3rd HBCT Forges Ahead With Command Changes

By Maj. Joe Sowers
3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Change is constant in the Army. When adding the variables of a combat rotation, many leaders resist the urge to create greater change by conducting changes of command at the company level.

In the face of this environment of change, Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team commander, decided to drive forward with a regular system of company changes of command during the unit’s deployment to Iraq.

“A new commander brings a fresh set of eyes onto the complex issues we face in the counter insurgency fight,” Grigsby said. “Also, a change in command always brings a greater emphasis on standards and discipline as Soldiers want to impress their new commander and commanders’ want to set the right standards at the beginning of their commands.”

Capt. David J. Smith, of Grand Rapids, Mich., relinquished command of Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, to Capt. Jared J. Albright, of Lancaster, Pa., at FOB Hammer on Aug. 1. This was the fourth company change of command conducted by 3rd HBCT since the brigade deployed in late March, with six more scheduled during the deployment.

“Thank you for your outstanding efforts to make Bonecrusher Troop what it is today,” Smith said. “Never forget that you are the future leaders of the unit and America.”

Oregon native Capt. Troy Thomas assumed command of Troop A, 3-1 Cavalry in a ceremony at Patrol Base Assassin on July 25. Capt. Art McGrue, of Seaside, Calif., had commanded the troop since June 2006.

Thomas had previously played a key role in developing and leading the brigade’s Time Sensitive Target team, which specializes in acting on sensitive intelligence on a moment’s notice. McGrue is scheduled to take command of Headquarters Company, 1-15th Infantry Regiment later in the deployment.

“I think change is good. It is a means to...fighting complacency,” said Lt. Col. John S. Kolasheski, a Loudon, Tenn., native and 3-1 Cavalry commander. “It can be a very powerful positive influence with the right personality.”

Capt. Leo Buehler, of Pottsville, Pa., passed the Company B, 1-15th Infantry guidon to Capt. Rich Thompson, of West Palm Beach, Fla., at Combat Outpost Cleary June 20. Buehler is now serving as a part of the 3rd HBCT’s Military Transition Team working with the 8th Iraqi Army Division.

Under Buehler’s command, Company B conducted four night air assaults to eliminate insurgent sanctuaries southeast of Baghdad. Thompson led the company on a night air assault a mere four days after taking command. Thompson previously served as an enlisted Soldier and non-commissioned officer in the 75th Ranger Regiment.

“The Dragon Team would just like to say thanks to Captain Buehler for all of his hard work. We look forward to watching Captain Thompson take Baker Company to a new level, building on the foundation Captain Buehler left behind,” said 1-15th Infantry command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Moore.

One change in leadership was not scheduled. Capt. John Horning, of Houston, took command of Company C, 1-15th Inf. Regt. in July, when then-commander Capt. Brandon Gardner, of Mesquite, Texas, sustained non-battle injuries that kept him from continuing his command.

Lt. Col. Jack Marr, of Minneapolis, commander of 1-15th Inf. Regt., believes that conducting changes of command in the 12-18 month window, regardless of whether the unit is deployed, produces positive benefits for the Army as a whole.

“I am a fan of changing commanders while deployed,” said Marr. “It allows us to increase the number of leaders with combat experience rather than just a chosen few.”