Soldiers of 10th Mountain Division take over mission in eastern Afghanistan
October 8, 2015
By Maj. Isaac Taylor, 10th Mountain Division PAO
Lt. Gen. Tim Radford, deputy commander of Resolute Support, hands Brig. Gen. Michael Howard, incoming commander, the Train, Advise and Assist Command-East colors, symbolizing the TAAC-E mission is now in Howard's hands.
The outgoing unit, made up of elements from the 3rd Infantry Division and 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), handed over responsibility of the TAAC-E mission to elements of the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) from Fort Drum, N.Y., and its 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Patriots" from Fort Polk, La.
LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Oct. 8, 2015) -- Starting early in the morning Oct. 6, a steady flow of helicopters began shuttling in NATO, U.S. and Afghan military leaders from the surrounding area to Tactical Base Gamberi to witness the transfer of authority ceremony for Train, Advise and Assist Command -- East, or TAAC-E.
The outgoing unit, made up of elements from the 3rd Infantry Division and 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), handed over responsibility of the TAAC-E mission to elements of the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) from Fort Drum, New York, and its 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Patriots" from Fort Polk, Louisiana.
In the symbolic military tradition of handing over responsibility, Col. J.B. Vowell and Command Sgt. Maj. Walter Tagalicud cased their brigade colors, and Col. Guy Jones and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Ferrusi uncased theirs, signifying the Rakkasans had completed their mission and had responsibly handed it off to the Patriots.
After the casing ceremony, Lt. Gen. Tim Radford, deputy commander of Resolute Support, led the passing of the TAAC-E colors from Brig. Gen. Christopher Bentley to Brig. Gen. Michael Howard, symbolizing the relinquishing of operational authority from one leader to another.
Soldiers of 10th Mountain Division are now in charge of carrying out the mission of training, advising and assisting the Afghan National Defense Forces so in the future they can be self-reliant and capable of stopping terrorism and securing the people of Afghanistan.
During his speech, Radford said that Bentley's team had done a superb job and accomplished a lot during the past year. Their hard work had gained the admiration and respect of the coalition partners, the Afghan security forces and the Afghan people.
Radford also touched on the 10th Mountain Division's long history and many accomplishments in Afghanistan.
"I can think of no better team and no better leader to continue on with the Resolute Support mission in eastern Afghanistan," he said.
Jones also thanked both the 3rd Infantry Division and 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, for their professionalism in preparing his unit for deployment.
"You can depart with full confidence that [10th Mountain Division] will continue to make a difference each and every day as you have done this past year," Jones said.
Howard ended his speech by providing the Afghan leadership with a simple message that 10th Mountain Division Soldiers are ready to make a difference every day.
"Don't worry about us. We learn fast, and [we] will be there for you, just like the Rock of the Marne Soldiers and the Rakkasans. I guarantee it," Howard said.
http://www.army.mil/article/156831/Soldiers_of_10th_Mountain_Division_take_over_mission_in_eastern_Afghanistan/
