WIESBADEN, Germany -- German and American Soldiers packed Wiesbaden's Community Activity Center Nov. 25 to mark the establishment of a formal partnership between the Landeskommando Hessen and U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden.
While in the past German and American unit partnerships were common, said Brig. Gen. Eckart Klink, Landeskommando Hessen commander, this changed with the drawdown of forces following the Cold War's conclusion.
"Since a bulk of the allied forces has left Germany for good, beginning in the second half of the '90s, and the Bundeswehr has been reduced to almost one third of its former strength, most of the affiliations have come to an end -- all the more remarkable that a new affiliation could be established today," he said.
The German general said partnerships were and continue to be vital "to support the understanding among both nations and to foster the solidarity between German and foreign Soldiers."
Klink also pointed to the pivotal role Wiesbaden has played in welcoming both the headquarters of U.S. Army Europe and the Bundeswehr's state headquarters.
"This is the place that unites us," he said. ... "We are proud to have the headquarters of U.S. Army Europe here in Wiesbaden."
"Over a year ago Brig. Gen. Klink approached us with the great idea of establishing a formal partnership relationship between the Landeskommando Hessen and the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden," said Col. Mary Martin, USAG Wiesbaden commander. "We were already doing a number of things together in the planning and training realm, as well as team-building events, so we welcomed the proposal."
Although structured differently and having different missions, both units play crucial roles in civil-military cooperation, Martin said.
"The Landeskommando Hessen serves as the central point of contact for the state of Hessen in all territorial tasks related to civil-military cooperation, to include coordinating military assistance to the state in the event of natural disasters or other emergencies," said Martin. "The Landeskommando, therefore, is our essential host nation partner for a wide range of critical, cooperative activities, to include host nation support, civil-military cooperation, interface with German Armed Forces Regional and District Liaison Teams, and disaster and/or crisis response support."
Both commanders said they are looking forward to many joint activities in the future.
"We pledge … that this relationship will not be merely symbolized by today's exchange of paper certificates, but by a meaningful association characterized by real exchanges in ideas and experiences, and above all, in true camaraderie and soldierly friendship," Martin said.
Social Sharing