ZAGAN, Poland – The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division and the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, held a transfer of authority ceremony, Feb. 12.
The transfer of authority ceremony marks the start of the 1st ABCT, 1st Inf. Div., taking over Atlantic Resolve operations. The “Devil” brigade continues the rigorous training with the Army's allies and partners to ensure the presence of a ready and lethal force throughout Europe.
“Today, we are beginning a partnership between two historic formations,” said Col. Charles S. Armstrong, commander, 1st ABCT, 1st Inf. Div. “I am pleased to participate, along with our over 3,000 soldiers, in the return of America's first brigade to its historic mission of peace in Europe and serving alongside our European allies.”
The 1st Cav. Div., accomplished its mission by building and strengthening partnerships with allied forces and communities that will endure time and distance. Soldiers of the "Ironhorse" will now return to Fort Hood, Texas.
“The Ironhorse Brigade participated in over 20 multinational exercises, contributing to the interoperability and training of our allies,” said Col. Patrick R. Michaelis. “The brigade dispatched scouts as far north as Estonia and tank companies as far south as Bulgaria.”
Michaelis serves as the Mission Command Element (Provisional's) highest-ranking officer. Soldiers from the "Big Red One" headquarters are also deployed as part of the MCE. When at Fort Riley, Michaelis is the 1st Inf. Div. deputy commanding officer for maneuver.
A U.S. Army rotational presence ensures interoperability and enables European allies and partners to globally deploy their forces alongside Americans.