Email   Print   Share By Master Sgt. Tim VolkerT, 3rd ACR PAO

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Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of III Corps and Fort Hood, passes the 3rd ACR’s colors to Col. Reginald Allen. Allen assumed leadership duties from Col. Michael Bills, who departs for a new assignment at the Pentagon. Sgt. Matthew Boyd, 3rd ACR PAO

Troop commanders from 3-3 ACR, salute as they pass the reviewing stand during the Pass in Review at the regiment’s change of command ceremony Friday at Fort Hood. Sgt. Matthew Boyd, 3rd ACR PAO

The 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment received new leadership during a change-of-command ceremony Friday at Fort Hood.

Colonel Michael Bills relinquished command of the regiment to Col. Reginald Allen and Command Sgt. Maj. William Burns, the senior noncommissioned officer for the unit, passed his leadership duties to Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Hunt.

After taking command, Allen, the 73rd colonel of the regiment, told the audience that he was humbled by the opportunity to command the regiment and be part of unit with such a storied history.

“I look forward to joining your ranks, serving you and serving with you as we continue to build upon the great legacy of this regiment,” Allen said. “Together we will reach new heights founded in our values and the Warrior Ethos. We will face our challenges and opportunities together, and I am totally confident that just as you and your predecessors have done for over one hundred and sixty years, we will brave the fire and blood together and come out steel.

Allen came to the 3rd ACR from III Corps, where he served as the III Corps G3.

Hunt previously served as the 3rd ACR’s Tiger Squadron command sergeant major before becoming the 18th regimental command sergeant major.

Bills’ next assignment will be at the Pentagon, where he will be the director of the Joint Advanced War Fighter Program.

Burns is retiring after 25 years of service to the Army and nation.

During the ceremony, the leaders conducted a traditional troop review on horseback and the units performed a Pass in Review.

After passing the regimental colors and command of the unit to Allen, Bills recounted the successes of the regiment during their recent combat tour in Iraq and welcomed Allen and his Family into the regiment.

“To the seventy third and his bride, Megan and I would like to congratulate and welcome Colonel Reggie and Ingrid Allen to our great regimental Family,” he said. “We have confidence in your ability to continue with the great traditions of the regiment, which make it so unique.

“To the officers, noncommissioned officers and troopers, it has been my honor and privilege to serve as your commander,” Bills said.

Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, III Corps and Fort Hood commander and host for ceremony, added that the regiment has performed superbly under Bills and Burns and that they continued the legacy of the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen.

“The accomplishments of the Soldiers of the 3rd ACR over the nearly three years under the leadership of Colonel Bills and Command Sergeant Major Burns are astounding, and are a tribute to the dedication and selfless service of these fine Soldiers on parade today, the many they represent, and their professional leaders,” he said.

“Be proud of all you accomplished and the care you took of Soldiers and Families, and know that we could not have asked for more from you as you kept the Brave Rifles at the highest standards in peace and war.”