Troop Talk
This is the latest
update on the Impacts of Global Rebasing on United States Armed Forces
in Europe which may be of interest to Soldiers and families.
The United States Army in Europe will reduce from its current force
of 62,000 Soldiers, spread over 13 main operating locations across Europe,
to approximately 24,000 Soldiers concentrated among four Joint Main
Operating Base locations.
These concentration locations include the following:
• Wiesbaden area - Expected to be the future home of the combined
USAREUR and Task Force 5 headquarters, a warfighting deployable command
post capability, and some theater-enabling commands. USAEUR will relocate
from its current headquarters complex in Heidelberg’s Campbell
Barracks, while continuing to support the NATO Allied Land Component
Headquarters Heidelberg also at Campbell Barracks.
• Grafenwöhr area - The Expeditionary Training Command there
will be joined by a Stryker Brigade, the modularized multi-function
aviation brigade, and additional theater-enabling commands.
• Kaiserslautern area - Will constitute USAEUR’s major service
and sustainment hub where theater logistics and medical support will
be concentrated.
• Vicenza area - This will be the home of the modularized and
expanded 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team and a deployable command
post of Task Force 5.
Individual installations and kasernes are expected to decrease from
236 to 88 across Europe. The remaining footprint will provide USAEUR
with a modern, 21st century stationing, training, power-projection and
sustainment capacity for fully transformed, knowledge-based, flattened
and joint-capable Army forces in Europe. This 24,000-Soldier force will
be stationed with families on modern, full-service bases. Achieving
this footprint over the next five to 10 years will require some significant
rebasing and restationing actions. Source of information: Stand-To@hqda.army.mil.
We all watch the news and hear about events in Iraq that capture the
headlines, but we don’t always hear a lot about the positive things
being done. This short summary will give you a glimpse of what leaders
are doing and saying about the region.
Secretary Rumsfeld recently met with coalition military leaders and
Iraqi officials, and held a town hall-style meeting with Soldiers of
the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division at Camp Liberty near Baghdad.
Following are highlights of remarks he made after a re-enlistment and
medal presentation ceremony at the town hall.
“Challenges in the Global War on Terror are somewhat different
from those of previous wars. While Soldiers must still succeed in combat,
victory also depends on success in construction and civil affairs. The
global coalition fashioned after Sept. 11 has taken the offensive against
terrorist regimes. The coalition has attacked the underpinnings of terrorist
ideology by offering those who might be drawn to extremism the opportunity
to choose freedom instead of death. The coalition’s task is to
support the transition of responsibility for Iraq’s security to
the country’s security forces.
Iraqi forces must develop the capabilities and confidence to provide
the Iraqi people the security they deserve to build a democratic and
representative system. Coalition forces will continue working with Iraqi
forces, helping to train and equip them. There is not an exit strategy
out of Iraq; there is a victory strategy.
The United States is not in Iraq because Americans or their government
covet anyone’s land, oil or people. U.S. troops are in Iraq for
a mission - to be part of the coalition that helps Iraq onto a path
of democracy, freedom and representative government. As the political,
economic and security capabilities develop in Iraq, the responsibilities
of the coalition will decline.”
This past week has been a busy one for all of Fort Bliss. My team and
I challenged the students at Morehead Middle School in a Texas history
competition. Our competition was tough and they knew their history,
but in the end we were equally matched and the final score was 10-10.
In the afternoon, we broke ground for the new Air and Missile Defense
Training Facility at the corner of Pershing and JEB Stuart Road cost
estimated to be $16.5million; the German Air Force Air Defense School
hosted a redesignation ceremony followed by a concert; more than 150
volunteers were recognized for their service to the community; DOE will
host an Earth Day event today which is open to everyone, and for the
first time the U.S. Consulate is bringing in students from Juarez to
participate. Friday is the dedication of the Engagement Skills Trainer
2000, an M16 simulated indoor firing range. Congratulations, Team Bliss
is on the move and great things continue to happen for Soldiers and
families.
Maj. Gen. Michael A. Vane
Fort Bliss Commanding General