Outgoing Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Rick Hillier and his replacement, Lt.-Gen. Walter Natynczyk, inspected the guard on Parliament Hill at the 125th anniversary parade of the Royal Canadian Dragoons.

Both Hillier and Natynczyk got their start with the Dragoons -- the oldest and most senior armoured regiment in Canada -- and both became well-known field commanders.

"I will tell you it is very comforting for me, that as your Chief of Defence Staff, I depart and hand the torch to you and Gen. Walter Natynczyk. It will be held higher still," Hillier said from Ottawa.

Natynczyk was appointed vice chief of defence staff in 2006 and has earned a reputation as a charismatic and competent leader in battle.

In 2004, he directed 35,000 American, British and Australian troops in Iraq as part of a one year officer exchange program.

You could say the military is in the soon-to-be top soldier's blood. The Winnipeg native has three children enlisted in the army, the navy, and the air force.

"My son reminded me of that as I walked on as a little air cadet in 1970 in Winnipeg. Who would have ever thought?" Natynczyk said.

Hillier says he has little advice to give Natynczyk, who has already been dubbed the "gentleman's general."

"He doesn't need any. I've never worked with a better officer, a better man, a better Canadian than Walt Natynczyk. I've known him for 25 years," Hillier said.

Hillier's top priority was to lead Canadian efforts in Afghanistan, whereas many believe it will be Natynczyk's job to lead its exit strategy.

The change of command ceremony will take place on July 4. Hillier's last day on the job will be July 9.

With a report by CTV's Rosemary Thompson