After three years leading the Army Reserve battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Terry Betts is handing over to Lieutenant-Colonel Tony Ang from Bangor near Sydney.

However, Colonel Ang is no stranger to the barracks, having spent time here in 1993 where he was honoured with the battalion’s Perryman Trophy award.

However, his association with the battalion goes back even further.

“My father was a member of the 1/19th and I was first introduced to the workings of the battalion when I was about 10,” Colonel Ang said.

The battalion, which is also linked to the history of the 2/19th Battalion that served in World War II, transferred from its former headquarters at Ingleburn Barracks to Orange several years ago.

Colonel Betts, a retired police officer, said the last three years had been rewarding and he was looking forward to a new posting in Sydney.

Colonel Ang, who is a school teacher based in Sydney,  says he will be coming to Orange as often as possible.

“It will be a bit of a juggling act for both of us,” Colonel Betts said.

He said this had been a busy year for the Orange battalion whose members finished the last tour of East Timor in January.

“The army is also changing its structure so it has been an exciting year,” Colonel Betts said.

It is normal procedure in the battalion to rotate commanding officers every three years.

The Orange-based unit has 60 Army Reserve members.

If you would like more information about becoming involved in the Army Reserve in Orange call 6362 7311. You can apply from the age of 17 with parental consent.