JOINT TRAINING CENTER, Jordan- In keeping with a long-held Army tradition, unit colors were cased, followed by the uncasing of a new guidon that signified the end of one rotation and the beginning of another.
U.S. Army Soldiers of the 655 Regional Support Group (RSG), based out of Westover Air Reserve Base in Massachusetts, officially assumed command of Area Support Group-Jordan (ASG-J) from the 198 RSG, Arizona National Guard, during a formal Transfer of Authority held July 18, 2019 at the Joint Training Center (JTC).
“This ceremony, as with each Transfer of Authority, reaffirms the continued commitment of the United States to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the security and stability of the region,” said U.S. Army Col. Christopher Sandison, outgoing ASG-J commander.
In attendance was U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David C. Hill, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Central (USARCENT), who recognized 198 RSG’s success with making the shift from the former Army Forces-Jordan to the current ASG-J; the first unit to rotate through in this position. According to Hill, this accomplishment created capabilities aligned with structures that USARCENT has with other partners in Kuwait and Qatar.
“Both of our Nations are made stronger and more effective through this remarkable relationship between USARCENT and the Jordan Armed Forces,” said Hill.
Hill commended 198 RSG on their assistance in the creation and revision of the first Jordan Armed Forces Noncommissioned Officer Guide, as well for their constant efforts in enhancing and nurturing our relationship with the Jordan Armed Forces.
Additionally, Hill formally charged 655 RSG to, “…continue to enhance the robust relationship USARCENT has with our Jordanian partners in our combined efforts toward maintaining stability and security in the region.”
Speaking on behalf of U.S. Army Col. Lyle Ourada, incoming ASG-J commander, was U.S. Army Lt. Col. Theresa Rusin, incoming deputy commanding officer of ASG-J. Ourada, sent his deepest regrets because he could not attend the ceremony due to a previous obligation with the U.S. War College.
Strategic priorities for ASG-J, as explained by Rusin, will focus on capabilities to augment the base operations support missions, enabling Operation Spartan Shield while building defense relationships, partner capacities, and supporting security cooperation activities. In addition, ASG-J will conduct operations that will set logistical means to ensure proper response to any crisis or unforeseen events.
ASG-J operates as the Base Operations Support Integrator and Security Coordinator for Title 10 forces, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, to support contingency operations and military-to-military engagements within USARCENT’s area of responsibility.
“I am proud to be here and look forward to working with our partners in the Jordan Armed Forces, Task Force Spartan, our enablers, DoD civilians, contractors and all involved to support operations and the mission,” said Rusin, “The 198 RSG has achieved a high standard and we will maintain the standards they have set.”