Hello United States Army Europe,
I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to join the tremendous Soldiers, Civilians, Families and host nation Allies here at U.S. Army Europe.
I was first stationed in Germany as a young 1st Lt. in 1983 with the 2nd Armored Division (Forward) in Garlstedt. I remember one day there was a lot of commotion in the company area when we heard the commanding general of USAREUR, Gen. Glen K. Otis, was coming to visit us. I thought that was really cool, and then I asked my company commander, "Sir, what is USAREUR."
Now, I am very certain that United States Army Europe, along with our joint teammates, is the manifestation of the United States' commitment to the most powerful Alliance in history, NATO.
Coming from NATO Allied Land Command in Izmir, Turkey, I have seen firsthand how USAREUR utilizes its exceptional capacity and maintains a responsive force posture and effective network of installations and capabilities to protect U.S. interests and those of our Allies.
This is a pivotal time in the history of USAREUR and NATO. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Iron Curtain. We face a resurgent Russia that has illegally annexed Crimea and which threatens our friends and Allies. It will require a trained, ready and resilient United States Army Europe, as part of a joint team and a reinvigorated Alliance, to assure our Allies and deter Russia from further encroachment.
USAREUR's contribution to the success of U.S. European Command and our Alliance will be based on three enduring priorities: leader development, readiness, and enabling the Alliance and our partners.
Positive, adaptive leadership can solve any problem and accomplish any mission. I believe that USAREUR is the leadership laboratory for the Army as we have the unique advantage of working side by side with our Allies and partners every day. This emphasis on leader development will also ensure that we have an environment in our formations where every man and woman feels valued, empowered and confident in their fellow Soldiers and Civilians.
Readiness to perform any mission is why we are forward stationed in Europe. Though we make up only five percent of the Army's manpower, USAREUR touches or is involved in most of what the U.S. Army delivers in terms of strategic effect.
United States Army Europe will continue to be ready, reliable and forward stationed to underwrite the guarantee of collective defense, our Article 5 obligation of an attack on one is an attack on all. We've been here for 65 years doing just that, and we will continue to be prepared to win in a complex world.
I consider it an honor and privilege to lead this historic Team and look forward to seeing you all in your formations and communities throughout Europe.
Freedom 6
Strong Soldiers, Strong Teams!
-Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges
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