Task Force Outlaw deactivates and transfers authority to ‘Stallion’

Photo By Spc. kris maxfield | Lt. Col. Andrew J. Juknelis, left, commander, Task Force Outlaw, 5th Armored Brigade, and Master Sgt. Eric Warner, right, task force noncommissioned officer-in-charge, case their unit colors during a transfer of authority ceremony held at Contingency Operating Location Westbrook, McGregor Range, N.M., June 30. The ceremony marks the transfer of the TF Outlaw detainee operations mission and most of it’s soldiers to the 3rd Battalion, 362nd Armor Regiment “Stallion,” 5th Armored Brigade, commanded by Lt. Col. Peter Zike.  

MCGREGOR RANGE, NM, UNITED STATES

06.30.2011

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Alejandro Sias 

5th Armored Brigade

By Sgt. 1st Class Alejandro Sias and Maj. Jason Fetterolf
5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West

MCGREGOR RANGE, N.M. – A noteworthy chapter in the history of the U.S. military’s detainee operations was turned as the 5th Armored Brigade’s Task Force Outlaw deactivated and it’s soldiers melded with those of the 3rd Battalion, 362nd Armor Regiment, “Stallion,” in a historic transfer of authority ceremony held at Contingency Operating Location Westbrook here June 30.

Witnessed by brigade leaders, soldiers, family and friends, Lt. Col. Andrew J. Juknelis, commander, Task Force Outlaw, and Master Sgt. Eric Warner, noncommissioned officer-in-charge, cased their task force colors, indicating the transfer of their detainee lines of operation to the “Stallion” Battalion, commanded by Lt. Col. Peter Zike.

Of historical significance, TF Outlaw became the first Reserve Component unit to train Active Component formations, and became the only task force offering military police training in the Army.

“This is a historically important ceremony that marks the transfer of an enduring mission from one unit to the next,” said Col. Eric O. Schacht, 5th Armored Brigade commander, who presided over the ceremony. “The Task Force [Outlaw] has trained over 30,000 soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen, from 212 units, on 19 lines of training since its inception.”

Schacht expressed his confidence in “Stallion” as their leaders add in the new mission sets.

“Lt. Col. Zike and Command Sgt. Maj. French, let me express my complete confidence in your ability to continue training Outlaw’s lines of training while augmenting your current lines of training such as area security operations and base defense,” he said.

Next, Juknelis spoke to the audience and his soldiers with energy and heartfelt emotion.

“Outlaw has become the flagship training area for First Army and across the MP community … remember your heritage and what you’ve accomplished,” said Juknelis. “You are part of something bigger; part of an historic time for the United States and the U.S. Army Reserve. That’s the kind of experience that no one can ever take away.”

Juknelis, whom will now take on the position of deputy commanding officer of the 5th Armored Brigade’s sister brigade, the 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, continued at length.

“Although the task force guidon has been cased and the task forces will be combined, the mission will continue, added Juknelis. “Our success in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay will create a legacy for our military that will be felt around the world for generations.”
Finally, Zike spoke to his new expanded formation, succinctly expressing his positive outlook.

“To the Outlaw Soldiers … I welcome you and look forward to accomplishing the hard work ahead; I know we can accomplish any mission as one team,” said Zike.

TF Outlaw began its operations in August 2005 and continually expanded its training lines to encompass training in detention operations, police transition training, law and order training, detainee medical operations, personnel security detail training and more.

• Date Taken: 06.30.2011
• Date Posted: 07.14.2011 11:09
• Story ID: 73720
• Location: MCGREGOR RANGE, NM, US