Wednesday, Jun. 15, 2011

5th Ranger Training Battalion gets new commander

DAHLONEGA, Ga. — Lt. Col. Robert A. O’Brien IV took command of the 5th Ranger Training Battalion, replacing Lt. Col. Christopher Stone in a change of command ceremony June 7 at Camp Frank T. Merrill.

Col. John W. King II, reviewing officer and commander of the Ranger Training Brigade, talked about the unit’s role in building the nation’s Rangers.

“There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that the mountain phase of Ranger School is the most physically and mentally demanding phase. With its mountainous terrain and extreme weather, especially during the winter months, this phase has made its share of students tap out as they go about their quest to try and earn the Ranger Tab,” King said.

King thanked Stone for his leadership.

“All of this could not occur if they did not have the right commander setting the right command climate, the right focus but also more importantly had to be a jack of all trades. Lieutenant Colonel Stone has to be part battalion commander, part garrison commander and part diplomat,” he said.

“Chris, you have done all of these positions and a lot more. You have done it professionally and exceeded everyone’s expectations.”

Stone spoke of his experience at Camp Merrill.

“I was able to really enjoy my time here with the outstanding quality of officers, NCOs, Soldiers and civilians of the 5th Ranger Training Battalion,” he said.

“They truly made this job a pleasure when you have such a great group of individuals that allows you to focus on what’s truly important, that is training Ranger students, the future leaders of our Army.”

O’Brien, who has deployed in support of military operations to Kosovo and Afghanistan, most recently served as the deputy commander, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

“I look forward to joining your ranks and continuing the tradition of training Ranger students in the toughest phase of the most demanding leadership school in the Army, the United States Army’s Ranger School,” O’Brien said.