Lieutenant Colonel Darryl Mills officially took over command at Meaford's military base in a special Change of Command ceremony held last Tuesday afternoon. Lt. Col Mills replaces Lieutenant Colonel Rob Kearney who was commanding officer at the base for the past two years.
Due to poor weather conditions the ceremony had to be moved indoors at the base. The ceremony featured the inspection of the guard by the reviewing officer, a weapons demonstration and an official signing ceremony that handed command of the base over to Lt. Col. Mills.
Brigadier General J.C. Collin was the Reviewing Officer for the ceremony.
Lt. Col. Mills has a long and decorated career in the Canadian Forces. He was born in Ghana in 1965 and enlisted in the Canadian Forces in 1982 as a soldier with the Calgary Highlanders. He entered the Reserve Entry Scheme Officers' programme in 1983 and he was commissioned in 1984. He subsequently transferred to the Regular Force in 1986 as an officer in the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
He has held postings in Petawawa, Winnipeg, Toronto and Aldershot, United Kingdom.
In July 2001 Lt. Col. Mills was appointed Adjutant to his Third Battalion, followed by a two-year command of a light infantry rifle company. This assignment included a deployment on combat operations with the 101st (US) Airborne Division on Operation Enduring Freedom in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He also briefly returned to Afghanistan, this time to Kabul, with the International Security Assistance Force. In 2004 Lt. Col. Mills was selected as the Canadian Exchange Officer to the US Army's 3rd Infantry Division. During this assignment, he completed a 13-month combat deployment on Operation Iraqi Freedom as Chief of Operations of Multi National Division - Baghdad.
Upon redeployment he was appointed the Division's Deputy Chief of Staff. In January the 3rd Infantry was called upon to lead the Surge into Iraq. Lt. Col. Mills completed this 16-month combat deployment as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Multi National Division - Center.
Lt. Col. Mills addressed the soldiers and dignitaries assembled at the base after his new command was official.
"Those that wear the uniform today risk hardships to secure freedom," he said. "In the months and years ahead a great deal of responsibility will rest on the shoulders of the army. It is wonderful to be able to serve with all of you. Soldiers first!" he said.
Outgoing CO Lt. Col. Kearney addressed the assembled soldiers and told them it was a pleasure to have commanded LFCATC Meaford for the past two years.
"Command should be a privilege, not a right and respect from your soldiers must be earned," said Lt. Col. Kearney. "This was a highlight of my career. Meaford has evolved into a world-class training centre. This is where warriors come to train and hone their skills for combat. You are all truly an exceptional team," he said.
Reviewing Officer Brigadier General J.C. Collin said Lt. Col. Mills is taking on a major responsibility.
"We often use the expression: 'burden of command.' Command is one of the most rewarding things that can happen to a military officer," he said. "The Canadian population expects a lot from us and you. The Canadian Forces are making a difference each and every day at home and abroad," he said.
The Brigadier General also thanked the citizens of the local area for always showing their support for the soldiers stationed in Meaford.
"The bond that exist between this military base and the local community is second to none. It warms the soul to experience the support we receive from the Canadian public," he said.
