Maj. General Mark T. McQueen, Commanding General of the 108th Training Command (IET) headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. listens to concerns and answers questions from reserve drill sergeants during an open forum before the activation ceremony of the 2-48 Infantry Regiment at the North Iowa Chapel at Fort Leonard Wood, June 16. The activation commemorates the continuation of a units history and lineage, it signifies the beginning of a new chapter in the life of a Military unit. U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Tynisha Daniel, 108th Training Command
FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — The 2nd Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment participated in four time-honored traditions all in one ceremony on Gammon Field on June 16.
Col. Daryl O. Hood, commander of the 3rd Chemical Brigade, presided over the patching ceremony, Assumption of Responsibility, Assumption of Command and the Activation ceremony of the 2nd Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment.
This is the first time many could recall being part of a ceremony that had combined all these components into one ceremony.
“You have the leadership’s trust and confidence. You are now a part of our team, our team of teams, and we will help execute the Army’s End Strength Increase initiative,” Hood said during his remarks.
Col. Daryl O. Hood the reviewing officer during the activation ceremony for the 2nd Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment assists both LTC. John D. Watson and CSM Jerry L. Gonzales with the changing of their sleeve insignia signifying a new chapter in the life of a military unit. Patches placed on the right shoulder sleeve signify wartime service, often called combat patches.
U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Tynisha Daniel, 108th Training Command
Brig. Gen. R.A. Bassford, Deputy Commanding General of the 88th Regional Support Command, listens to concerns and answers questions from reserve drill sergeants during an open forum before the activation ceremony of the 2-48 Infantry Regiment at the North Iowa Chapel at Fort Leonard Wood, June 16. The activation commemorates the continuation of a unit’s history and lineage, it signifies the beginning of a new chapter in the life of a Military unit.
U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Tynisha Daniel, 108th Training Command
Ltc. John D. Watson, incoming commander of 2-48th addresses the audience during the activation and assumption of command ceremony June 16, at Garmon Field Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. This Activation Ceremony commemorates the continuation of a units history and signifies the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the military unit as a Basic Combat Training Battalion.
U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Tynisha Daniel, 108th Training Command
The activation ceremony is a traditional event that is rich with symbolism and heritage. Key to the ceremony is the uncasing of the unit’s colors. These colors represent not only the lineage and honors of the unit, but also the loyalty and unity of its soldiers. The colors are the commander’s symbol of authority, representing his responsibility to the organization. Wherever the commander is, there also are the colors. Activation takes place in order to transfer a constituted regular army or army reserve unit from the inactive to the active rolls of the United States Army.
Lt. Col. John Watson assumed command, while Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Gonzales assumed responsibility of the battalion.
“We are here to inspire the next generation of U.S. Army Soldiers,” Watson said. “Our dedication, our expertise and our professionalism at this very moment is the foundation on which they will build the future of our Army.”
Following the assumption of command and responsibility, the Soldiers within the battalion took place in a patching ceremony where they officially became a part of the 3rd Chemical Brigade.
“2nd Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment, your mission is to transform civilians by leading them through Basic Combat Training, to make Soldiers who are physically fit, disciplined, and motivated who understand the Army Values,” Hood said while addressing the Soldiers in formation.
The 48th infantry Regiment traces its lineage back to World War I and was constituted 15 May 1917 in Syracuse, New York. This activation ceremony commemorates the continuation of a unit’s history and lineage, signifying the beginning of a new chapter in the life of a military unit.
The activation of this battalion is in response to an announcement by the Army in March that its troop levels for Fiscal Year 2017 will increase to 1.018 million Soldiers, a net gain of 28,000 Soldiers across the Total Force (Regular Army, National Guard and Army Reserve).
There will be more than 175 Soldiers from the 108th Training Command in-processing at Fort Leonard Wood from now through August in preparation for the expected increase in Basic Combat Training Soldiers.
Several Soldiers from the 95th Training Division volunteered for a yearlong mission to train the additional BCT Soldiers.
“Alpha Company is here, as well as the battalion staff, “ stated Master Sgt. Patrick Bull, battalion operations Noncommissioned Officer In Charge . “They have their full complement of Soldiers and are at 100 percent capacity and ready to train.”
The Battalion’s first company is scheduled to start training the week of July 3.