Email   Print   Share By Capt. Angel Jackson-Gillespie, 1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

Facebook Digg Delicious July 19, 2012 | News

Col. Steven Gilland (right), incoming commander of the 1st BCT, receives the brigade colors from Brig. Gen. Thomas James, 1st Cav. Div. Deputy Commander for Maneuver, during a change of command ceremony July 12 at Cooper Field. The ceremony officially marks the beginning of Gilland’s command. Sgt. John Couffer, 1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

In the time-honored 1st Cavalry Division tradition, Col. Scott Efflandt relinquished command of the 1st Brigade Combat Team to Col. Steve Gilland in a change of command ceremony July 12 at Cooper Field.

Brig. Gen. Thomas James, 1st Cav. Div. deputy commander for maneuver and the ceremony reviewing officer, highlighted the many accomplishments of the Ironhorse Brigade under Efflandt’s command.

“They say that organizations take on the personality of their commander,” James said. “The Ironhorse Brigade is no exception. Scott, supported by his wingman, Command Sgt. Maj. Ripley, has done a phenomenal job leading and setting the azimuth of the organization through this wide range of operational tasks.”

Efflandt gave credit to the Ironhorse team, attributing quality Soldiers, great leadership and Family and community support for the brigade’s success. Efflandt closed his remarks with a goodbye to the Soldiers of the brigade.

Gilland joins the Ironhorse Brigade following duty at the Naval Postgraduate School. He has served in a variety of tactical assignments to include mechanized, Ranger and special operations units.

Gilland pledged to build on established community relationships, and urged Soldiers to take the time to rest, reset and recharge in the next few weeks.

He also advised Soldiers to take full advantage of time with Family and friends.

Five of the six Ironhorse battalions also changed command during the ceremony.

Lt. Col. Grover Southerland passed the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment colors to Lt. Col. Jay Miseli; Lt. Col. Rob Rodriguez passed the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment colors to Lt. Col. Kelvin Brown; Lt. Col. Edmond Brown passed the 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment colors to Lt. Col. Richard Ng; Lt. Col. Jake Carrico passed the 115th Brigade Support Battalion colors to Lt. Col. J. Bradley Swift; and Lt. Col. Stephen Dawson passed the 1st Special Troops Battalion colors to Lt. Col. Michael Gaffney.