18 August 2006
RIP/TOA
In the countdown of things to happen, this one has been long anticipated: the RIP/TOA, which stands for the Relief In Place/Transfer of Authority. A RIP/TOA occurs when one unit replaces another unit that is forward deployed. Ours occured in the mid-morning hours a few days ago.
As I mentioned in a previous post, we have been training our replacements for weeks. I was pleased at how committed our guys were to the training and transition process. I didn't see any of our NCOs or officers develop "short-timer" attitudes or take short cuts in the process. All were eager to train their counterparts in the incoming battalion (also from Wisconsin) and share their experiences. They knew the importance to the in-coming unit of that knowledge and experience and they knew the stakes. By the time of the RIP/TOA, the incoming unit was ready to take the mission and show their mettle.
The last of our men to cross the wire came back the day prior to the RIP/TOA. Because of space issues at Navistar, most of the battalion had already shuttled off Navistar to a camp in south-central Kuwait. Our RIP/TOA ceremony consisted of commanders, first sergeants, the command sergeant major, guide-on barrers, color guard, and certain staff officers from both battalions. It was a relatively short and simple ceremony. In his speech, our battalion commander reflected on the successes of our tour as well as our losses and sacrificies. The incoming commander thanked us for our training and transition time and challenged his unit to meet and hopefully exceed the milestones and goals that we set as a battalion.
This last year has been a long one that has gone quickly.
As I mentioned in a previous post, we have been training our replacements for weeks. I was pleased at how committed our guys were to the training and transition process. I didn't see any of our NCOs or officers develop "short-timer" attitudes or take short cuts in the process. All were eager to train their counterparts in the incoming battalion (also from Wisconsin) and share their experiences. They knew the importance to the in-coming unit of that knowledge and experience and they knew the stakes. By the time of the RIP/TOA, the incoming unit was ready to take the mission and show their mettle.
The last of our men to cross the wire came back the day prior to the RIP/TOA. Because of space issues at Navistar, most of the battalion had already shuttled off Navistar to a camp in south-central Kuwait. Our RIP/TOA ceremony consisted of commanders, first sergeants, the command sergeant major, guide-on barrers, color guard, and certain staff officers from both battalions. It was a relatively short and simple ceremony. In his speech, our battalion commander reflected on the successes of our tour as well as our losses and sacrificies. The incoming commander thanked us for our training and transition time and challenged his unit to meet and hopefully exceed the milestones and goals that we set as a battalion.
This last year has been a long one that has gone quickly.
# posted by themobilized : 02:02
Comments:
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Congratulations and Thank You for a job well done. It has been wonderful reading your blog as we know one of the soldiers in the 128th Infantry from Wisconsin who is there at Camp Navistar and you have given us additional insight into what his life has been like over the past 12+ month. We are praying that we will soon be hearing about the RIP/TOA for his unit and that he is on his way home.
I, too, hope that you continue telling us your stories. We are well aware that your involvement in the war does not immediately end when you get home. Some things you carry with you for a lifetime and I don't doubt that the images of this time in your life will remain vivid in your memory.
Again, thank you for serving in our armed forces and protecting our freedoms. My children are about grown up now and so know of the dedication and committment of our troops and also know of the sacrifices many have endured. My promise to you is that my future grandchildren will be told of them as well.
God bless you. Have a safe trip home. Our Midwest is lush and green again after the recent rains and is waiting with open arms to welcome you all home.
I, too, hope that you continue telling us your stories. We are well aware that your involvement in the war does not immediately end when you get home. Some things you carry with you for a lifetime and I don't doubt that the images of this time in your life will remain vivid in your memory.
Again, thank you for serving in our armed forces and protecting our freedoms. My children are about grown up now and so know of the dedication and committment of our troops and also know of the sacrifices many have endured. My promise to you is that my future grandchildren will be told of them as well.
God bless you. Have a safe trip home. Our Midwest is lush and green again after the recent rains and is waiting with open arms to welcome you all home.
# posted by 
: 01 September, 2006 10:24
: 01 September, 2006 10:24
Glad your time is about up and you all can come home again. So sorry for the losses you've endured. My heart hurts for you and for their families. Thank you all for doing what you do, for your resolve and persistence and courage. You do us Proud! Welcome Home.
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