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How to Write a Change of Command Speech

C hances are you’ve been in one of the following situations:  a member of a formation suffering under a long change of command speech; an audience member embarrassed for the speaking commander because his speech is really bad; or a soon-to-be ex-commander staring at a blank page on the morning of your own departure speech. Sound familiar?

Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. The change of command speech is important but it can sneak up on you in the distracted days before the big event. Here are some thoughts to consider as you prepare for the transition. There are sections for Incoming Commanders, Outgoing Commanders, and some general tips.

Going Into Command

• Keep it short (2-3 minutes)
• Introduction:  welcome the guests, but don’t run down the entire laundry list of guests. You’ll be the third person to speak, and the guests will feel plenty-welcomed by then.
• The Chain of Command for the opportunity
• The Outgoing Commander & his/her family
• Your spouse & family
• The troops, and express gratitude for the honor of joining their team
• Write two sentences about the privilege to command and how you’re looking forward to what the future will bring
• Do not say “ All policies and procedures remain in effect. ” First, it sounds ridiculous and cliché. Second, there’s no regulation or policy requirement to do so, nor is there any expectation that Army regulations and UCMJ are no longer applicable if you don’t say those seven words at your change of command. And finally, it’s not true. You’re going to change every policy letter when you resign it under your name. And, heaven forbid, you might actually change some things because, well, you’re the commander and you have the authority to do so.

Leaving Command

• Keep it short(ish) (8-10 minutes)
• Introduction:  go ahead and thank the key guests for attending. Welcome General Officers and equivalent Sergeants Major by name. Welcome your commander by name. Welcome all others by group, unless an individual stands out in some significant way (Medal of Honor recipient or “Honorary Colonel of the Unit”).
• Include some mention of why we serve, and of the concepts duty, honor, and sacrifice.
• Honor fallen/wounded Soldiers, as appropriate.
• Relive the story of your time in command, but from the Soldiers’ perspective, not yours.
• Retell some stories using individual names ( “The company’s success during NTC grew out of the individual efforts of men like squad leader SSG Goldman, who single-handedly breached the wire obstacle on the final objective.” )
• Your Chain of Command
• The unit for their sacrifice
• Your staff and higher headquarter’s staff for putting up with you
• Adjacent and supporting/attached units as necessary
• Your key staff members
• Your senior enlisted leader
• Your spouse

General Tips

• Rehearse your speech NO LESS THAN 10 TIMES!!
• Get feedback from your peers and spouse on content and timing.
• Don’t ad-lib unless you are a gifted orator or an extrovert who can carry a crowd.
• Type your speech in big font and wide paragraph spacing, put the pages into sheet protectors, and prepare them in a three-ring binder at the podium.
• Have a second fully functioning binder in case the Adjutant loses the primary.
• If you’re cool, consider putting the formation At Ease.
• DO NOT NOT NOT forget to thank your spouse! There is no chance that you would have been as successful as you were without him/her, so you should probably state that fact publicly.
• And finally…please don’t cry.

What other tips and thoughts do you have about preparing for a change of command? Leave a comment below.

And be sure to check out Victoria Wellman’s book on writing the perfect speech, Before You Say Anything . She is a renowned speech coach and has crafted memorable speeches for influencers, politicians, entrepreneurs, Olympians, NFL stars, astronauts, rap stars, artists, and activists.

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US Army NCO Commentary

Change of Responsibility Script

COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR CHANGE OF RESPONSIBILITY Script CEREMONY SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

BAND :   From 1045 until 1100 plays appropriate music, and the Color Guard takes its initial position.

PARTICIPATING UNITS : All MSC/Battalion/Company, the Honor Company, and HHC, Your Unit Name on the final line at “ Parade Rest ” NLT 1050 hours.

NARRATOR :   At 1058 announces “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE CEREMONY WILL BEGIN IN TWO MINUTES.   PLEASE MOVE TO YOUR SEATS AND TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES.”

NARRATOR :   At 1100 “GOOD AFTERNOON, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. ON BEHALF OF THE COMMANDER OF “Unit Name,” WELCOME TO OUR CHANGE OF RESPONSIBILITY CEREMONY.   THIS MORNING, COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR CSM1 Name WILL RELINQUISH RESPONSIBILITY AS THE Your Unit Name SERGEANT MAJOR1 TO COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR CSM2 Name.   WE EXTEND A SINCERE WELCOME TO OUR DISTINGUISHED GUESTS.   (PROTOCOL will provide the list just prior to the ceremony) THE COMMANDER OF TROOPS TODAY IS COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR Name. THE CEREMONY WILL BEGIN WHEN THE COT SOUNDS ATTENTION.”

COT :   Commands   “ Sound Attention.”

BAND :   Sounds ATTENTION

UNITS :   (AFTER THE LAST NOTE OF “ Attention ”), Each Unit CSM (or 1SGs) will come to attention. In sequence, starting from Unit I, over the right shoulder and command “ Command Attention .” Colors will take their commands from Unit II.

Narrator : “Ladies and Gentlemen, please stand for the arrival of THE OFFICIAL PARTY. ”

***NOTE:   When the Official Party has halted at their post,  COT  faces about and commands ,   “ Bring your units to Present, Arms”. Each Unit CSM (or 1SGs), in sequence, starting from Unit I, over the right shoulder and command “ Command Present Arms .” Each Unit CSM comes to  Present Arms .   Colors will take their commands from Unit II.

(OPTIONAL FOR GO COMMANDS) BAND :  Plays ruffles and flourishes and the Generals march.

Senior Commander: Commander returns salute (at the completion of honors, if used).

COT :   Comes to Order Arms and faces about, then commands  “Bring your unit to Order Arms”

UNIT CSM: Each Unit CSM, in sequence, starting from Unit I, over the right shoulder and command “ Command Order Arms .” Each Unit CSM comes to “ Order Arms .”   Colors will take their commands from Unit II.

NARRATOR:  “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE BE SEATED.”

CSM1 Name :  Marches forward and halts two steps in front of the Color Guard and faces about, commands over his right shoulder “Forward, March” – the COT and colors take 6 steps forward and COT commands, “Mark Time, March” and “Halt.”

***NOTE: When colors are halted, the COT salutes and says, “ SIR, THE COLORS ARE PRESENT”.

COMMANDER : Directs “ PRESENT THE COMMAND .”

COT :   Marches to right of center, halts, faces right, and directs “ Bring your units to Present, Arms” ; Each Unit CSM, in sequence, starting from Unit I, over the right shoulder and command “ Command Present Arms .” Each Unit CSM comes to Present Arms .   After all units are at Present Arms, COT faces about and directs, “ Colors, Present, Arms ” and comes to Present Arms  himself.

NARRATOR:  “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE STAND FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM.”

BAND :   Plays the NATIONAL ANTHEM.

NARRATOR : At the conclusion of the national anthems, “ LADIES AND GENTLEMEN PLEASE BE SEATED.”

COT :   Execute Order Arms and commands “ Colors, Order Arms.”  COT faces about and commands “Bring your units to Order Arms .”  Each Unit CSM, in sequence, starting from Unit I, over the right shoulder and command “ Command Order Arms .” Each Unit CSM comes to Order Arms .

COT : Executes an About Face.

NARRATOR : THE CHANGE OF RESPONSIBILITY IS A SIMPLE YET TRADITIONAL EVENT THAT IS RICH WITH SYMBOLISM AND HERITAGE. THE KEY TO THE CEREMONY IS THE PASSING OF THE Unit’s Name COLORS. THE VERY SOUL OF A MILITARY UNIT IS SYMBOLIZED IN THE COLORS UNDER WHICH IT FIGHTS, FOR THEY REPRESENT NOT ONLY THE LINAGE AND HONORS OF THE UNIT, BUT ALSO THE LOYALTY AND UNITY OF ITS SOLDIERS. THE CUSTODIAN OF THE COLORS IS THE Unit Name SERGEANT MAJOR, WHO IS THE SENIOR ENLISTED SOLDIER IN THE Unit name AND PRINCIPAL ADVISOR TO THE COMMANDER. THE COMMANDER OF TROOPS, COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR Name WILL PROVIDE THE COLORS TO COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR Name. THE PASSING OF THE COLORS SYMBOLIZES THE TRANSFER OF COMMAND RESPONSIBILITY AND AUTHORITY FROM COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR outgoing CSM1 Name TO COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR Incoming CSM2 Name. THIS DEMONSTRATES TO THE SOLDIERS OF THE Unit name THAT COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR Name HAS PASSED THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE Unit Name TO COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR Name, AND WITH THIS ALSO PASSES THE LOYALTY AND UNITY OF THE SOLDIERS.

CSM1 Name: (As the narrator begins to read passing of the colors narration) march forward and halt one step in front of the Your Unit Name colors. Remove the Your Unit Name colors from the color bearer’s sling with the right hand above the left hand, and faces about.

COMMANDER, CSM1 NAME AND CSM2 NAME: (Simultaneously) the official party moves forward to within four steps of the colors and halts. The CSMs will take one additional step.

CSM1 NAME: Command “Center Face”. Both CSMs will face each other.

NARRATOR: BY AUTHORITY OF ARMY REGULATION 600-20, COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR Incoming CSM2 Name ASSUMES RESPONSIBILITY AS THE Unit’s Name SERGEANT MAJOR AND CUSTODIAN OF THE Unit’s Name COLORS EFFECTIVE APRIL 13, 2016.

COT: Upon completion of reading the assumption of responsibility order step forward and present the Your Unit Name colors to CSM1 Name.

CSM1 NAME: Grasp the Your Unit Name colors with the left hand above the right hand. Then pass the Your Unit Name colors to Senior Offical.

COMMANDER: Grasp the colors with the right hand above the left and, in turn, pass the Your Unit Name colors to CSM2 Name.

CSM2 NAME: Grasp the Your Unit Name colors with the left hand above the right hand.   Then pass the colors to the COT.  

COT: Grasp colors with the right hand above the left hand.

NARRATOR: COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR Name WILL NOW RETURN THE Unit’s Name COLORS TO THE Your Unit Name COLOR GUARD WHO EXEMPLIFY THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF DISCIPLINE, CONDUCT AND MILITARY EXPERTISE THAT GO WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BEARING THE FLAG THAT REPRESENTS Unit Moto.

CSM1 NAME: Command “ Center Face”. On Command, CSM1 Name and CSM2 Name execute facing movements in the direction to face the colors.

COT: On command, face about and return the colors to the color bearer’s sling.

CSM1 NAME: Command ” About Face” On the Command, COMMANDER, CSM1 Name and CSM2 Name face about and return to and exchange positions (CSM1 Name should hesitate to allow CSM2 Name to pass).

COT: On the Command, step to the right as in marching and return to initial position. Then execute a left face and assume the position of parade rest.

NARRATOR: “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, MRS. CSM1 Wife name IS NOW BEING PRESENTED A BOUQUET OF RED ROSES.

USHER: Presents flowers to Mrs. CSM1 Wife name .

NARRATOR: “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, MRS. CSM2 Wife name IS NOW BEING PRESENTED A BOUQUET OF YELLOW ROSES.

USHER: Presents flowers to Mrs. CSM2 Wife name .

NARRATOR : ” LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE COMMANDER OF THE Unit Name, Commander Name.”

COMMANDER: Comes forward and gives his remarks. After completion of his remarks, moves back to his position

NOTE:   CSMs come to parade rest during speeches.

NARRATOR: ” LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE OUTGOING SERGEANT MAJOR, COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR  CSM1 name .”

CSM1 NAME : Moves to the podium and gives remarks. Returns to outgoing position or to seat.

NARRATOR: ” LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE Unit Name, COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR  CSM2 name .”

CSM2 NAME: Moves to the podium and gives remarks.   Returns to incoming position.

COT : (Once CSM2 Name moves to the front of the podium), assumes the position of Attention and executes an About Face and commands, “Bring your units to Attention.” After all units are at attention, Then Commands “Colors, Post (pause) March.”

A:   On the command “ Post ” the following actions occur at the same time:

1. Color Guard Reverse Colors and halt.

2. The COT executes a Right Face .

***NOTE:   On the command “ March” the following actions occur at the same time:

A: Color Guard marches to its original position, executes Reverse Colors , and halts.

B: COT marches to his original position and waits until Colors are halted, then executes a  Left Face . Once the Colors finish moving, COT executes an  About Face .

NARRATOR :   “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN PLEASE STAND FOR THE PLAYING AND SINGING OF THE ARMY SONG. PLEASE REMAIN STANDING FOR THE RETIRING OF THE COLORS.”

BAND : PLAYS “ARMY SONG”.

COT :   Presents Arms and says, “ SIR, this concludes the ceremony .”

COMMANDER : Returns salute.

COT : Executes About Face.

COLOR GUARD :  Executes  Right Wheel , then marches out of the gym.

COT : Once Colors have departed, “SERGEANTS MAJOR AND FIRST SERGEANTS, TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR UNITS.”

NARRATOR : “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THIS CONCLUDES TODAY’S ACTIVITIES.   PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO WISH COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR1 Name FAREWELL. THERE IS A WELCOMING RECEPTION FOR COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR2 Name OVER AT _______PLACE.”

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How to write a Change of command speech as Incoming Commander

A change of command speech or change of responsibility speech have the same basic structure whether it is for Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guard. Whether it is a ceremony for a company, brigade or battalion, wing or installation-level, the only change is the formality. The higher-up the change and the larger the ceremony, the more formal your remarks should be. There are a few basic rules to follow and the rest is just adding something of yourself or something pesonal to your unit.

How long should the incoming commander talk?

The Incoming Commander should not speak as long. This is your opportunity to say a hello to your troops, your new bosses and your colleagues and for people to know a little about who you are, but it's really the outgoing commander's show. Talk 2-3 minutes for an outdoor ceremony with formation. You can go 3-5 if its indoor, nice weather or does not include a formation. If you speak a long time (especially if the outgoing commander talked too long), people will just be waiting for you to stop speaking. You'll come off as arrogant and long-winded, and that's not the first impression you want to leave.

Commander's Introduction

Whenever you speak, someone is going to introduce you, and that may include brief remarks on who you are. If you have certain accomplishments you want highlighted or certain things you DON'T want highlighted, find out who is introducing you and tell them (or their aide if it is a superior commander), what you'd like said. Give them about two weeks notice. Have a copy of your bio and official photo ready to send to them for more.

Tips for Incoming commander chance of command speech

1. Greeting and Amenities:

Thank the person who introduced you, and recognize anyone else appropriate (Ie: the band, the color guard, the service members in formation). Greet the audience and name any specific VIPs by name. This varies by level, but typically would include the highest 2 commander's present and their spouses, plus any political or civic leaders from the community. When in doubt, ask your protocol office for help identifying who should be recognized. (30 seconds - 1 minute)

Happy to be here

Talk about how happy you are to take on this new position. It's ok to talk a little about where you're coming from and your experience. If you're returning to an installation for the second time, talk about how pleased you and your family are to have returned. Otherwise, say how you've always wanted to go there (unless it would be inappropriate or ridiculous to say so).

Talk about what a great job the outgoing commander did. Praise the unit for any big accomplishments they've had and acknowledge any big challenges that will define your command (deployments, BRAC, unit movement, new missions, etc). Finally thank your new boss for the opportunity to serve under them.

Finish up with an inspirational thought, a quote, or a funny anecdote.

Its always fine to end the speech with the base or branch motto (Ready to Lead!) or (Semper Fi) or with a simple thank you. (30 seconds - 2 minutes)

More information : We hope this page was helpful and provided you with some information about How to write a change of command or responsibilty speech for the incoming commander . Check out our main page for more articles here Can U Write .

All materials on this page are under the copyright of canuwrite.com These speech and letter sample materials may be re-used for free but may not be reprinted or redistributed without attribution to canuwrite.com

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Helping you read the right things….

The Change Of Command Speech – A twist on the “thank everyone I know” Speech

With 20 years of Naval Service under my belt, I’ve attended many, many change of command speeches. Some good, some not so, but they all follow a typical pattern.  The Presiding Officer first talks; he first thanks the crowd, distinguished guests, former CO, ongoing and off going Commanders and the team who got arrived at 0600 to set up the venue. The off-going Commander, who should be the most thankful person in the room for his successful command tour then steps up and takes the pulpit. He thanks the guest, his extended family, wife and kids, personal guests, his Command, the Chiefs, Petty Officers, Officers, his Commodore, the Commodores staff, and on and on and on. Finally, the oncoming Commander takes the floor. By this time the crowd feels plenty thanked. In my three for four minutes that the oncoming Commander has allotted for a Change of Command speech, I decided to do things a bit differently. Rather than spending the first 3 minutes of my speech thanking individuals, I intend on spending my short time on the stage expressing appreciation for the specific mentorship and personal development energy that others put into me.   The intention is that I am not only expressing appreciation, but I am encouraging my guests to develop others using my personal development as an example.

<<<SMILE>>>>

Thank you, It is an honor to be here……

When thinking about today there are two terms that I use and frequently come back to.

“ I am blessed”  – and   “It is an Honor to serve ”.

And it is truly an honor of a lifetime to be in the Navy as a Naval Officer , be in command in San Diego in February .     Smile, Wait  laugh…

As I look out at the audience there are so many people that contributed, either in a large or small way to this point.

While I would love to spend the next hour, two hours, or more going down the list and specifically calling them out by name and deed, unfortunately time precludes that.

Rather I want to focus on some specific deeds that I am most grateful for. Deeds that were not only pivotal in my personal and professional development; but that can be applied to the next Midshipman Smith, Ensign Smith, or LT Smith.

• I so appreciate those people who prayed for me.
• I’d like to thank those precious few people who sat down with me and gave me honest, hard and critical feedback. Those hard discussions have been game changers in my professional development.
• They did that not based on anything I did, or what they saw in me but based on their character and their commitment to invest in individuals
• Have you know…. I have a much better answer now

Two  Specific Thanks:

To the woman who raised me – My mother

To the woman who made me a better man – my wife

I am truly humbled…..

Now, for all those people above that helped me get to where I am today, the only thing I can offer you in return is more hard work.   Keep it up. Starting today I need your  help even more now.

Jason/Don/Chris/Clint – Keep it up, push me to be a better man

Mom and Dad – Keep it up

Mentors/Coaches/Ricks/AGC/XO – Keep it up, keep me accountable , honest , and push me to excellence .

And when I’m gone, go find someone else. Go find the next the next MIDN, ENS, LT Laney, and go pour yourself into and develop that person

What you did worked for me and I would be very grateful if you continue that work and pass it on.

Please pass that on. I am so grateful for the above examples

Thank you, it is an honor to be here and an honor to serve….

<<< Smile, Pause, Exit>>>>

If you need some additional resources for your military change of command speech below are two additional links. The first one is far superior to the second and contains a standard template for a Change Of Command Speech.

• The Military Leader – How to write a change of command speech
• Can U Write – Incoming change of command speech

Example Change of Command Speeches:

• General Martin Dempsey – 2019 TRANSCOM off going change of command speech
• General Robert Kehler – 2011 STRATCOM oncoming change of Command speech
• Lt. Gen. Kevin Schneider – 2019 US FORCES Japan Change of command Speech
• Gen. Brooks – United States Forces Korea Change of command speech .
• Secretary Mattis – 2018 SOUTHCOM Change of command ceremony speech
• Admiral Harry Harris – 2018 Pacific Fleet Change of command speech
• General William Shelton – 2011 Air Force Space Command oncoming change of command speech

If you have a Military Change of Command speech, either oncoming or off going, that you would like to share with the DODReads audience please drop us a line and let us know. We would love to hear your perspective.

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Division Conducts Change of Responsibility Ceremony

Photo By Spc. Mary Louise Esguerra | Division Command Sgt. Maj. Veronica Knapp, outgoing senior enlisted advisor of the... ... read more read more

Photo By Spc. Mary Louise Esguerra | Division Command Sgt. Maj. Veronica Knapp, outgoing senior enlisted advisor of the 101st Airborne Division, addresses the formation and attendees during the Change of Responsibility ceremony at Fort Campbell, Ky., April 28, 2023. During the ceremony, Knapp relinquished her responsibility of the 101st to Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Walker. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Mary Louise Esguerra, 40th Public Affairs Detachment).   see less | View Image Page

FORT CAMPBELL, KY, UNITED STATES

Story by spc. mary louise esguerra  , 101st airborne division (air assault).

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) conducted a Change of Responsibility ceremony, during which the Division Command Sgt. Maj. Veronica Knapp transferred responsibility to the incoming Division Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Walker, Fort Campbell, Ky., April 28, 2023. The Change of Responsibility ceremony is a time-honored tradition that commemorates the symbolic relinquishment of responsibility from one senior noncommissioned officer to another by passing the organizational colors. Maj. Gen. JP McGee, commanding general of the 101st, spoke during the ceremony and reminisced about his time working alongside Knapp. "With their unparalleled empathy and care for Soldiers, Command Sgt. Maj. Knapp spearheaded and implemented several cohesion-bolstering division-wide initiatives with incredible results," said McGee. "Changing a culture of an organization with 20,000 Soldiers is exceptionally difficult, and she left no stone unturned to make this change a reality and make the lives of Soldiers better." After passing the organizational colors, both of the command sergeants major addressed the formation and attendees. Knapp, who assumed her role in 2021, spoke about her experience in the past couple of years with McGee. "I can say, without a doubt, the 101st Airborne Division is better prepared for the large-scale combat operations fight because of your vision and your leadership," Knapp said. "This is a unit that is trained, fit, disciplined, cohesive -- and when that day comes, it will be ready, no matter the time or the place. You challenged us, you held us accountable, and I'm proud to have been your senior enlisted advisor." Knapp acknowledged Walker's accomplishment and looked forward to the future of the division. "I'm excited for you to write new chapters in our history and continue the legacy of the 101st Airborne Division," said Knapp. "Sergeant Major, you've already started to make a difference in the past 90 days that you've been covering down. I know this division will continue to thrive under your leadership." Walker, incoming division command sergeant major, said he looked forward to serving alongside the Soldiers of the 101st. "We stand as the highest trained and most versatile combat formation in the Army's inventory," Walker said. "Get ready and stay ready to answer our nation's call, because when the Army wants it done, they're calling the 101."

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