The ceremony, held on Thursday, November 24, began with a report to the commander of the Black Division, Major General Jarosław Mice. The report was delivered by the ceremony’s master of ceremonies, the deputy commander of 10BKPanc, Colonel Zbigniew Śliżewski. Next, the commander of the 11th Lubusz Armored Cavalry Division reviewed the units of 10BKPanc. The next point of the ceremony was the handing over of the Brigade’s colors to the new commander, Colonel Dariusz Parylak. Later, the protocol for handing over and assuming the duties of commander of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade was signed.
An important moment was placing on the new commander of 10BKPanc the black shoulder strap distinguishing armored troops, as well as presenting him with a miniature Leopard 2A4 tank. Commander of the 11th Lubusz Armored Cavalry Division, Major General Jarosław Mika:
Today we are witnessing a ceremony that is special not only for the departing and incoming commanders, but also for all the personnel of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade. Being the commander of an armored brigade is not an easy task, but I am glad that Colonel Parylak has been appointed to this position. I know him well; he is an experienced officer who has followed the entire command career path and served at every level of command. I wish you that, under your command, the achievements of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade will continue to grow. I am also pleased that Brigadier General Maciej Jabłoński has been appointed head of the Directorate of Armed Forces Employment and Training Planning. This is both a great distinction and a challenge for him. General, I believe that the experience you possess, both in command and staff work, will bear fruit. I cannot count the number of exercises the Brigade conducted under your command. You created a new quality for the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade. The achievements of every commander must be expanded by their successors. It is their duty. All the more so because new and difficult challenges lie ahead of the armored brigade, and they now face the new commander.
The commander of the Black Division addressed the former and current commanders of the armored brigade: “Today I am saying farewell not only to a wonderful commander, but also to a friend on whom I could always rely and count. I know that this trust will also extend to Colonel Parylak, and that under his command the reputation of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade will grow stronger. I thank the departing commander and wish him, as befits an armored soldier, to meet new challenges with an open visor. I wish Colonel Parylak success.
Departing Brigadier General Maciej Jabłoński summed up his period in command: “I remember well that beautiful, hot June day two years ago, when I assumed command of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade. My colleagues, friends and commanders of other brigades would come up to me and tell me to enjoy every minute of commanding the Brigade, because it was the most wonderful position I could ever hold. Today, with the utmost conviction, I confirm that they were right. Commanding a brigade, especially a brigade LIKE THIS ONE, gave me complete satisfaction. My time in command was very intense; none of it would have been possible without you—my subordinates, soldiers and civilian employees of the armed forces—for which I sincerely thank you. I also thank Major General Jarosław Mica for being a leader who, while trusting me, allowed me freedom of action. The Brigade does not operate in a vacuum, so I also direct my thanks to my colleagues: the commanders of division units, cooperating organizations and institutions. Thank you for your support and cooperation. I must not forget the veterans and associations; thank you for supporting us with your advice and experience. I especially thank my family for their invaluable support.
Brigadier General Maciej Jabłoński addressed his successor: “I wish the new commander, Colonel Dariusz Parylak, success and good fortune; he too faces considerable challenges. I wish you the same satisfaction from commanding this unit that I achieved. I am handing over to you a wonderful unit of the Polish Armed Forces—cohesive, well trained and prepared to carry out tasks at the highest level.
The ceremony concluded with a speech by the new commander of 10BKPanc, Colonel Dariusz Parylak: “A few minutes ago, I received the colors from the departing commander, Brigadier General Maciej Jabłoński. The colors that each of us pledged, in the words of the military oath, to defend; the highest value of every unit. From this moment, I am fully aware that I am responsible for commanding the best armored unit of the Armed Forces and for its future. This is a tremendous challenge, also because my predecessor raised the bar considerably and set high standards. Fortunately, I am also aware that more than two and a half thousand of the best armored soldiers in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland, standing on the other side of the reviewing stand, will support me in my efforts. I hope that the added value of my service in the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade will be the best possible performance of its tasks, the satisfaction and contentment of all soldiers and employees, as well as meeting the expectations of superiors regarding the performance of tasks and the challenges ahead.
The ceremony handing over command of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade concluded with a parade by units of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade.