545th MP Co - Change of Command Ceremony

CPT Matt Mularoni (the new commander) and Cpt Ian Townsend.
The PM, LTC Byrd, is currently giving a speech during this photo as you will see in other photos where he is with us

1SG Jody George in front of the American flag and the 545th guidon

1SG George as she takes the guidon to prepare for the "passing of the colors"

The leaders standing in front of the Flag and guidon. CPT Matt Mularoni, LTC Robert Byrd, CPT Ian Townsend

CPT Ian Townsend, after receiving the guidon from 1SG George, passes it to the Provost Marshal, LTC Byrd signifying relinquishment of command.

LTC Byrd passes the guidon to CPT Mularoni charging him with the command of the best MP company in the United States Army --
545th, 1st Cavalry Division.

The paragraph below is taken from our CoC programs:

SIGNIFICANCE OF PASSING THE COLORS

Today we will observe the traditional "Passing of the Colors" symbolizing the change of command for the 545th Military Police Company, 1st Cavalry Division from CPT Ian J. Townsend to CPT Matt Mularoni. Since the earliest chronicles of military history, military leaders have used a banner as a visible symbol to identify themselves and serve as a rallying point. In the past, the colors were traditionally at the side of the unit commander. The very soul of the military unit is symbolized in the colors under which it fights, for they record the glories of the past, stand guardian over its present destiny, and ensure inspiration for its future. Tradition dictates that the colors lead the unit into battle "when in action, resolve not to part with the colors, but with your life." Today, the colors serve as a binding symbol of continuity and point of inspiration for the future. Commanders and Soldiers will come and go, but the unit continues on.

The act of passing the colors from CPT Townsend to CPT Mularoni marks the official Change of Command.