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KABUL, Afghanistan – The

“Fourth Alabama” 1st of the

167th

Infantry formally took

control of a vital security force

mission during a ceremony at

Camp Eggers in the

Afghanistan capital August 29,

2012.

Known as the “transfer of

authority” (or “TOA”), the

Alabama Army National Guard

battalion will operate as Task

Force Centurion with its nearly

600 soldiers spread out in units

located in key locations

throughout Afghanistan. It

replaces Task Force Roc, the

Ohio Army National Guard’s

1st of the 134

th Field Artillery,

which had a similar mission

throughout Afghanistan for the

past nine months.

Lt. Col. J.R. Bass, battalion

commander of the 167th

, Task

Force Centurion, said the

soldiers of the Fourth Alabama

have been preparing nearly two

years for this deployment and

are ready to take this mission

from Task Force Roc.

“Our soldiers were well

prepared for this day due to the

sacrifice of our families which

allowed intensive training. We

also received tremendous

support from our leadership at

all levels back home to ensure

our success,” Bass said.

“Motivation is high across our

formation as we begin the

operational phase of our

mission. Our battalion will

perform a wide range of vital

security duties which will allow

for training of the Afghan

Forces that will protect this

country in the future.”

The preparation included a

rotation through the National

Training Center at Fort Irwin,

Cal., in 2011, training from the

Alabama National Guard's Pre-

mobilization Training

Assistance Element (PTAE) at

the Fort McClellan Army

National Guard Training

Center and Pelham Range

earlier this summer, and

mobilization training at the

Camp Shelby Joint Force

Training Center near

Hattiesburg, Miss., just prior to

SEE TOA PAGE TWO

TF Centurion takes charge

Lt. Col. J.R. Bass and Command Sgt. Maj.

John Black uncase the colors for Task Force

Centurion at the TOA ceremony.

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the deployment in early August.

Task Force Centurion works directly with NATO

Training Mission-Afghanistan as part of the

International Security Assistance Force.

This deployment in support of Operation Enduring

Freedom is the latest war-time campaign in the

unit’s proud and decorated history.

The 167th

Infantry traces its roots to the Civil War

when it was part of the Fourth Alabama Infantry

Regiment. It has played a role in nearly every

major war and campaign since, including a

legendary stint in France during World War I. This

is the first time the entire battalion has deployed in

the Global War on Terror.

Col. Morgan Lamb, deputy chief of staff at NTM-

A, noted that history and said Task Force

Centurion will need to call on it as it fills the big

shoes left by Task Force Roc.

“This ceremony marks the formal passing or

responsibility from a truly remarkable collection of

women and men in Task Force Roc who have

surpassed all expectations and we pass that

responsibility to another extremely talented group

in Task Force Centurion,” Lamb said at the

ceremony. “It also exemplifies our nation’s

continued commitment to our mission here in

Afghanistan and is tribute to the service, sacrifice

and commitment of the family members of both

task forces.”

Lamb said he believes Lt. Col. Bass and the rest of

the Task Force Centurion leadership and soldiers

are up to the task.

“I am confident you and Task Force Centurion will

continue to build on the great foundation that Roc

has established here,” Lamb said at the ceremony.

“J.R., you and your team have already impressed

us with your vigor and enthusiasm and we look

forward to working with the Fourth Alabama.

Welcome to the NTM-A family. We look forward

to working with you, shoulder to shoulder.”

Lt. Col. Craig Baker, Task Force Roc commander,

SEE TOA PAGE THREE

TOA

CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE

Lt. Col. Bass, Col. Lamb and Lt. Col. Baker

Command Sgt. Maj. Watson and Command Sgt.

Maj. Black

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TOA

CONTINUED FROM PAGE TWO

said his battalion is proud of all they accomplished in support of

Operation Enduring Freedom and wished the same success to their

replacements.

“I would like to say, ‘Good luck!’ to the 1st of the 167

th, the famous

Fourth Alabama, as they continue this very important mission,” he

said. “Good luck and God speed to all. Army strong, Roc hard and

thank you.”

Lt. Col. Bass said the Alabama soldiers are up to the task.

“Let me assure you, the soldiers of the Fourth Alabama are ready to

support you,” Bass told the NTM-A leadership. “After two years of

preparation and an excellent relief-in-place and training by Task

Force Roc, we are ready to secure your mission.”

Bass noted the big shoes to fill from the Ohio Army National Guard

unit.

“Task Force Roc, as has been pointed out, has set and maintained an

extremely high standard,” Bass said at the ceremony. “Task Force

Centurion, based on the history that Col. Lamb mentioned, is

dedicated to continuing that standard and following that lead.”

Prior to the TOA, the soldiers in the seven companies that make up

Task Force Centurion conducted a “right seat ride” for several days

with their Task Force Roc counterparts to learn about the areas they

are operating in and the lessons learned in conducting the missions.

Although the Task Force Centurion soldiers are spread out

throughout Afghanistan and working directly with other

commanders, the 167th

’s Command Sgt. Maj. John Black said the

Fourth Alabama leadership intends to maintain a watchful eye on all

of its soldiers.

“These soldiers have been building a long time for this moment and

I am proud of them,” Black said. “I equal their heart and spirit to the

soldiers of World War II.”

Both Bass and Black gave high praise to Task Force Roc for making

the transition an easy one. Black praised the professionalism of the

Ohio National Guard soldiers and Bass said the departing unit has

“set Task Force Centurion up for success.”

The mission now fully belongs to Task Force Centurion until it is

replaced by another unit sometime in the late spring or early

summer of 2013.

“It’s an honor for us to serve here as part of the NATO Training

Mission-Afghanistan and we are ready to get to work,” Bass said.

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Soldiers, families and friends of Task Force Centurion,

We have just completed what should be the most challenging month of this

deployment. After two years of preparation and training we have successfully transitioned

into theater, reached our respective destinations, and assumed our role here.

While our Soldiers are performing many different tasks, as a part of the NATO

Training Mission – Afghanistan (NTM-A) we have but one mission: To support the

International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) which is training an accountable Afghan-

led security force for the future.

As I write this message, Command Sergeant Major Black, Chaplain Jackson and I

have just started our circulation around the country to visit all of the companies and platoons

to confirm their well being and see their environment first hand. This is my favorite part of

this job and I look forward to visiting each Soldier multiple times during the coming months.

With the initial transition phase behind us, most of our Soldiers are settling in to what

we affectionately call “Ground Hog Day.” For all of you back home, please forgive us when

we forget what day of the week it is or maybe even the time of day on occasion. For us, every

day is the same with some routine of eating, working, contacting home, exercise, sleep, and

repeat. One positive note about our routine is that the days usually seem to click by quickly

for us. At home, I realize that is probably not the case and I pray that you all have established

a solid support team including our Family Readiness Groups. We have strong, pro-active

FRGs and I sincerely thank each of you who are actively involved in supporting our “Fourth

Alabama” families.

For me personally, it is a great privilege to serve our nation as a member of this

battalion. We are following in the footsteps of Alabama Soldiers from as far back as 1836

and I ask that no one take that responsibility lightly. Our mission is not easy, nor is it

enjoyable, but it is ours to accomplish and we will not fail. As CSM Black has often said, we

should perform our duty each day in a way that we will be proud to tell our grandchildren!

As I close this message, I want you to know that I recognize the tremendous sacrifices

made by every Soldier and family in the service of our Nation. Also know that as I shoulder

the responsibility of leading these great Soldiers, I am depending on your prayers. May God

continue to bless and protect the 4th

Alabama!

Drive Forward,

J. R. Bass

Lt. Col. J.R. Bass

Commander

Task Force

Centurion

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Csm John black

Command

sergeant major

Task Force

Centurion

Most everyone enjoys contributing to conversation. I have noticed many chats among

Soldiers about sports, religion, current events, or family. There is likely one spokesperson or subject

matter expert in each quorum however; each person will chime in their own opinion or experience. All of

us like to feel as though we have something important to say, our “Two Cents Worth.” I believe that we

do. Each and every one of us has our own thoughts, ideas and beliefs of what is important to us. There are

times when we think our verbal contributions fall on deaf ears. Perhaps they do at times but it seldom

keeps one from expressing them anyway and it shouldn’t.

The point I am building up to is our upcoming Presidential election. We, as Soldiers have a great

interest in who our leaders are. We are concerned about what kind of supervisor we fall under.

Apprehension is a natural emotion. This holds true from the Private to, I can honestly attest, the

Command Sergeant Major. We should be just as concerned about our Commander in Chief. We, as

subordinates cannot choose our first line supervisors in the military or in civilian occupations typically.

Each of us has the freedom to cast a vote for our overall commander. It is just as amazing that our

families and friends have that same freedom. This freedom was bought by our forefathers over two

hundred years ago and is still being defended by people like us.

Why is your vote important? Check out any of the national news channels and you will see. The

news channels are always quoting polls analyzing where certain votes come from and which state is

likely to vote a certain way. Here is where you come in. There is a poll to indicate how members of the

military are likely to vote. This is an important area because it tells our story. It displays indicators of

what is meaningful to the service member. It is not so important to me who you vote for as it is that you

vote and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Take a good honest look at your own values and

what America means to you. Think about your children and their future. Each of us has a vote in that

direction. The important thing is to cast it so please for the sake of the country’s future, put in your two

cents worth!

CSM John Black For more info or to get a ballot, visit: www.fvap.gov

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Cpt Robert jackson

chaplain

Task Force

Centurion

Blessings to all who serve, both at home and far away! I hope all of you are adjusting well to the deployment.

One of my favorite Psalms is found in chapter 118, verses 5-6. "Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the

Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is at my side as my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

What a wonderful reminder during deployment! There are many fears we face, both here and at home. But

isn't it good to know that we can cry out to a loving God who hears our pleas and He gives us the courage to face

anything that comes our way!

This year will be a challenging time for many, but it will also serve as a time of immense growth, both

emotionally and spiritually. Don't waste the opportunity to let God challenge you in ways that you may have never

thought, and with His help come out stronger. May God keep you and bless you, may He cause His face to shine upon

you!

Serving Those Who Serve,

Your Chaplain

CH CPT Robert Jackson

Task Force Centurion is now on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/TaskForceCenturion

To make a submission, email the PAO at:

michael.s.tomberlin@afghan.swa.army.mil