New battalion commander calls for communication

Photo By Lorne Neff | Indiana Army National Guard Lt. Col. Walter Finney speaks at the change of ceremony for the 38th Infantry Division’s headquarters battalion in Indianapolis, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015. Finney commanded the battalion since 2013 and led the unit was busy with multiple missions. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Lorne W. Neff)  

INDIANAPOLIS , IN, UNITED STATES

10.17.2015

Courtesy Story

38th Infantry Division

By Staff Sgt. Erin E. Johns
38th Infantry Division Public Affairs

INDIANAPOLIS - Cyclone Division Guardsmen stand ready in the cool, autumn day awaiting their new battalion commander during a change of command ceremony at Cyclone Division Armory in Indianapolis Saturday.

Lt. Col. David Skalon, a Pendleton resident, took command of the 38th Infantry Division’s headquarters battalion from Lt. Col. Walter Finney who had commanded the unit’s approximately 870 Soldiers since 2013.

During the ceremony Skalon commented on his expectations in the future about how important communication is to succeeding. He explained how important interpersonal communication is while training on a mission and noncommissioned officers are key to keep communication open between officers and enlisted Soldiers.

“Communication is not just physical. It’s not binary. It’s not just ones and zeroes. It’s not about Blackberrys and computers,” said Skalon. “Communication is about sending a clear message and ensuring it’s received.”

Finney commanded the battalion during a time when the unit was busy with multiple missions and a strenuous operational tempo - the higher command for a warfighter exercise in 2014, the warfighter exercise in 2015, Vibrant Response exercise in 2015. In June the Cyclone Division Guardsmen took command and control over a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear response element within 96 hours of notification.

The division’s commanding general, Maj. Gen. David C. Wood, commended Finney dedication to mission, troop readiness and improvements to logistical operations

“When something goes well it doesn’t just happen. It takes leaders keeping focus,” said Wood. “I cannot overstate the importance of this command.”

While handing command over Finney said, “As I depart, Lt. Col. Skalon, you’re taking over an outstanding battalion. They’ll work hard for you.”

• Date Taken: 10.17.2015
• Date Posted: 10.18.2015 17:18
• Story ID: 179229
• Location: INDIANAPOLIS , IN, US