Command Sgt. Maj. Smith new leader of Fort Benning Ranger Training Brigade

Ranger Training Brigade said goodbye Friday to its top noncommissioned officer during a change of responsibility ceremony at Fort Benning.

Command Sgt. Maj. John R. Burns relinquished his position as Ranger Training Brigade command sergeant major to Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Smith at 1 p.m.

Smith of Lake City, Fla., has served in the Army for more than 23 years in various Airborne, Ranger and light infantry assignments throughout the United States.

He was also hand selected to stand up the provisional 75th Ranger Regimental Special Troop Battalion on post.

Burns has served in the Army more than 25 years in various Airborne, Ranger and light infantry assignments throughout the United States.

The Carlisle, Pa., native has held all noncommissioned officer leadership positions from team leader to brigade command sergeant major. Burns has deployed in support of Operations Just Cause, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.