FORT BRAGG, N.C. – The 95th Civil Affairs Brigade (Special Operations) (Airborne) officially changed command July 19 during a ceremony held at Meadows Field, Fort Bragg.
The ceremony, hosted by Maj. Gen. John Deedrick, Jr., commander, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), marked the change of command for the Army's only special operations civil affairs brigade from Col. Jason C. Slider to Col. Charles R. Burnett.
With the Color Guard in place, Slider ceremoniously passed the unit colors to Deedrick, who in turn passed them to Burnett signifying the transfer of command from the outgoing to the incoming commander.
Deedrick spoke to those in attendance about the unit’s transition, achievements and the leadership of both the outgoing and incoming brigade commanders.
Deedrick described the brigades’ focus, “The 95th changed from training, manning and equipping companies and battalions to an operational plan focused deployable mission command headquarters with the ability to rapidly task organize in support of emerging overseas contingency missions.”
Under Slider’s leadership the brigade completed their first warfighter exercise as a task force headquarters.
The civil affairs task force increased the capability and success of the 1st SFC (A), during the exercise, through their integration with political partners, USAID, and other nongovernmental organizations, remarked Deedrick.
Additionally, Deedrick voiced appreciation for Slider’s vision to work closely with non-military partners solidifying the 95th CA Bde. (SO) (A) as not just a valuable asset, but an absolutely necessary addition to the combined special operations team.
“Slider has left an indelible mark on the headquarters and the capability of the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade,” said Deedrick.
Slider started his career as an infantryman and served as a noncommissioned officer at Fort Benning, Ga., before graduating the Army’s Officer Candidate School in 1992.
It wasn’t until 2003 that Slider transitioned to the civil affairs branch where he has served as a team leader, detachment commander, company commander, battalion operations officer, and deputy brigade commander prior to commanding the 95th CA Bde. (SO) (A).
Slider, slated to serve as the Commander’s Initiatives Group chief for the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, spoke directly to the brigade’s Soldiers in formation.
“I've learned a lot from you over the last two years,” said Slider. “You inspired me not only in what you do, but who you are. You demonstrated that winning is about trust; building trust in your relationships, being ready when needed, knowing your job and maintain a moral high ground.”
He continued that winning is about accountably and teamwork.
“Winning is about we, us and ours, because teammates don't let teammates fail,” said Slider. Slider then turned his attention to Burnett and said, “I look forward to seeing where you will take the 95th, take care, have fun and God speed.”
Burnett expressed his excitement, “I am excited about the prospect of the upcoming year and that I cherish the opportunity to serve in the 95th again.”
Burnett started his military career as an infantry officer and previously served as the deputy commander for the 95th CA Bde. (SO) (A). Most recently he served as the Civil Affairs Commandant at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Training Center and School.
During his remarks, Burnett read “The Man in the Arena” passage from President Theodore Roosevelt’s speech titled “Citizenship in a Republic.”
In the speech, Roosevelt said that the credit of individual character belongs to the man who is willing to put forth the effort, “sweat and blood” and at best knows triumph, and at worst dares to fail daringly, “so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Burnett shared his thoughts on the speech, “I would say that if we think of our units in the same terms as President Roosevelt espoused for individual behavior; that we strive to do our best each day; we accept that it will be a hard road to travel but know that in the end it is the unending effort - the ability to do the routine things routinely well that makes good units in to great units.” He continued, “If we strive to do this we will not only keep the 95th a great unit, but we will continue to help our Army Special Operations Force comrades remain great as well.”
In closing, Burnett stated he is humbled by the opportunity to command the 95th CA Bde. (SO) (A).
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