The 1st Infantry Division will host a joint ceremony to welcome Maj. Gen. Joseph M. Martin as the new “Big Red One” commanding general and to case its colors ahead of a nine-month deployment to Iraq and Kuwait.

The Assumption of Command and Casing Ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday on Fort Riley’s Cavalry Parade Field.

“I’m excited to be leading the 1st Infantry Division as we once again answer the nation’s call,” Martin said. “This is the third time I have had the opportunity to serve at and deploy from Fort Riley and with the Big Red one. “I’m confident our Soldiers are prepared to deploy and accomplish their assigned mission with the utmost professionalism and service our country with honor.”

The 1st Inf. Div. headquarters will deploy to the Central Command area of responsibility with about 500 Soldiers for nine months. The headquarters will assume the role of Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command – Operation Inherent Resolve, replacing the 101st Airborne Division. In that role, the division headquarters will provide command and control of coalition troops training, advising and assisting Iraqi Security Forces.