 |
| Lt. Col. (P) Victor G. Garcia, left, passes the battalion's colors to Lt. Col. Brendan J. Arcuri during the 8th Military Information Support Battalion (Airborne) Change of Command ceremony May 23, 201. (4th MISG Public Affairs photo) |
RELEASE NUMBER: 120607-06
DATE POSTED: JUNE 7, 2012
MISB welcomes new commander
By Capt. Mark D. Natale
8th MISB Public Affairs Office
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, June 7, 2012) - The 8th Military Information Support Battalion (Airborne) welcomed its new commander in a change of command ceremony on May 23. The ceremony, conducted on Meadows Field at the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Headquarters, signified the transfer of authority and command between Lt. Col. (P) Victor G. Garcia and Lt. Col. Brendan J. Arcuri.
Garcia took command of the 8th MISB (A) in May of 2011, at that time he was charged with the monumental responsibility of commanding a unit responsible for all Military Information Support Operations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility. Shortly after taking command Garcia deployed to Qatar as the JISTF-SO (Joint Information Support Task Force) commander, simultaneously commanding the 8th MISB (A), responsible for the contingent of Soldiers forward deployed to multiple embassy teams in theater and those stationed at FT Bragg.
While at the JISTF, Garcia supported the SOCCENT commander, the 4th Military Information Support Group, and the Military Information Support Command as the MISO executive agent for CENTCOM and the subject matter expert concerning all Military Information Support Operations and partner nation efforts within Southwest Asia.
Upon returning to ForT Bragg, Garcia was selected for promotion to colonel and will attend the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Penn
Arcuri has been charged with the responsibility of command of the battalion; a command that encompasses assets and efforts spanning three continents, more than 20 countries, and more than 300 Soldiers
“We are thankful that Brendan was selected to take this unit. The Army could not have chosen a better leader to assume command of 8th battalion...His service and experience in the Army and Special Operations has positioned him to understand and appreciate the depth and breadth of responsibilities of this combat focused unit,” Col. Reginald J. Bostick, 4th Military Information Support Group (Airborne) commander, said.
Arcuri has been in the Psychological Operations branch since 2001, following a career as an Armor officer. Arcuri has served in many capacities within the Military Information Support Operations community to include: PSYOP Detachment commander, MIST OIC – U.S. Embassy, Kabul, Afghanistan, Battalion Executive Officer, and Chief of MISO for U.S. Army Special Operation Command – Pacific, Camp Smith, Hawaii.
The change of command ceremony symbolizes an officer relinquishing command to another. The tradition harkens back to similar ceremonies which predate the Norman conquest of England and are a formal symbolic passing of responsibility from one leader to another. The ceremony ensures that the Soldiers will never be void of an official leader.
For the Soldiers of 8th battalion this ceremony bridges the gap between two different, yet exceptional leaders. For one, the ceremony embodies a bittersweet farewell, looking back at the success of his mission with the battalion. For the other, it encompasses the new challenge he has fully and wholeheartedly accepted, the challenge of leading 8th battalion in future operations in one of the most inhospitable regions on earth.
Bostick’s closing remarks demonstrated the relentless efforts of Garcia and the total confidence in Arcuri’s leadership.
“You lived the way of the samurai. Your sword remained sharp, your weapon always clean. Never once did you show a sign of weakness. You are a warrior; through and through… I am collectively confident that this unit is in very good hands,” Bostick said.--usasoc--
