FORT CARSON, Colo. — From left: Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson; Gen. Michael X. Garrett, commanding general, U.S. Army Forces Command; and Maj. Gen. Randy A. George, outgoing commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, present arms during the national anthem during the 4th Inf. Div. change of command ceremony Oct. 4, 2019, at Founders Field. (Photo by Amber Martin)
By Staff Sgt. Scott J. Evans
4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, center, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, receives the division colors from Gen. Michael X. Garrett, commanding general, U.S. Army Forces Command, during a change of command ceremony Oct. 4, 2019, at Founders Field. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Scott J. Evans)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Change of command ceremonies are recognized as being an important part of any military organization that is steeped in tradition. On Oct. 4, 2019, ‘Ivy Warriors’ of the 4th Infantry Division continued this custom by formally welcoming Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane as the new commanding general of 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson and bidding farewell to Maj. Gen. Randy A. George during an official ceremony at Founders Field.
Prior to his arrival, McFarlane served as the senior military assistant to the deputy secretary of defense, Office of the Deputy Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon.
McFarlane comes to the division well-recognized for his professional experience and leadership prowess, and he said he is looking forward to this new opportunity.
“Your reputation is known across the Army and across our globe,” McFarlane said. “Kelly and I are honored to join your ranks and serve you.”
Gen. Michael X. Garrett, commanding general, U.S. Forces Command (FORSCOM), holds McFarlane’s reputation in high regard.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Gen. Michael X. Garrett, left, commanding general, U.S. Army Forces Command, salutes units of 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson with Maj. Gen. Randy A. George, outgoing commanding general, during the 4th Inf. Div. change of command ceremony Oct. 4, 2019, at Founders Field. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Scott J. Evans)
“Matt is one of our Army’s premier operation leaders. He is a remarkable officer with incredible experience,” Garrett said. “I know Matt personally, and I know that he is the exact right leader to lead this division through the next chapter in its history.”
Garrett also expressed appreciation to George for his dedication to both the improvement of Fort Carson, 4th Infantry Division and the overall readiness of its Soldiers — to fulfill the Army’s mission now and in the future.
“Readiness is about more than training,” Garrett said. “Maj. Gen. George as Fort Carson’s senior commander worked to build stronger relationships with community leaders and leveraged their support to facilitate an unparalleled community partnership.”
Aside from the transition of authority to McFarlane, the event also marked the conclusion of George and his Family’s fourth stint at the Mountain Post.
“We’ve got so many wonderful memories of our time in the 4th Infantry Division,” George said. “While 30 years in the Army might leave some feeling like they have no real home, Patty and I don’t. Every time we come back to Fort Carson; we know we’re coming home.”
McFarlane explained during a media interview that he is looking forward to working with those who serve on Fort Carson and the greater Colorado Springs community.
“(I’m) incredibly honored and humbled to serve with the Soldiers of this great installation, on this post and in this great military community,” McFarlane said. “By all regards, from everything I had heard before I got this assignment, this place is a tremendous place to serve — and over my first week and a half on the ground — it has certainly proven to be a fact.”
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, center, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, waits for the colors to be passed as Command Sgt. Maj. T.J. Holland, senior enlisted leader, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, prepares to pass them during a change of command ceremony Oct. 4, 2019, at Founders Field. McFarlane and his wife, Kelly, were welcomed as farewells were bid to Maj. Gen. Randy A. George, outgoing commanding general, and his wife, Patty. Gen. Michael X. Garrett, commanding general, U.S. Forces Command, said McFarlane is the right leader to take the division through its next chapter in history. (Photo by Amber Martin)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Maj. Gen. Randy A. George, left, outgoing commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, and Gen. Michael X. Garrett, commanding general, U.S. Army Forces Command, inspect the troops during the 4th Inf. Div. change of command ceremony Oct. 4, 2019, at Founders Field. (Photo by Amber Martin)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, speaks during the 4th Inf. Div. change of command ceremony Oct. 4, 2019, at Founders Field. (Photo by Amber Martin)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — A Soldier passes the first round fired by the salute battery to Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, during the change of command ceremony Oct. 4, 2019, at Founders Field. (Photo by Amber Martin)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, salutes 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., leaders and Soldiers during the pass in review portion of the change of command ceremony Oct. 4, 2019, at Founders Field, Fort Carson, Colo. (Photo by Amber Martin)