Wednesday, Jun. 08, 2011

4th Ranger Training Battalion changes command

Lt. Col. George Schabbehar took command of the 4th Ranger Training Battalion from Lt. Col. Jeremy Miller in a change of command ceremony Wednesday at the Ranger Memorial.

“It is only fitting that we say farewell to Lieutenant Colonel Miller at the one location on Fort Benning that best represents the persona on how Jeremy lives his day-to day-life — and that is trying to live up to the Ranger standards of those individuals whose names are engraved on the stone beneath our feet,” said Col. John King, the reviewing officer and commander of the Ranger Training Brigade.

King said RTB is directed by the Army to bring in 299 students per class, and as a brigade, has an attrition rate of 390 to 400 students each cycle.

“(The) 4th Battalion has the task of confirming who is mentally and physically fit to endure the next 60 days of Ranger School,” he said. “They begin the process of tearing down egos, forcing individuals to face their fears, forcing individuals to ask themselves, ‘Do I have what it takes?’”

He said the battalion is also responsible for the Reconnaissance Surveillance Leaders Course, training Soldiers from all branches of service on communications, planning and conducting reconnaissance and surveillance missions — along with — Rangers in Action, Ranger graduations and the Best Ranger Competition.

“We look forward to (the Schabbehars) continuing the great team-building tradition and getting to know you over the next two years,” King said.

Schabbehar’s last assignment was as the deputy commander of the 197th Infantry Brigade at Fort Benning.

Schabbehar said he looked forward to being the commander of the 4th Battalion.

“I am eager to continue the tough and demanding training of Soldiers and service members from the other branches as we mold them into Ranger-qualified warriors and long-range surveillance leaders,” he said.

Miller said the experience of commanding the battalion will be rewarding for Schabbehar.

“We know you will all do great things for these Rangers and their families,” Miller said.

Miller will be the deputy commander for the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division at Fort Richardson, Alaska.

“To the Rangers of the 4th Battalion, you have done everything that has been asked of you and much more,” Miller said. “You have done it in a manner which honors our Ranger legacy. I won’t highlight all your accomplishments — your actions speak for themselves.”

Rangers should always remember to stay focused on why they were here, Miller said.

“(Leaders may) find themselves in some undesirable location, experiencing the worst battlefield conditions, with the mission and the lives of others on the line,” Miller said. “And as their mind contemplates faltering, they will eagerly embrace their personal struggle and say, ‘I will not quit’, ‘I will accomplish the mission’, ‘I will lead.’ They will do this because you showed them the way of perseverance, intestinal fortitude, and self-understanding. This is your calling, stay focused on your purpose.”

Miller said Rangers shouldn’t forget about themselves and their families — seeking to become mentally and physically stronger, becoming a better person, and strengthening their support structure — every day.

“In closing, as we all begin our next phase, we will view this change through a warrior’s lens,” Miller said. “For the warrior views change with indifference, it is neither good nor bad, but merely a new challenge to conquer.”