5-113th Field Artillery Change of Command Ceremony

Photo By Spc. Kayden Reed | Lt. Col. Ryan Hogan, the incoming commanding of the 5th Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment, receives the colors from Col. Michael Marciniak, the 60th Troop Command brigade commander, during the unit’s change of command ceremony at the Greensboro Armory in North Carolina on September 10th, 2023. The change of command ceremony is a symbolic tradition in which the outgoing commander relinquishes command and authority by passing the guidon as known as "colors" to the incoming commander. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Kayden Reed, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment)  

GREENSBORO, NC, UNITED STATES

09.10.2023

Story by Spc. Bridget Pittman-Blackwell 

382nd Public Affairs Detachment

Beloved Lt. Col. James P. Hicks II, the outgoing commander of the 5th Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment, relinquishes command of the regiment to Lt. Col. Ryan C. Hogan, the incoming commander, during a change of command ceremony at the National Guard armory in Greensboro, NC, September 10th, 2023.

The ceremony signifies the end of a staggering 5-year command for Hicks, which is unusual for most commanders who experience an average command time of 18-25 months. With over 15 years in the battalion, Hicks has held every key leadership role from platoon leader to commanding two separate batteries.

Hicks is proud of the unit’s major accomplishments, such as being able to support large scale combat operations, teaching traditions and history to the junior officers and lower enlisted, and their focus on mental health.

“This formation of warfighters is ready to go now” said Hicks. “In spite of any equipment issues or personnel deficiencies, we know we can execute a core vision and commander’s intent.”

Lower enlisted soldiers spoke on leadership techniques Hicks incorporated into the training environment leading up to their deployment.

“Under his (Hicks) leadership, he actually had an open ear for suggestions. He was not afraid to try certain things, but he was also good at keeping a level head about all the stuff we had to go through this year,” said Spc. Ryann Garcia.

“It’s like the ‘Hail and Farewell’, you know,” said 2nd Lt. Lyelle Davis. “You are handling the news and just saying goodbye to the previous commanders.”

A hail and farewell is a traditional military event to say welcome or goodbye to senior leaders, officers, non-commissioned officers in a unit.

As Lt. Col. Hicks completed his remarks, Lt. Col. Hogan addressed his new Soldiers as the incoming commander.

“You’ve got my respect," said Hogan. "Today, I start earning yours.”

Hogan has served in a variety of command and leadership positions which include platoon leader, fire direction officer and battery operations officer.

When speaking about the significance of assuming command of the unit, Hogan spoke on humility.

“When you walk into battalion headquarters, there are pictures of all the former commanders," said Hogan. "It starts in black and white and eventually goes to color. To be added to that wall, the distinguished leaders that I have served with and that have served before me, it is a humbling experience."

Hogan’s priorities for his new unit include ensuring that Soldiers are trained on their job, know how to survive in their job, and balance family with mission.

• Date Taken: 09.10.2023
• Date Posted: 09.12.2023 14:12
• Story ID: 453090
• Location: GREENSBORO, NC, US