New leadership takes the helm of SF Command

**Dan** · 07-17-2006, 13:43

RELEASE NUMBER: 060717-01
DATE POSTED: JULY 17, 2006

Quote:

NEWS RELEASE: New leadership takes the helm of SF Command
By Paul Prince
U.S. Army Special Operations Command

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service July 17, 2006) — In a ceremony July 17, the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) said farewell to Brig. Gen. John F. Mulholland, and welcomed Maj. Gen. Thomas R. Csrnko as the new commander.

The transfer of command took place on the Meadows Memorial Parade Field located adjacent to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Headquarters, here.

Csrnko, a native of Bethlehem, Pa., is very familiar with the Special Operations community. He is the former commander of Special Operations Command - Europe (Airborne), and has held numerous other positions within the Special Operations community. Assuming command of USASFC is Csrnko’s fifth assignment with Special Forces at Fort Bragg.

“The power of the bench can not be clearer than the selection of Maj. Gen. Tom Csrnko to command Special Forces Command. You know him well,” said Lt. Gen. Robert W. Wagner, USASOC commanding general.

“On behalf of everyone here at the command and everyone here, thank you (General Mulholland) and Miriam for taking care of our soldiers at home and in combat, as if they were your own sons and daughters,” said Wagner. “We wish you in every measure continued success as you serve our nation and our Soldiers. We are very proud of you.”

Mulholland assumed command of USASFC Sept. 30, 2005. He began his mission to build trust and confidence of political and military leadership. In addition, he desired to support war fighters, transform the future force and fight while maintaining and strengthening SF families.

Mulholland is slated to become the deputy commanding general of the U.S. Joint Special Operations Command.

“I’ve been humbly honored and privileged beyond words to have served as commanding general of the finest fighting men on the planet, the men of the green beret,” said Mulholland. “To leave that is not easy and is only offset by knowing that the regiment is now in the hands of a man far more capable than I am, Maj. Gen. Tom Csrnko.”

Mulholland said he is leaving the command with the assurance that General Csrnko and his family will quickly make their mark, here, at USASFC and take Special Forces to a new level which he deems appropriate.

-usasoc-

**Dan** · 07-17-2006, 13:43

Col. James P. Nelson, commander of troops, escorts Brig. Gen. John F. Mulholland for a review of troops before he relenquishes command to Maj. General Thomas R. Csrnko. The U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) change of command ceremony was held July 17 on Meadows Plaza, N.C. (Photo by Paul D. Prince, USASOC PAO)

**Dan** · 07-17-2006, 13:44

Maj. Gen. Thomas R. Csrnko (left) accepts the U.S. Army Special Forces Command colors from Lt. Gen. Robert W. Wagner, USASOC Commanding General, during the 17 July ceremony at Fort Bragg. (Photo by Paul D. Prince, USASOC PAO)

7624U · 07-17-2006, 14:12

Good carolina mornin .. lol

NousDefionsDoc · 07-17-2006, 16:33

"The bench"?

**Dan** · 07-17-2006, 19:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by NousDefionsDoc

"The bench"?

When LTG Wagner said we (Special Forces soldiers) knew MG Csrnko well, I believe it meant that the choice of appointing MG Csrnko to Command USASFC(A) will stand well with the public opinion. The public being we the Special Forces soldiers.

However it could also be related to judges who repeatedly used the power of the bench to end inequality and injustice. In other words...MG Csrnko is a good choice to command Special Forces soldiers who "Free the Oppressed".

While the second option may be more fitting to Special Forces and Commanding USASFC(A)...based on my interactions with LTG Wagner to date, I believe LTG Wagner meant the first meaning.