Syracuse University Army ROTC hosts Change of Authority ceremony
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (9/8/15) — The Syracuse University Army ROTC Program hosted a Change of Authority ceremony on Friday, September 4, to facilitate the change of leadership for the position of Professor of Military Science (PMS). The ceremony, which took place in the Hall of Languages, featured a presentation of flowers, a passing of the guidon to incoming PMS Lieutenant Colonel Jason Warner, and a retirement ceremony in recognition of outgoing PMS Lieutenant Colonel Michael A. Bianchi. It is customary during a change of authority ceremony to pass the guidon, a flag representative of the unit, from the outgoing leader to the incoming leader. This symbolic act is one of the oldest traditions of the profession of arms and continues to signify an exchange of command authority.
The outgoing professor, Lieutenant Colonel Michael A. Bianchi, was well known throughout the community as the backbone of the program and as a pillar for the traditions of the university in keeping with the highest standards. Throughout his 21 years of service, LTC Bianchi served in various key leadership positions throughout the Army to include: Blackhawk Platoon Leader, 158th Aviation Regiment, Biebelstadt, Germany; Brigade Adjutant and Company Commander, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY; Recruiting and Operations Officer, Syracuse University Army ROTC, Syracuse, New York; Embedded Training Team Chief, Combined Security Assistance Command 203rd Corps Afghan National Army, Afghanistan; Executive Officer, Recruiting Battalion, Syracuse, New York; and Professor of Military Science; Saint Bonaventure Army ROTC, Allegany, New York. His leadership, guidance and support were nothing short of exemplary and set the standard for the future Professor of Military Science to follow.
The incoming Professor of Military Science is Lieutenant Colonel Jason Warner. LTC Warner has served in various key leadership positions throughout the Army to include: Mechanized Infantry Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, and Squadron Maintenance Officer, 11th Armored Calvary Regiment, Fort Irwin, California; Division Support Command Intelligence Officer, Battalion Intelligence Officer, Battalion Operations Officer, Company Commander, and Assistant Intelligence Officer, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York; Analyst and Collection Manager, US Central Command, Tampa, Florida; Brigade Operations Officer, Battalion Executive Officer, and Deputy Directory for the Theater Ground Intelligence Center, 513th Military Intelligence Brigade, Fort Gordon, Georgia. G35 Future Operations Deputy Directory, Eighth Army, Seoul, Korea.
Syracuse University Vice Chancellor for Veteran and Military Affairs Dr. Michael Haynie acted as the higher authority in the ceremony, and facilitated the exchange of leadership. Dr. Haynie also issued a Certificate of Appreciation to LTC Bianchi on behalf of the President of the United States. Along with the presentation of the Change of Authority, LTC Bianchi was also awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for exceptional meritorious service while serving as the Professor of Military Science. The event concluded with a retirement ceremony for LTC Bianchi, followed by the playing of the Army Song. A brief reception followed for the cadets and leadership of the Army ROTC.
About the Army ROTC at Syracuse University:
The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is a college elective that develops Leadership Skills in students as they prepare for Military Service. Army ROTC offers a commission as a second lieutenant in either the active Army or Reserve Forces in a variety of career fields including Combat Arms (Aviation, Armor, Artillery, Infantry, or Engineers), Combat Support, and Combat Service Support branches. There are two-, three-, and four-year scholarship programs available. Some cadets choose to join the National Guard or the Army Reserve while in Army ROTC, thus qualifying them for the Montgomery GI Bill benefits, in-state tuition (VANG) and other exciting benefits. Training with Army ROTC is a new experience every week. Training covers a wide range of skills that are needed to be an Officer in the Army. It includes Situational Training Exercises to teach and practice the different types of offensive operations and tactics used on the battlefield. Rappelling to teach the proper use of knots and to build confidence in cadet’s abilities to rappel. Land Navigation to learn the ins and outs of map reading and navigating the land with just a map and a compass. Combat Water Survival Test to test one’s abilities in the water during stressful situations. Physical Fitness 3 days a week to make sure cadets are in top shape to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test. Skiing/Snowboard once a year to give the battalion a little extra cohesiveness. There is also a Military Ball and Dining In to bring everyone in the battalion together to have some fun and bond outside of training. For more information, visit http://armyrotc.syr.edu.
About The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) at Syracuse University:
The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) serves as Syracuse University’s single point of entry for all veteran and military related programs and initiatives. It collaborates and coordinates with all stakeholders to best serve veterans, military connected students, and military family members who are students or employees at Syracuse University. For more information about the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, visit https://veterans.syracuse.edu.