC. Brett S. Rhodenizer, incoming Commander of the 211th Regiment, receives the regimental color from Major General John Hass the Assistant Adjutant General during a change of command ceremony Sept 11, 2022, Camp Blanding Joint Training Center.

Capt. Marquis Morris, company commander, and 1st Sgt. Ryan Meek, with Battle Company, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, receive 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.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Debra Gingrich, I73rd Operations Group, was coined by the Oregon Adjutant General, Major General Michael Stencel, Apr. 4, 2023 at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Gingrich was recognized for her exceptional work in the command support staff section and support across the wing.

Brig. Gen. Warner A. Ross, the Assistant Adjutant General of the Tennessee National Guard, presents the Tennessee Distinguished Service Medal to Col. Mark Lenhart, the outgoing commander of the 230th Support Detachment (Digital Liaison Detachment) on May 14, 2022, in Smyrna. Lenhart also received the Legion of Merit and was presented with a plaque from the unit.

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - Command Sergeant Major Ronald Krause (facing center) relinquished his authority as the senior enlisted leader and Keeper of the Colors for the 780th Military Intelligence (MI) Brigade (Cyber) in a Change of Responsibility ceremony hosted by Colonel Benjamin Sangster, the brigade commander, at the Post Theater, October 3.

U.S. Army Maj. Brantley Lockhart receives the General Mazniashvili Medal during the closing ceremony of Noble Partner at the Vaziani Training Area, Georgia, Sep. 9, 2022. Exercise Noble Partner is designed to enhance regional partnerships and increase U.S. force readiness and interoperability in a realistic, multinational training environment. The exercise allows participants to conduct situational training exercises, live-fire exercises, and combined mechanized maneuvers.

Maj. Gen. Greg Brady, Commanding General of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, recognizes Spc. Anthony To, an air defender assigned to the 13th Missile Defense Battery, with a challenge coin during a visit to the battery in Israel on June 25, 2022. The 13th MDB, headquartered outside of Tel Aviv, is part of the strong and enduring mil-to-mil partnership between the IDF and the 10th AAMDC built on trust developed over decades of cooperation. The 10th AAMDC and IDF work together consistently to strengthen the interoperability necessary for maintaining and improving Israel's air and missile defense capacity.

U.S. Army National Guard 1st Sgt. Miche'al Strayhorn is advanced to sergeant major during a ceremony at Ike Skelton Training Site, Jefferson City, Missouri, August 4, 2022.She is currently the J1 Directorate Sergeant Major at Joint Force Headquarters, Jefferson City, Missouri.

U.S Air Force Maj. Gen. John M. Klein, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, speaks to members of the 621 Contengency Response Wing at an all call, Feb. 21, 2024. General Klein toured multiple Contengency Response Squadrons and saw the 621st CRW's ability to rapidly train and respond to new threats globally. Air Force

Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force Roger A. Towberman speaks with U.S. Space Force Tech. Sgt. Daniel Spjute, Combined Force Space Component Commands (CFSCC) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Division (ISRD) team member, during his visit at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Sept. 23, 2022. Towberman recognized select individuals from Space Delta 5, 65th Cyberspace Squadron, 55th Combat Training Squadron and CFSCCs manpower, personnel, and resources office.

Lt. Col. Zachary Spotts, right, outgoing 4th Force Support Squadron commander, salutes Col. Tammy McElhaney, 4th Mission Support Group commander, after relinquishing command of the 4th FSS at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, June 17, 2022. After relinquishing command of the 4th FSS, Spotts will continue his career at Aviano Air Base, Italy.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Shaan Shaffeeullah, assigned to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing office of the Staff Judge Advocate, July 20, 2022 at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Air Force officials selected 5,430 staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant during the 2022 E-6 promotion cycle.

Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., left, Ohio adjutant general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Scott M. Barga, right, Ohio National Guard command senior enlisted leader, present Chief Master Sgt. Peter Bowden of the 178th Wing with the 2023 Maj. Gen. Gregory L. Wayt Visionary Leadership Award during the OHNG Joint Senior Leader Conference at the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center in Lewis Center, Ohio, Feb. 2, 2024. Established in 2011 to honor Wayt, who served as Ohio adjutant general from 2004 to 2010, the award celebrates results-driven, innovative leadership in the organziation. Air National Guard

Command Sgt. Maj. Aaron Forry, the outgoing battalion command sergeant major for the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, passes the unit colors to his commander, Lt. Col. Casey Mills, during a Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Fort Benning, Georgia on September 30, 2022.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital conducted a change of Responsibility ceremony where Command Sgt. Maj. Marlon E. Faulds relinquished responsibility of his position to Master Sgt. Johnny D. Thompson, December 9, 2022, at Wilson Theater on Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

SFC Nathan Adkins, CPT Shanee Allen, MSG Matthew Lewis in position of passing the WRAIR flag for Assumption of Responsibility Ceremony

Lt. Gen. Leon Thurgood, Director of Hypersonic, Directed Energy, Space and Rapid Acquisition and 4-60th Command Sgt. Maj. Bryant Massey.

Maj. Gen. Bret Larson, commander of the 22nd Air Force and Chief Master Sgt. Chin Cox, command chief of the 22nd Air Force converse with Staff Sgt. Michael Sanchez, an air transportation specialist with the 25th Aerial Port Squadron, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, May 14, 2022. The conversation entailed how the 25th APS are preparing for the aircraft transition.

Maj. David H. Lam, executive officer of 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, leads Soldiers into a unit call to duty ceremony Sept. 20, 2022, at Tiffin Universitys Heminger Center in Tiffin, Ohio. Elements of the Ohio Army National Guards 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted call to duty ceremonies for their units in advance of an approximately yearlong deployment in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John H. Phillips, left, a native of Pennsylvania and the director for the J-6 command, control, communications, and computers / cyber for U.S. European Command, gives a challenge coin to U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Anthony Villeda, a native of Maryland and a network administrator with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 26, 2024. Phillips engaged with communications Marines in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24. Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. Marine Corps

Senior Master Sgt. Mark J. Salter, 131st Civil Engineer Squadron infrastructure superintendent, puts a rank insignia on newly-promoted Tech Sgt. Joseph L. Quinones, 131st CES electrical systems craftsman, at 14 Wing Royal Canadian Air Force Base in Greenwood, Canada, July 15, 2022. Members with the 131st Bomb Wings 231st CES, 200th REDHORSE Squadron and the 239th Combat Communications Squadron, deployed to Nova Scotia as part of the Construction Engineering Project Exchange Program with the 14 Wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). These Guard members worked in cooperation with the RCAF to complete quality of life improvements to the base, to build on skillsets and to strengthen interoperability with Canadian allies.

Maj. Gen. Wasmund, commanding general of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, recognizes a 207th Soldier for his hard work and dedication to the 207th Military Intelligence Brigade - Theater.

Outgoing Western Sector Senior Enlisted Advisor, CSM Michael Jackson passes the unit guidon to Western Sector Commander, Col. Jesse L. Sjoberg, during a change-of-responsibility ceremony at U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command headquarters July 29, 2022.

Lt. Gen. John Kolasheski, commanding general, V Corps, visited with the Soldiers of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade and recognized Staff Sgt. Figueroa and CW2 Goethe for their outstanding commitment to excellence in hangar three on Katterbach Army Airfield, Germany, Nov. 1, 2022. The 12th Combat Aviation Brigade is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McChord, Wash. - Command Sgt. Maj. Melissa D. Vine (center), the incoming senior enlisted advisor 1-364th Training Support Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade accepts the battalion guidon from the battalion's commander, Lt. Col. Kristy Norquist during a Change of Responsibility Ceremony at the Schwab U.S. Army Reserve Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington Dec. 4, 2022.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John Kolasheski, commanding general of V Corps, greets Polish Land Forces Maj. Gen. Adam Joks, deputy commanding general for interoperability of V Corps, during the opening ceremony of the Abrams Tank Training Academy at Biedrusko, Poland, Aug. 10, 2022. The Abrams Tank Training Academy was established to teach Polish tank crewmen on operations, tactics and maintenance of the M1 Abrams tanks, bringing the U.S. and Poland closer as allies.

Major General Patrick B. Roberson, commanding general, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, presents an award to 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 Maj. Gen. Heidi J. Hoyle, (right) commanding general Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command passes the unit colors to Col. Robert L. Kellam (left) incoming 598th Transportation Brigade, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command commander during a change of command ceremony, July 11, 2022, at Daenner Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. The 598th TBDE executes mission command for strategic seaport operations in support of both U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command.

Lt. Col. Robert Switzer, right, receives a guidon from Col. Alan Berck, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Operations School commandant, during the 423d Training Squadron change of command ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ., May 26, 2022. The mission of the 423d TRS is to train and educate professional expeditionary Airmen and enable warfighters to operate effectively in multiple environments.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher Fernandez, an information services technician with the 369th Sustainment Brigade, shakes the hand of Col. Seth Morgulas, the brigade commander, during a promotional recognition ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Nov. 5, 2022. Fernandez was promoted from the rank of chief warrant officer 3.

U.S. Air Force Airman Bronson Navarro, 110th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance specialist, was presented with a commanders coin, by the 110th Wing Commander, Col. Shawn Holtz, April 9, 2022. Navarro came back from tech school with a positive attitude and dedicated his time to a temporary technician position following his Mission Essential Skills Training. He performed quality control inspections; processing 60+ work orders error free-- optimizing Fleet readiness, and capabilities. (Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Bethany Rizor)

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Aaron L. Jones hands the unit flag to the presiding Officer, 405th Army Field Support Brigade Commander, Col. Brad. A. Bane signifying his relinquishment of command, during a Change of Command ceremony for the 405th Army Field Support Battalion-Benelux, at the Zutendaal Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksite in Belgium, June 16, 2022. U.S. Army Lt. Col. Blake Smith assumed command of the unit from Lt. Col. Aaron L. Jones.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Corey Gause, renders his first salute to the 167th Mission Support Group during a change of command ceremony at 167th Airlift Wing, Martinsburg, West Virginia, Sept. 10, 2022. Col. William Annie relinquished command to serve as the 167th AW vice wing commander.

U.S. Army Soldiers embrace Staff Sgt. Christopher Belevan, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer Academy - Fort Eustis small group leader, who received the senior instructor badge during a ceremony April 1, 2022.

Polish Col. Kristof Kuba and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Steven P. Carpenter, commander of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division shakes hands with newly graduated Polish tank crewmen during the Abrams Tank Training Academy ceremony at Biedrusko, Poland, Sept. 27, 2022. Poland is proudly working alongside 1st Infantry Division, other NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

060216-A-2718K-018. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Mosul Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE NORTHWEST

U.S. Army Spc. Jennifer M. Sanchez, Property Book NCO, 92Y, for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, "Task Force Mustang," 36th Infantry Division (right), is accompanied by Command Sgt. Maj. Robert W. Hartzog, command sergeant major of Task Force Mustang, while receiving her Certificate of Appreciation as the brigade's "Hero of the Week" during a command and staff meeting held at Task Force Mustang headquarters, Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 28, 2022. Sanchez, a native of Nacogdoches, Texas, was recognized for her stellar performance and administrative excellence in overseeing quality control measures for the brigade's monthly inventory audits.

Command Sgt. Maj. Alejandro R. Ariasmayobre, CSM of the 82nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division passes the brigade colors to Lt. Col. Jodie L. Kunkel, outgoing commander, 82nd BEB, 1ID during a change of command ceremony Jan. 23, 2023, Zagan, Poland. The 2/1 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 Chief Warrant Officer 3 Erments Dimanche, a logistics officer with the 369th Sustainment Brigade, is given an Army Achievement Medal from Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael Bank, an Assistant Adjutant General of the Air National Guard, during an awards ceremony at Camp Smith Training Site, N.Y., Sept. 15, 2022. Dimanche received the award for exceptional meritorious service while in support of Joint Task Force New York that was vital to the success of the New York State COVID 19 mission. His leadership and actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Joint Task Force New York and the U.S. Army.

Spc. Tyler Watters of the Illinois Army National Guard 445th Chemical Company is awarded the Military Medal of Valor Oct. 14, 2022 at the MidAmerica Readiness Center in Shiloh, Illinois. Watters and two other volunteers helped save the life of a man severely injured in a single-vehicle accident on Interstate 55 in Lincoln March 13. To me, selfless service means that I volunteered to put others above myself," Watters said. "His life matters and the world doesn’t revolve around me or one individual. When things like that happen, someone has to do something. It’s my moral duty to help someone when they need it.” (Illinois National Guard photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Trenton Fouche)

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Derrick C. Garner of Security Assistance Group- Ukraine presents a challenge coin to Staff Sgt. Anthony Robbins and Pfc. Janelle Bradshaw, members of Task Force Thunder, during his visit at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Jan. 19, 2024. Robbins and Bradshaw were recognized for supporting the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf meets with representatives from the Pennsylvania National Guard, including Maj. Gen. Mark J. Schindler, Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, during a ceremony at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to honor PA NG Soldiers and Airmen for their efforts running COVID-19 vaccination clinics for school teachers during the height of the pandemic.What you did was a really big deal, said Wolf.

Lt. Col. Gregory Polk, the Task Force Pioneer commander, salutes 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.

Staff Sgt. Dylan Benischek, noncommissioned officer in charge of Iowa National Guard military funeral honors, passes an American flag to 1st Sgt. Brian Pappaducas, the state casualty operations manager, during an annual command retreat at the historic Camp Dodge Pool Pavilion in Johnston, Iowa, on May 26, 2022. Historically, reveille was sounded at sunset to signal sentries to begin their watch and direct Soldiers to their quarters for the evening. Today, command retreats are held to honor the American flag as it is raised and lowered. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Tawny Schmit)

U.S. Army Sgt. Daniel J. Littleton, a CBRN specialist and motor pool specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, General Support Aviation Battalion, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, 36th Infantry Division (right), receives a congratulations by Command Sgt. Maj. Robert W. Hartzog, command sergeant major of the 36th CAB, "Task Force Mustang," during a command and staff meeting held at the Task Force Mustang headquarters in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022. Littleton, a native of Lewisville, TX, was recognized as Task Force Mustang's "Hero of the Week" and was presented a Certificate of Achievement by the brigade command team for his valuable contributions in coordinating, tracking, and moving his entire company's rolling stock with a relentless work ethic, in order to support of 2-149th GSAB's "Task Force Roosevelt" readiness.

Headquarters Detachment, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center held an award ceremony for Annual Training 2022 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 5, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brain Rutt, 6th Security Forces commander, left, administers the Oath of Enlistment for U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cameron Foley, 6th SFS defender, during a reenlistment ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Dec. 7, 2022. Foley had the opportunity to board a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk for a training flight following his reenlistment ceremony.

Col. Kevin James, right, incoming 2nd Mission Support Group commander, receives the guidon from Col. Scott Weyenmuller, left, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, June 10, 2022. The passing of a squadrons guidon symbolizes a transfer of command.

More than 70 American Soldiers from the 52nd Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) and other Fort Campbell units earned the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge during a qualification event. Soldiers had to complete a basic fitness test, 100-meter swim in uniform, pistol qualification and 12-kilometer road march to earn the badge. U.S. Army photo by Capt. David G. Moehling.

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 Lt. Col. Jordan Bradford, left, commander, Headquarters, Headquarters Battalion, V Corps passes the V Corps Forward Company guidon to incoming Company commander Cpt. Brian Mumford, right, during the change of command ceremony for Forward Company, V Corps, Camp Kosciusko, Poland, Nov. 17, 2022. V Corps Forward Company commander Cpt. Sean Hartsell relinquished command to incoming Company commander Cpt. Brian Mumford after completing his tenure as Company commander.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kyle Head, 23rd Mission Support Group commander, left, passes a guidon to Maj. Peter Van Remmen, incoming 23rd Contracting Squadron commander, during a change of command at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 9, 2022. Remmen left his position of deputy branch chief at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio to fulfill the command position here.

Lt. Col. Aaron Mahoney, right, received the 224th Support Squadron guidon from Col. Joseph F. Roos, the 224th Air Group Commander, during a change-of-command ceremony held Thursday afternoon at the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome, N.Y.

Official pass of the Guidon Conducted at the United States Army Communications Information Systems Activity Pacific Change of Director Ceremony held at the 1st Theater Signal Brigade Headquarters in Camp Hummphreys, South Korea on July 8, 2022. The outgoing Director is Lt. Col. Sirian Thepsoumane and the incomming director is Lt. Col. Jung "Steve" Soh.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael E. Dixon, Jr. is presented as the new state command chief master sergeant of the Indiana Air National Guard during an assumption of responsibility ceremony at the 122nd Fighter Wing (FW) Air National Guard Base in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sept. 10, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. Kyle D. Hoopingarner assumed the position of 122nd FW command chief in place of Chief Master Sgt. Michael E. Dixon, Jr. who was named state command chief master sergeant of the Indiana Air National Guard during the ceremony.

Polish Land Forces Gen. Jarosław Mika, general commander of branches of the Polish Armed Forces, presents U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Norman, deputy commanding general for support of the 1st Infantry Division with the Polish Army Medal at an award ceremony at Warsaw, Poland, June 6, 2022. The Polish Land Forces awarded Norman with the Polish Army Medal, a medal that recognizes service to the Polish Army by foreign civilians and military personnel. (DoD photo, Polish Armed Forces)

Sgt. Curtiss Galloway, a motor transport operator assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, Division Artillery, 3rd Infantry Division, recites the Oath of Enlistment during a reenlistment ceremony with Maj. Gen. Charles D. Costanza, the commanding general of the 3rd ID, at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Oct. 6. 2022.The Oath of Enlistment is recited during reenlistment ceremonies as a way to reaffirm a Soldiers commitment to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Kirk S. Pierce, commander of Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern and Air Forces Space) (left), hugs his son 1st Lt. Kirk D. Pierce, 315th Training Squadron student (right), during the 315th TRSs intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance professionals graduation ceremony, at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, May 24, 2022. The 17th Training Wing has graduated more than 800,000 ISR professionals, who perform and manage intelligence functions and activities to support the United States and allied forces.

U.S. Air Force Col. Yvonne L. Mays, left, Deputy Adjutant General of New Jersey, and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jeffrey Angle, second from left, State Command Chief Warrant Officer, present American and New Jersey flags to Lt. Col. Ryan M. Harty, right, commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Paul J. Greenberg, 1st Squadron, 102nd Cavalry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, during the 44th IBCTs farewell ceremony at the Cure Insurance Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, Jan. 14, 2024. More than 1,500 NJARNG Soldiers will deploy in support of U.S. Central Commands Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. CJTF-OIR advises, assists, and enables partnered forces until they can independently defeat Islamic State of Iraq and Syria - ISIS - in designated areas of Iraq and Syria, in order to set conditions for long-term security cooperation frameworks. It is the largest deployment of New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers since 2008. (New Jersey National

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen L. Davis, the Inspector General of the Secretary of the Air Force, left, listens to 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, 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.

Col. David R. Lands, 192nd Mission Support Group commander, presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Lt. Col. Fallon Martin, 192nd Support Squadron commander, during her retirement ceremony on July 9, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Ending her military career with the Virginia Air National Guard, Martin's 20 years of service was celebrated by family and friends along with numerous retired and currently serving military personnel who impacted her career.

U.S. Army Garrison Italys Chaplain, Lt. Col. John Hubbs listens to Sgt. 1st Class Mendieta and Sgt. Michael Burton as they tell him about a memorial service the RSO was hosting that day.

Arizona Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Lonnie J. Branum, land component commander, presents his coin to Spc. Jazmin Clay, an intelligence analysist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 198th Regional Support Group, July 28, 2022, during his visit to Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Mississippi. Spc. Clay, who was at CSJFTC with her unit for annual training, was recognized for being a responsible Soldier who can work independently and can be relied on to complete any tasks given to her. (Arizona Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Brian A. Barbour)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Gregory Guillot, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander, exchanges the 332d Air Expeditionary Wing guidon with U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Ryan Messer, 332d AEW incoming commander, during a change of command ceremony at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, July 3, 2022. A change of command ceremony is a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.

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