The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment held a change of responsibility ceremony for Command Sgt. Maj. Clinton J. Reiss, 19th command sergeant major of the 11th ACR, and Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen J. Travers, 20th command sergeant major of the 11th ACR, at Fort Irwin’s Fritz Field April 10.
The Army’s change of responsibility is rich in heritage and tradition. The ceremony serves a dual function of rendering honors to the departing command sergeant major and providing recognition to the incoming command sergeant major. The ceremony emphasizes the role of the Army’s noncommissioned officers by passing of the noncommissioned officer sword. The passing of the sword signifies the relinquishing of responsibility from the outgoing to the incoming command sergeant major.
“I feel the most significant thing about the change of responsibility was the opportunity for the outgoing CSM to address his Soldiers,†said Travers. “It was the last time to thank them for all that they do, and to spur them on to continue to strive to be their best.â€
The ceremony was also marked by the presentation of a bouquet of red roses to Reiss’s guest, Amy Scott, as a gesture of appreciation for her sacrifices from the Regiment. Kathi Travers was presented with yellow roses to welcome her and the incoming command sergeant major to the 11th ACR.
“It is the biggest honor I’ve had so far in my career,†said Travers. “Never before have I had this much responsibility, nor have I shared the duty of leading a unit with such a huge impact on the Army.â€
Reiss served as the 19th regimental command sergeant major from 2011-2012 and will go on to serve as the command sergeant major for the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. Prior to assuming responsibility of the 11th ACR, Travers served as the command sergeant major trainer for Tarantula Team, Operations Group.
