Leadership, history reign during change of command

Photo By Staff Sgt. John Onuoha | Lt. Col. Joshua LaMotte (center), commander of 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, leads his unit on a battalion run at Fort Stewart, Ga., May 26, 2016. The run was the commander’s first with his battalion. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. John Onuoha / Realeased)  

FORT STEWART, GA, UNITED STATES

05.25.2016

Story by Spc. John Onuoha 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By Spc. John Onuoha, 6-8 Cav., 2IBCT UPAR

FORT STEWART, Ga. – Lt. Col. Brandon Klink, outgoing commander for 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division transferred command to Lt. Col. Joshua LaMotte during a change of command ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, May 25.

“I enjoyed the opportunity to serve with these great Soldiers and serve once again in 3rd Infantry Division, and it is great to be a part of the organization,” Klink said. “My father was a prior Army officer, so it is great to build and carry on the tradition of service.”

A change of command is a formal transfer of authority for a unit from one commanding officer to another. It ensures Soldiers are never left without official guidance and it signifies the allegiance of Soldiers to their commander.


“Change of command is a military tradition since the beginning of the Army,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Irving, 703rd BSB senior enlisted advisor. “It allows people to see the recognition of a professional and disciplined organization as they change their leadership. This is the first time everybody sees the new commander and the last time they see the outgoing commander, which is why the ceremony is very important.”

The event emphasized leadership and how it is the foundation for success in any organization, in that it transforms Soldiers’ potential into reality.

“Leadership is developed from family values,” Irving said. “The Army teaches additional values to help build upon the things that you already know as you grow up, and when you apply leadership to things you are just applying common sense. When you see something that needs to be done, you just do it.”



“This event is historical because it is a chance to review the history of those that were in the position that we are standing in and pay proper respect to the Army and those that serve,” LaMotte said.

Speakers acknowledged the outgoing commander’s service and dedication to his organization, as well as his wife Laura’s support for the battalion and Army family.

“Klink, the Maintainers performed ausgezeichnet (excellent) no matter what was asked of them,” said Col. Thomas Gukeisen, commander of 2nd IBCT. "Klink and Laura, you both should leave here today with your heads held high as you left this battalion better than you received it. The hallmark of true professionals."

“Laura, I would like to thank you on behalf of the Spartans for taking care of the Maintain families as well as your own. Your sacrifices do not go unnoted," Gukeisen said.


“Klink is a leader that listens and uses all resources available,” Irving said. “He understands that this is not a ‘one person show’ and it takes a collective team in order to run an organization like this. He is a caring leader who applies empathy and solemn judgement.”

LaMotte spoke about his goals and aspirations for the unit and Soldiers as their new commander.

“Klink did an outstanding job and has set the conditions for me to take this command,” LaMotte said. “I look forward to leading a professional team that’s deployable, ready, resilient, fights and wins daily. I look forward to working with a professional team of 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia and joining the community of Hinesville.”

• Date Taken: 05.25.2016
• Date Posted: 05.31.2016 17:30
• Story ID: 199594
• Location: FORT STEWART, GA, US