From left, Staff Sgt. Dennis White, infantryman; Sgt. Bryce Fulmer, mechanic; and Sgt. Miguel Castelo, scout; don historical Army uniforms during the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Manchu Tattoo event June 29, 2016. (Photo by 2nd Lt. John Kistler)
By 2nd Lt. John Kistler
4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
Historical performances by unit Soldiers dressed in period uniforms, a video compilation of the previous year’s training and the lighting of the Manchu fire pit highlighted the first 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, Manchu Tattoo event June 29, 2016.
The ceremony for Soldiers, friends and Families was held behind the 4th Bn., 9th Inf. Reg., headquarters.
The term tattoo derives from the 17th century Dutch phrase “doe den tap toe,” which translates “turn off the tap,” a signal sounded by drummers or trumpeters to instruct innkeepers near military garrisons to stop serving alcohol and for Soldiers to return to their barracks.
The tattoo was originally a form of military music, but the practice has evolved into more elaborate shows involving theatrics and musical performances.
Sgt. Payton Brewer, squad leader, Company B, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, speaks to the crowd during the historical re-enactment portion of the battalion’s first military tattoo event June 29, 2016. (Photo by 2nd Lt. John Kistler)
“With the history of the Manchu fire pit we really wanted an event that would make the first official lighting at Fort Carson something special. When the unit was reflagged it moved the fire pit from (Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington) down to Fort Carson, and it had been a part of the 4-9 Infantry Battalion’s history over the last few years,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Chad M. Brown, 4th Bn., 9th Inf. Reg., 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “Esprit de corps is reflected in our customs and our ceremonies, and an event like the tattoo makes our organization better.”
Brown incorporated the event into the Manchu Key Leaders University Week by highlighting the event as a training point for battalion squad leaders to execute. The tattoo allowed squad leaders to learn and buy-in to the history of the regiment.
“Seeing the Soldiers dressed in the older uniforms and talking about their experiences was a highlight of this event to me,” said Danielle Pifer, wife of Sgt. Jason Pifer, intelligence specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Bn., 9th Inf. Reg.
The battalion Family readiness group provided refreshments and drinks, and the Regimental Room was opened for attendees to have access to the unit’s history.
“I definitely liked the Manchu Tattoo. It was very informational and great for learning the 4-9 history,” said Spc. Liam Clawson, infantryman, Company B, 4th Bn., 9th Inf. Reg. “I enjoyed the video at the end of the ceremony because you (could) see all the training we have done recently.”