U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Smiley, incoming commander for Train, Advise and Assist Command-South, left, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew Poppas, deputy chief of staff for operations for Resolute Support and the deputy commanding general for operations for U.S. Forces Afghanistan, center, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John Lathrop, outgoing commander for TAAC-South, right, face the audience, June 30, 2018, during a Transfer of Authority ceremony in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Lathrop, assigned to the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard, relinquished authority of TAAC-South to Smiley, assigned to the 40th Inf. Div. "Serving as the TAAC-South commander has been the most extraordinary experience of my career,” said Lathrop. "No commander can ask for more than what the team has given in bravery, compassion, and strength of character. I cannot think of a better leader to assume command than Brig. Gen. Smiley, whose experience in Afghanistan and passion to accomplish the mission will be vital to his team’s success.” The command is composed of U.S. Army Soldiers from 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard and 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. The command’s mission is to train and advise Afghan security forces. Its U.S. forces also assist with counterterrorism operations in southern Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Neysa Canfield/TAAC-South Public Affairs)