The ceremony handing over command took place on Wednesday, February 2, at the Military Club of the 10BKPanc in Świętoszów. The guests included representatives of local government authorities, unit commanders, representatives of uniformed services, and organizations cooperating with and supporting the brigade’s soldiers.
After the decision of Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak was read out, the ceremony reached its climax—the handover of the standard. The standard was handed over by the outgoing commander, Col. Paweł Pytko, to Col. Grzegorz Barabieda. Colonel Pytko said:
I thank you for the words of appreciation from the division commander, but in reality these words are due to all our soldiers who carried out these tasks under my command. In this short time, we have shown that everything represented by tradition, honor and quality in the 10BKPanc continues to function despite changes in command.
He added:
Colonel, commander of the 10BKPanc, I assure you that the people whom I had the pleasure of commanding for such a short time are ready to continue maintaining this proper standard and cultivating these honorable traditions. I assure you that they are true professionals who carry out their tasks with great commitment and dedication, fully aware of the responsibilities entrusted to them. We assure you that we will provide support and will not lower this standard. Thank you once again.
Colonel Grzegorz Barabieda then spoke:
I am extremely pleased to appear before you and at the same time to say that assuming command of the 10BKPanc is an extraordinary honor and privilege for me. All the more so because this is a unit unlike any other known in the armed forces. I am familiar with the tasks facing this unit. The situation of the armed forces as a whole, the 11th Lubusz Armored Cavalry Division (11LDKPanc) and all the units forming part of it is important from the perspective of national security. I wanted to assure my superiors that I will do my utmost to manage and command the soldiers under my authority so that all the tasks assigned to the brigade are accomplished.
He noted:
I know perfectly well what potential the brigade has. Above all, that potential is its people; it is ultimately up to them how and within what time frame a task is completed. Naturally, it must be clearly emphasized that we must act as a team, because we are one team. I would like a certain maxim to guide our activities in the brigade, as well as our cooperation with other units in the division. That maxim is “Let us act together,” because together we can achieve more. It is precisely cooperation and joint action that create a synergy effect, making complex and difficult tasks achievable. I know that the bar has been set very high; nevertheless, I will do my best to meet this challenge.
An important element of the ceremony was presenting the new commander with the attributes of the Black Division: a black shoulder board and a black beret.