FORT BLISS, Texas — Soldiers, family members and distinguished guests gathered to witness the change of command ceremony for the 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment (1-35 AR), as U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bernasconi relinquished command to Lt. Col. Arcadio Avalos. The time-honored military tradition symbolizes continuity of leadership, accountability, and readiness.
Change of command ceremonies are a cornerstone of military culture at every echelon, from battalion and brigade formations to division-level headquarters. Rooted in Army tradition, these ceremonies publicly transfer authority and responsibility from one commander to another, ensuring organizational stability while reinforcing trust among soldiers, leaders and stakeholders.
For units supporting the Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB), the significance of these ceremonies extends beyond tradition. As soldiers execute complex missions in support of border security operations, maintaining disciplined leadership transitions is essential to preserving mission effectiveness and operational continuity.
"The Army's ability to accomplish its mission depends on strong leadership and seamless transitions," said leaders attending the ceremony. "Change of command ceremonies reinforce the confidence soldiers have in their chain of command and ensure units remain focused on readiness and mission accomplishment."
Throughout the Army, commanders are entrusted with the welfare, training, and readiness of their formations. Whether at the battalion, brigade or division level, each change of command represents the Army's commitment to maintaining capable leadership while preserving the standards and values that define military service.
Under Bernasconi's leadership, the 1-35 AR continued to develop lethal, ready and resilient soldiers capable of supporting a wide range of operational requirements. During the ceremony, Bernasconi reflected on the accomplishments of the battalion and expressed gratitude to soldiers, families and the many leaders who contributed to the unit's success.
As Avalos assumed command, he accepted responsibility for leading the battalion into its next chapter while building upon the foundation established by his predecessor. The passing of the unit colors, the ceremonial centerpiece of every change of command, served as a visible representation of the transfer of authority. As the colors changed hands, so too did the responsibility for the training, welfare, discipline, lethality, readiness and resilience of the battalion's soldiers.
For JTF-SB and the Army as a whole, leadership transitions such as these demonstrate the strength of the profession of arms. While commanders may change, the mission endures, supported by dedicated soldiers and leaders committed to serving the nation. As 1-35 AR moves forward under new leadership, the ceremony underscored a timeless principle of Army service: the continuity of command ensures that units remain ready to answer the nation's call whenever and wherever needed.