Warhorse Troop passes guidon

Courtesy Photo | Lt. Col. Antonio Aguto, a Chicago native, sheaths the saber of Warhorse Troop, 4th Squadron (Reconnaissance and Target Acquisition Squadron), 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, during a change of command ceremony Apr. 2. The saber movement is, what some would say, one of the more ceremonial customs in the U.S. Army Cavalry. Aguto is the commander of 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Multi-National Division - Baghdad. (U.S. Army Photo/Master Sgt. Ruth Eggert)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

04.14.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division Baghdad

By Sgt. 1st Class William Quiett
2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment Public Affairs Office

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – As operations continue for Warhorse Troop, 4th Squadron (Reconnaissance and Target Acquisition Squadron), 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, they took a brief pause for a change of command ceremony and bid a fond farewell to Maj. Christopher C.E. McGarry of Pensacola, Fla., and hailed Capt. Marcus Melton of Marietta, Ga., April 2 at Camp Liberty, Iraq.

McGarry relinquished the command he carried for the past twelve months to a long time member of Saber Squadron's family.

"I was a bit saddened to hand over the reigns of Pale Horse Troop, yet more than ready to accept another command within the Saber Squadron and take charge of Warhorse Troop," said McGarry.

Many traditions in the Army are time honored events. But none are more enduring or revered as those held by the cavalry. After the guidon is passed and secured by its barer, one of the revered cavalry traditions begins, "Passing of the Saber."

Lt. Col. Antonio Aguto, of Chicago, who serves as the commander of 4th Sqdn., 2nd SCR, MND-B, dons his riding gloves and draws the saber from its sheath which is no longer in pristine shining glory and passes the saber that shows ware from years of use. He passes the saber to McGarry who salutes Melton as a sign of respect and worthiness to carry on command of the cavalry troop. With the saber held forth right in upward facing palms, the relinquished commander then offers the saber to the new commander who returns the salute bows and kisses the steal he will loyally serve. Once returned to Aguto, the saber is re-sheathed and returned to his chamber where it is secured.

This change of command marks another chapter in the oldest continuously serving cavalry regiment in the U.S. Army today. 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment will celebrate its 172nd anniversary on May 23rd. "From the Swamps of Florida to the Deserts of Iraq, we 2nd Dragoons have lived up to our Motto Toujours Pret (Always Ready)," said Aguto.

• Date Taken: 04.14.2008
• Date Posted: 04.14.2008 17:42
• Story ID: 18433
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ