ZAGAN, Poland – U.S. Troopers of the 2nd Armored Brigade Fight Crew (Dagger Brigade), 1st Infantry Division (2-1 ABCT), changed the third Armored Brigade Fight (Iron Brigade), 4th Infantry Division (3-4 ABCT), at a ceremonial switch of authority held in Zagan, Poland, Dec. 9, 2022.
As soon as used to point rallying factors to Troopers combating on the battlefield, a unit’s colours have been designed to face out within the chaos of fight. In the present day, after the instructions, “unseat colours,” and “seat colours,” echoed throughout Thursday’s ceremony by Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth S. Chaney, command sergeant main of Iron Brigade, the colours typically serve to characterize a second of transition between two items.
With Chaney’s name, Iron grew to become Dagger as 3-4 ABCT was changed by 2-1 ABCT. Dagger will now participate within the 1st Infantry Division’s mission in Europe because it continues to work alongside NATO allies and regional safety companions to supply combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s ahead deployed corps in Europe.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III, commanding common of the first Infantry Division and Fort Riley, hosted the ceremony alongside U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John Kolasheski, commander of V Corps, Gen. Jaroslaw Mika, commander of Poland’s armed forces branches, and Polish military Maj. Gen. Piotr Trytek, commander of the eleventh Armored Cavalry Division.
The Iron and Dagger Brigades share a storied previous in Europe. Collectively they emerged from the English Channel and gallantly broke by means of German defenses entrenched at Normandy. They proceed to put in writing pages within the ever growing historical past of Europe.
“We recognize [Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division] becoming a member of the Large Crimson One,” mentioned Meyer. “We recognize you becoming a member of our workforce. Whereas right here, you had a possibility to enhance your readiness, you had a possibility to organize on your warfighting duties and to work with our Allies on enhancing our capability, {our capability} and our interoperability so we are able to battle collectively if wanted.”
As quickly as their boots touched the bottom, the Iron Brigade participated in Defender 22, the biggest land forces train performed in Europe.
“What an unbelievable expertise for all of us assigned to the Iron Brigade,” mentioned U.S. Army Col. Stephen E. Capeheart, commander of the third Armored Brigade Fight Crew, 4th Infantry Division. “We stay prepared for any mission, any time, beneath any circumstances. That’s because of the improbable coaching alternatives that we’ve been capable of have.”
From there, the brigade went on to coach throughout quite a few international locations all through the Baltics and work alongside a various set of allied items. Collectively alongside NATO forces they participated in Operation Karahall and thru workouts Ryse, Badger and Bear which contributed to the collective readiness of Europe.
“Now we have to be prepared for the identified and unknown challenges of a fancy world,” mentioned Capeheart. “We’re really stronger collectively.”
The ceremony was held contained in the auditorium of the brand new Black Division Membership. Accomplished in September 2022, the membership was in-built honor of the Polish 1st Armored Division, an armored division of the Polish armed forces within the West that was mustered in Duns, Scotland, in February 1942. The unit was current in the course of the closing phases of the Battle of Normandy and took part in a variety of important moments of the Second World Conflict thereafter.
“I’m deeply grateful that [the United States] has been serving right here and dealing on tightening Polish and American navy cooperation,” mentioned Mika. “Serving collectively, Polish and American troopers have had an excellent alternative to trade their navy capabilities but in addition to study from one another and increase their horizons.”
For the 2-1 ABCT, getting ready for his or her upcoming mission to help NATO has been nothing wanting vigorous. Earlier than boarding a airplane heading for Poland, the brigade educated rigorously and carried out in a continuing state of readiness, ready to go away Kansas at any second. Over the course of the previous they participated in two nationwide coaching middle rotations and an emergency readiness train.
This isn’t the primary time the unit has been in Poland. In 1917, the Dagger Brigade first set foot on European soil. Like the remainder of their division, the brigade landed in North Africa, in Sicily and in Normandy. Now, over 105 years later, its Troopers proceed to take part within the historical past of the continent.
“Throughout western Europe you’ll see monuments, markers, artifacts and cemeteries honoring the boys and the ladies that wore the Large Crimson One patch earlier than us,” mentioned U.S. Army Col. Bryan M. Harris, commander of the 2nd Armored Brigade Fight Crew, 1st Infantry Division. “This deployment to Japanese Europe will add luster to our brigade’s storied legacy and popularity. Dagger is prepared for the journey.”
As one chapter closes a brand new one quick begins. Just like the Iron Brigade earlier than them, the Dagger Brigade is raring to hit the bottom operating.
