CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan – Outgoing International Security Assistance Force Regional Command North commander, German Army Maj. Gen. Markus Kneip, was relieved by German Army Maj. Gen. Erich Pfeffer, during a change of command ceremony on Camp Marmal, Feb. 26.
During the ceremony, Kneip was awarded the Legion of Merit medal by Lt. Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, commander, ISAF Joint Command and deputy commander, U.S. Forces Afghanistan. The medal is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The decoration can be issued to United States military personnel and also to military and political figures of foreign governments.
ISAF Commander, U.S. Forces Afghanistan, Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, was also in attendance to witness the handover of command.
Lt. Gen. Rainer Glatz, commander, Bundeswehr Joint Forces Operations Command, spoke during the ceremony and praised Kneip for his strong leadership and achievements in the region over the past year.
“Due to your never-ending endurance and patience, you have been very successful in winning influence in this highly dynamic and complex operating environment,” Glatz said. “You have lived up to your responsibility in an impressive manner.”
Kneip leaves a long-lasting effect on Northern Afghanistan. After serving for the last 12 months as the regional commander, Kneip now returns to the 1st Armored Division, based in Hannover, Germany.
Pfeffer arrives from Leipzig, Germany, where he commands the 13th Mechanized Infantry Division and will now be in charge of one of the Bundeswehr’s most demanding commands at Regional Command North, Afghanistan.