For those of you familiar with military life, this post will be just an average, everyday occurence.

But the majority of my friends & family are not familiar with the inner workings of the Army. So for them I say, this post is for you.

Change of Command: When one commading officer is replaced by another for one reason or the other (promotion, deployment, PCS’ing, etc.)

Eric’s unit got a new commanding officer last week & I was there in the stands… and the sun… and the heat… to watch it all.

There’s a lot of military history & tradition to a change of command ceremony.

For the Out-Going Officer, it’s a badge of honor – an opportunity to reflect on their time with the unit, to speak of their unit’s prowess in front of the new commander & to say  goodbye to his troops.

For the Incoming Officer, it’s a chance to show-off their oratory skills, to prove to the unit that he’s a “soldier’s soldier” – a “man’s man” – a “tough-as-nails, take-no-prisoners” kind of leader…and instill respect for his rank & position from day one.

But for the Enlisted Soldiers…well, it means something else entirely.

For the Color Guard, it means standing there for an hour while the flags keep flapping in your face.

For the Band, it means making sure you don’t miss a note, because believe me – everyone will notice.

For the younger Joes, it means having to pay attention & keep in step with the others.

For the B Company Flag Bearer, it means making sure your unit flag is really high-up there!

For each unit’s Captain, it means making sure no one forgets to turn their head at the right time as they pass by the commanders.

For the photographer, it means making sure you get pictures of all the imporant people.

For the ROK Air Force Officers, it means trying to keep up with what the speakers are saying.

For the out-going officer’s family, it means stand there & look pretty…oh yeah, and don’t forget to smile for the camera.

For my husband, it means “damn change of command ceremony, making me stand out here with the sun in my eyes...”

And for me?…Well, for me it means having to sit next to this…one of the ultimate military-wife archetypes – the Girly Girl…pink parasol included.

And now for your viewing pleasure, here is a quick video of the ceremony!

…Everybody sing!…