Texas training institute welcomes new commander
Story by: Sgt. Josiah Pugh
Posted on: May 17, 2016
Sgt. Josiah Pugh
Brig. Gen. Sean A. Ryan passes the colors from the 136th Regiment's outgoing commander, Col. Michael Adame, to the unit's incoming commander, Col. Carlton Smith, during a change of command ceremony held at the Camp Mabry Simpson Auditorium on April 14, 2016. The ceremony represents the change of responsibility from one commander to another. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Josiah Pugh)
A group of about fifty Texas Guardsmen gathered into the dimly lit Command Sgt. Maj. Simpson Auditorium on Camp Mabry April 14, 2016. Their purpose? To bid farewell to the 136th Regional Training Institute's outgoing commander, Col. Michael Adame and welcome the incoming commander, Col. Carlton Smith.
The 136th RTI trains more than 1,500 Soldiers per year with more than 45 different courses offered. Soldiers come from across Texas and from around the nation to advance their military career here.
Adame, who has served for 30 years and deployed with the RTI in 2004, spoke to the group from the stage and reflected on his time with the unit. "The most important thing I've seen here is the people. It's been an honor to serve with you."
In the military today, change of command ceremonies harken back to the militaries of the Middle Ages in Europe. The passing of the colors signifies the orderly transfer of responsibility from one commander to another. On the ancient battlefield, the colors critically marked the position of a commander within a battle. During the ceremony, the colors passed from the senior enlisted leader, who safeguards them, to the outgoing commander. The outgoing commander passes the colors to the higher headquarters commander, who in turn entrusts them to the incoming commander, symbolically transferring the responsibility of commanding the unit. The new commander finally returns the colors to the senior enlisted leader, signifying the beginning of a new chapter in the organization's leadership.
Adame expressed his wishes for his troops going forward. "Continue to be all you can be and train the force."
Smith, who deployed with the RTI in 2003, took the stage with pride on his face. He spoke to his new troops about what he hopes the future will hold. "I really want to take the opportunity to know what this regiment is about. I look to carry forward with what Mike has established."