FORT CARSON, Colo. — the 4th Infantry Division Main Command Post Operational Detachment (MCPOD) Soldiers with the Utah National Guard (ARNG) were awarded the patch of the 4th Inf. Div.’s shoulder sleeve insignia in place of their 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) patch, April 2, 2018.
With approximately 90 Soldiers, the MCPOD’s mission is to outfit the 4th Inf. Div. headquarters with critical capabilities. The MCPOD includes individual and small-team elements in occupations such as flight operations, fires control, human intelligence, logistics, sustainment, engineering, human resources, public affairs, counter-intelligence and signal support.
Maj. Gen. Randy A. George, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, was fired up to have the Utah ARNG patch into his ranks during the division’s “Warfighter” validation exercise, which certifies his division staff for deployment as a tactical headquarters.
“This patch means a lot to us,” said George. “We just celebrated our 100th anniversary. (Soldiers) have (spilled) blood for our nation wearing this (patch) starting off in France in 1917… we’re very proud of the heritage of this division.”
During the patching ceremony, George imparted his expectations of all “Ivy Division” Soldiers to be READY (Respectful, Experts, Athletes, Disciplined, You).
“To be patched in, you’ve got to be part of the unit,” said George. “You guys get to wear our patch and be…a closer part of our team.”
Lt. Col. Talon E. Greeff, MCPOD commander, 4th Inf. Div., interfaces his detachment with division in quarterly exercises to build faith and confidence between both units.
“We’re not planning on un-patching,” said Greeff. “We’re planning on wearing this around Utah, until I hear differently. We’re all one team. That’s been the consistent theme throughout our whole experience with the 4th Inf. Div.”
The 4th Inf. Div. provides a unique opportunity at the division echelon for the Utah ARNG as they work hand-in-hand with their active-duty counterparts in honing their occupational skills, he added.
“When the division deploys, they’re going to need (our) personnel, and that’s what we provide to the division,” said Greeff.
As part of an Army initiative to resource divisional headquarters, the 4th Inf. Div. MCPOD supplements the division’s ranks with junior enlisted Soldiers to field grade officers
Sgt. 1st Class Meaghan Knight, senior intelligence analyst, 4th Inf. Div. MCPOD, said that it’s hard to tell the difference between the two units. Whether training at Fort Carson or in Utah with the 4th Inf. Div., she has always felt like part of the team.
“It’s been an extremely positive experience,” she said. “It makes me feel right at home being here.”
Neither she nor any of her 35 subordinates feel like anything less than an Ivy Division Soldier.
Patching in lassoes the Utah ARNG into the division’s rich heritage, strategic outlook, impact and influence in global affairs.