Outgoing Horse Detachment commander passes on leadership role

Photo By Giancarlo Casem | Lt. Col. Andrew Cooper, Regimental Support Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, commander, hands the guidon to incoming commander, 1st Lt. Christopher Eby, of Sussex, N. J., during the Horse Detachment's change of command ceremony at the Horse Stables, April 24. Eby assumed command from Capt. Scott Cummings, a native of Afton, Wyo.  

FORT IRWIN, UNITED STATES

04.24.2009

Story by Sgt. Giancarlo Casem 

11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

FORT IRWIN, Calif.--The 11th Armored Cavalry Regimental Support Squadron's Horse Detachment saw a change of command during a ceremony at the Horse Stables in the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., April 24.

The change of command between outgoing commander Capt. Scott Cummings and incoming commander, 1st Lt. Christopher Eby took place in front of the Soldiers and horses of the detachment.

As a member of the 11th ACR, the Horse Detachment conducts a unique mission; they provide livestock for rotational units, RTUs, training at the National Training Center. The Blackhorse Regiment trains 10 brigade-size elements one at a time in the harsh climate of the Mojave Desert. The high-level of realism, climate and the 11th ACR has made the NTC a world-class training center. The Horse Detachment also performs in rodeos and Cavalry shows to bring awareness to the 11th ACR, the U.S. Army and the Cavalry tradition.

Cummings, an Afton, Wyo., native, took command of the Horse Detachment in May 2008. He admitted that he did not even know the 11th ACR had a Horse Detachment until he came to the unit. He went on to also thank the 11th ACR and RSS leadership for allowing him to command.

"I want to personally thank the Squadron and the Regimental leadership for your support," Cummings said.

He also talked about some memorable highlights during his stint as the Horse Detachment Commander. Cummings reminisced about going to rodeos and performing Cavalry shows. He said he felt proud to represent the 11th ACR doing those shows, and more so, the Army.

"Where else can you go where you can wear a different uniform, work with horses and talk about the Army," he said of his experiences working with Army Recruiters during public events.

The incoming commander, Eby, is a native of Sussex, N.J. He was commissioned as a Military Intelligence Officer in 2006. His first assignment with the Blackhorse Regiment was in the intelligence section of 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. He then moved to the RSS' 511th Military Intelligence Company, where he eventually moved up to the position of company executive officer.

As parting words, Cummings gave the new commander a few words of wisdom.

"Chris you'll get the distinct pleasure of figuring out what is needed out here," Cummings said. "Always remember to take care of your Soldiers, like me; some of them will have more knowledge about horses."

At the end of the ceremony, Eby marched in front of the detachment, and stood in formation for the first time with, as Cummings calls the Detachment, "The true jewel of the 11th ACR and Fort Irwin."

• Date Taken: 04.24.2009
• Date Posted: 04.29.2009 17:35
• Story ID: 33026
• Location: FORT IRWIN, US