New permanent US Army HQ launched in Poland

A new permanent US Army headquarters began operating in Poland on Tuesday following its official launch in the western city of Poznań.

Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak speaks at the Activation Ceremony for US Army Garrison Poland in Poznań, western Poland, on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.

Photo: PAP/Jakub Kaczmarczyk

Speaking at the Activation Ceremony for US Army Garrison Poland, Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak said the new permanent US Army headquarters would help enhance the security of his country and the entire eastern flank of NATO in the wake of Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

Deputy Prime Minister @mblaszczak: We are witnessing the fulfillment of the declaration of the 🇺🇸 government. We may be satisfied that our partnership is going so well. This is highly important for our security, building our interoperability, and the entire #NATO's eastern flank. https://t.co/ppgTyyZZeQ

— Poland MOD 🇵🇱 (@Poland_MOD) March 21, 2023

During the event, which was also attended by the US ambassador to Poland, Mark Brzezinski, the US Army's "Area Support Group Poland" was transformed into "US Army Garrison Poland," officials said.

At Camp Kosciuszko in #Poznan, Deputy Prime Minister @mblaszczak participates in a ceremony of transformation of the Area Support Group Poland (ASG-P) into the 🇺🇸U.S. Army Garrison Poland (USAG-P). pic.twitter.com/1rvjnH7jEp

— Poland MOD 🇵🇱 (@Poland_MOD) March 21, 2023

USAG-P will be the eighth permanent garrison of the🇺🇸Armed Forces in Europe and the first permanent garrison of🇺🇸troops in🇵🇱. The unit is being established thanks to a decision of the🇺🇸President issued in 2022 and will deal with infrastructure support for🇺🇸troops stationing in 🇵🇱 https://t.co/vTQqwkSxT3

— Poland MOD 🇵🇱 (@Poland_MOD) March 21, 2023

The ceremony at Camp Kościuszko in Poznań came after the Pentagon said last week that US Army Garrison Poland would be established this month.

"In order to meet U.S. Army in Europe and Africa mission requirements, improved command and control capabilities and manage foreign, forward operating sites within the Republic of Poland, the U.S. Army will establish the U.S. Army Garrison Poland in March 2023," Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a statement last Thursday.

He told reporters that the unit would be "one of the enduring improvements" to the US Department of Defense's posture in Europe "based on assessments from the 2021 Global Posture Review and consultations with NATO allies" and announced by President Joe Biden in June last year.

"Joining the existing seven Installation Management Command Europe Garrisons, U.S. Army Garrison Poland will deliver quality base operations support, infrastructure and services to soldiers and civilians to enable U.S. Army in Europe and Africa Command readiness," Ryder said at the time.

"The unit will be comprised of approximately 13 military personnel and 140 civilian personnel," he added.

"Installation Management Command Europe and U.S. Army Garrison Poland look forward to the continued strengthening of the bond between our military community and the host nation communities of Poland at the local, regional and national levels of the alliance," according to the statement from Ryder.

Biden said in June last year that the United States would boost its military presence in Europe and create a permanent headquarters for its Army V Corps in Poland in response to threats coming from Moscow after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Tuesday is day 391 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, defense.gov