RELEASE NUMBER: 051205-01
DATE POSTED: DECEMBER 6, 2005
Quote:
USASOC changes commanders
By Sgt. Joe Healy
U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Dec. 6, 2005) —The U.S. Army Special Operations Command bids farewell to the commander who led its transformation to a 21st Century fighting force, and welcomed his successor Dec. 6.
Lt. Gen. Robert W. Wagner assumed command of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command from Lt. Gen. Philip R. Kensinger, Jr., in a formal ceremony at Meadows Memorial Field here.
With clouds disappearing and the sun shining on the parade field, Kensinger said, “This ceremony here today is about the recognition of the Soldiers and civilians of this command. A command that is built from the bottom up.”
Kensinger assumed command of USASOC Aug. 29, 2002. Since then, 13,000 Soldiers have deployed in 85 different missions around the world.
The command experienced an operational tempo faster than any other time in the command’s history under Kensinger’s leadership, according to U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker.
“I choose this job as the final chapter in my Army story. Soldiers should go out with their boots on,” Kensinger remarked to approximately 300 audience members.
During his 15-minute address, Kensinger paid tribute to each of USASOC’s six major subordinate units.
The average Special Company has been deployed 21 out of the last 30 months. Within the last 12 months, SF Soldiers have conducted operations in 42 countries. The U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School increased its graduation rate from 400 to 750 graduates per student while improving its standards in topics such as foreign languages and cultural awareness. All three 75th Ranger Regiment battalions have deployed at least seven times Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Special Operation Aviators have flown 32,000 hours of combat missions with more than 50 percent of the missions flown at night since operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom began.
Kensinger also discussed USASOC’s transformation as he reflected on his command.
The creation of the USASOC Futures Center, Group Support Battalions for the Special Forces Groups, and Ranger Support Companies for the 75th Ranger Regiment will have lasting effects on the major subordinate units, Kensinger indicated.
“USASOC is a transformational example for the rest of the Army,” Schoomaker said.
“Commanding these 28,000 Soldiers is inspiring and unmatched,’ Kensinger said.
Wagner said he is looking forward to commanding USASOC.
“Our profession is who we are,’ Wagner said. “I will not forget we are a nation at war.”
Wagner is already familiar with USASOC, having served in six special operations assignments including tours with the 1st and 2nd Battalions, 75th Ranger Regiment, and commander of Special Operations Command South.
“I would like to thank General Kensinger and his wife, Greta, for their time and generosity,” Wagner said.
An Army component of the U.S. Special Operations Command, USASOC coordinates the actions of all Army Special Forces, Rangers, Civil Affairs, Psychological Operations, Special Operations Signal and Support troops, and Special Operations Aviation. Through its six major subordinate commands and units, it trains and maintains these special operations forces for deployment to combatant command worldwide.
Wagner’s military decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal, Vietnam service medals, and the Army Commendation Medal.
His military awards include the Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge with combat star, and the Army Ranger Tab.
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