‘Redhawk’ Battalion welcomes new commander

 

Staff Sgt. April Melton

5th Armored Bde., First Army Div. West

The Soldiers and families of the 1st Battalion, 361st Regiment, “Redhawk,” 5th Armored Brigade, are now in new hands after the battalion conducted a change of command ceremony at the Fort Bliss Museum July 21.

The ceremony, steeped in military tradition, was presided over by Col. William J. Schafer, commander, 5th Armored Brigade and signified Lt. Col. Johnathan Thomas’ assumption of command from Maj. Mark Cap, occurring under the focused attention of the “Redhawk” Soldiers.

Schafer first remarked on Cap’s nearly two-month long tenure and his success in driving the battalion’s mission.

“During your command you have flawlessly transferred the responsibilities of the gunnery training and seamlessly condensed your lines of effort into one dynamic, and efficient training lane – Fundamentals of Patrolling. Thank you for your effort and for taking the colors during this period of transition,” said Schafer.

Schafer then turned the spotlight on the abilities of Thomas.

“Lieutenant Colonel Thomas is the right Soldier at the right time to bring his years of service in leadership assignments at all levels and extensive experience as a combat engineer, in training and in operations. I know you are fully capable to take this battalion to a higher level,” he said.

Schafer also addressed the formation on their accomplishments and expressed his confidence in the battalion’s ability to professionally train, mentor and lead joint warfighters.

Cap, a native of Rochester, N.Y., graciously thanked his family for their support and Schafer for supporting and empowering him while giving him the opportunity to lead. He also thanked the battalion officers and senior noncommissioned officers, and finally those he believes should be bestowed the most credit – the Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, and family members of the unit. 

“Many thanks go out to the Soldiers and families of Redhawk. Your hard work in training the joint warfighters for their mission does not go unnoticed nor does the sacrifice your families make to support you,” said Cap.

Cap will return to his duties as the battalion executive officer.

Thomas, the incoming commander, concluded the ceremony by praising his Soldiers and addressing the mission of the 1st Bn., 361st Regt.

“It is indeed an honor to stand before you as your commander. This team – our team – has a duty to prepare those men and women who pass through our gates. No matter the mission, we must ensure that they are ready when they depart us. This is our charge. Let us go forward and execute with excellence,” said Thomas.

Thomas, who hails from Jacksonville, N.C., brings more than 17 years of Army experience to the Redhawk Battalion, including duty in the U.S., Korea and Iraq.

Although the colors have changed hands for the Redhawks, their mission continues as they provide joint warfighters with realistic, relevant combat scenarios in a theater-immersion environment prior to deployment. The unit’s record for preparing servicemembers for conflicts worldwide shows why the  Redhawk Battalion, the 5th Armored Bde.  and First Army are recognized as the Army’s premier trainers.