The snapping of flags and crescendo of the 1st Armored Division Band told the story of new leadership for one of the most historic divisions in the U.S. Army.
The change of leadership ceremony at Fort Bliss on Friday, May 1, was an ode to traditions that stemmed back to its roots in 1940.
From the opening notes to patriotic standards by the band down to spouses being presented with traditional yellow flowers, a color for new beginnings, the “Old Ironsides” and “Iron Soldiers” behind America’s tank division welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Carvet Tate as its new commanding officer.
“I’m deeply grateful for the chance to serve the soldiers of the 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss in the great city of El Paso,” Tate said. “Thank you for the trust and confidence to serve as your command sergeant major. To the iron soldiers on this field and deployed abroad, at my previous post I had a front row seat to see your excellence. I’m proud to be the keeper of that battle flag.”
The rousing rendition of the National Anthem and the Anthem of the 1st Armored Division was just beginning of the ceremonial transition of power where incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Carvet Tate received the colors, adorned in the ribbons from conflicts throughout the division’s history, from Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commanding general of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss.
Outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. James Light will take a new post as the officer of III Armored Corps in Fort Hood, Texas. Among its subordinate units are the 1st Cavalry Division, 1st Armored Division, 4th Infantry Division and 1st Infantry Division to name just some.
“Every soldier in the division has to own a piece of the 1st Armored Division culture,” Light said. “We’re defending freedom all over the planet it says a great deal about who we are today. Iron soldiers have gone into impossible odds and clawed their way to victory since World War II.”
Light noted the tradition of the division was carved into history on the European battlefields of World War II and solidified in conflicts around the globe.
On the “deadliest machines our species has conceived,” as Light said, iron soldiers are among the most ready and able to impact a battle pushing through any defense.
“We are the best in the world proven time and again in competition, training and battles around the globe. Every iron soldier gives their all to maintain that legacy and ensure that stays a constant truth. I am and always will be until my last breath a proud iron soldier,” Light said.
Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commanding general of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, echoed many of those sentiments contending Light has been the “driving force” behind making the division one of the most disciplined and capable mounted formations in the U.S. Army.
“Sgt. Maj. Light has championed the empowerment of noncommissioned officers at every level, entrusting them to train crews to run our command posts and our formations. He’s provided what every commander needs, the ability to communicate complex issues with clarity and speak truth to power,” Taylor said.
Following the event, the public joined the Light and Tate families as both begin new chapters in leading U.S. Army fighting forces.
Kristian Jaime is the Top Story Reporter for the El Paso Times and is reachable at Kjaime@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Fort Bliss 1st Armored Division holds change of command ceremony
Reporting by Kristian Jaime, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
