On June 26, 2014, a formal handover of command of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade (10BKPanc) took place on the brigade’s parade ground. Brigadier General Cezary Podlasiński handed over command of the unit to his successor, Colonel Maciej Jabłoński.
The ceremony began with a report being submitted to the commander of the Black Division, Brigadier General Jarosław Mika by the officer leading the ceremony, the deputy commander of the 10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade, Colonel Dariusz Nawrocki. Next, the commander of the 11th Lubusz Armoured Cavalry Division (11LDKPanc) reviewed the units of the 10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade. He was accompanied by the outgoing commander of the Świętoszów-based brigade, Brigadier General Cezary Podlasiński, his successor, Colonel Maciej Jabłoński, and the deputy commander of the 10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade.
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Guests who work closely with the brigade on a daily basis were present in the square that day. The commanders of military units subordinate to the Black Division, representatives of state and local government institutions, school principals and flag bearers from Świętoszów and Krzywa, representatives of the forest district, fire service and parishes, as well as many others, attended.
The commander of the 11th Lubusz Armoured Cavalry Division was the first to speak: “It is not easy to command such a large organisation as the 10th Brigade, given the complexity of its tasks and the challenges it faces and will face. General Podlasiński was able to meet these challenges. Moreover, he managed to create a special, friendly atmosphere here—for the soldiers, but also for local government officials, schools, the local community and all the groups connected with the 11th Division and the 10th Brigade. Today, I would like to thank you and at the same time wish you all the best in your new post. May the experience you gained in Świętoszów bear fruit and enable you to achieve further successes.”
Then General Mika addressed the officer assuming command of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade: “Colonel Maciej Jabłoński is a commander from the next generation of graduates of the Higher School of Armored Forces Officers. He is an experienced commander, including on missions, who quite recently took part in forming the General Command of the Branches of the Armed Forces. This experience in a brigade where the true spirit of soldiering can be felt will bear fruit, and the achievements of your predecessors will help you meet the new and difficult challenges facing the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade.”
After these words, both commanders stood before the brigade formation, where the outgoing commander, General Cezary Podlasiński, handed the 10BKPanc banner to his successor. This was followed by the signing of the protocols for the handover and assumption of duties.
The next point of the ceremony was placing the black shoulder board distinguishing armored troops on the new commander of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade, which was done by General Podlasiński. Wishing Colonel Jabłoński success in his new position, he presented him with a miniature Leopard 2A4 tank.
“Three years of hard work, a great deal of effort, and three brigade exercises. It was thanks to you, and to the outstanding commanders and soldiers, that this was achieved. Thanks to your commitment, your willingness to fight, your training and your daily approach to this service, the brigade now represents the level it does. Thank you for that,” General Podlasiński told the soldiers gathered on the square. He then addressed the guests: “I would also like to thank the municipal and county authorities, the school and the forestry district for their excellent cooperation. Good relations made it possible to achieve a great deal. I think Świętoszów’s showcase is becoming increasingly attractive. It is no longer a place to which soldiers come for a year or two and dream of escaping. Świętoszów is developing dynamically, but this is possible precisely thanks to our joint efforts. I think my successor will also remember that Świętoszów is not just a military unit, but an entire community that supports the brigade.”
After the departing commander’s speech, Colonel Jabłoński spoke: “The 10th Brigade is a unique unit. Its staffing levels, equipment and the quality of that equipment place it among the units with the greatest combat potential. The brigade has magnificent traditions of Polish arms, takes part in the most important operational and tactical training initiatives, actively contributes to stabilizing the situation in the international environment through participation in international operations, provides a powerful crisis-support and response module, and, as General Podlasiński mentioned, the soldiers of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade are also excellently integrated with the local community. All this means that assuming command of this brigade today is a great honor and a challenge that I will have to meet. I know that I am taking over a well-trained, closely knit brigade with very extensive experience. Therefore, I thank the commander of the 11th Division and the Świętoszów Brigade for this opportunity. At the same time, I am proud that from today I wear the colors of the Black Division and the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade.”
At the end of the ceremony, representatives of the officer and non-commissioned officer corps, as well as career enlisted personnel, civilian military employees and the Military Family Association, presented Brigadier General Podlasiński with small commemorative gifts and, on behalf of the communities they represented, welcomed the new commander.
A military parade brought the ceremony to a close.
(information: Katarzyna Przepióra)