Victory in Europe: V Corps reaches major milestone

By Pfc. Devin KlecanNovember 3, 2021

FORT KNOX, Ky. (Nov. 3, 2021) -- Lt. Gen. John Kolasheski, commanding general, V Corps, speaks during V Corps’ Fully Operationally Capable ceremony at the V Corps Headquarters in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Nov. 3. The declaration of FOC signifies that the corps met a rigorous set of criteria, including the completion of the Warfighter 22-1 exercise which tested V Corps’ ability to mission command large scale combat operations in a multi-national environment. V Corps is now the U.S. Army’s fourth corps headquarters and America’s forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Devin Klecan/released)
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT KNOX, Ky. (Nov. 3, 2021) -- Lt. Gen. John Kolasheski, commanding general, V Corps, speaks during V Corps’ Fully Operationally Capable ceremony at the V Corps Headquarters in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Nov. 3. The declaration of FOC signifies that the corps met a rigorous set of criteria, including the completion of the Warfighter 22-1 exercise which tested V Corps’ ability to mission command large scale combat operations in a multi-national environment. V Corps is now the U.S. Army’s fourth corps headquarters and America’s forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Devin Klecan/released) (Photo Credit: Pvt. Devin Klecan) VIEW ORIGINAL
FORT KNOX, Ky. (Nov. 3, 2021) –The V Corps Chief of Staff Col. Rory Crooks stands in front of the formation during V Corps’ Fully Operationally Capable ceremony at the V Corps Headquarters in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Nov. 3. The declaration of FOC signifies that the corps met a rigorous set of criteria, including the completion of the Warfighter 22-1 exercise which tested V Corps’ ability to mission command large scale combat operations in a multi-national environment. V Corps is now the U.S. Army’s fourth corps headquarters and America’s forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Devin Klecan/released)
2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT KNOX, Ky. (Nov. 3, 2021) –The V Corps Chief of Staff Col. Rory Crooks stands in front of the formation during V Corps’ Fully Operationally Capable ceremony at the V Corps Headquarters in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Nov. 3. The declaration of FOC signifies that the corps met a rigorous set of criteria, including the completion of the Warfighter 22-1 exercise which tested V Corps’ ability to mission command large scale combat operations in a multi-national environment. V Corps is now the U.S. Army’s fourth corps headquarters and America’s forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Devin Klecan/released) (Photo Credit: Pvt. Devin Klecan) VIEW ORIGINAL
FORT KNOX, Ky. (Nov. 3, 2021) -- Gen. Michael X. Garrett, commanding general, U.S. Army Forces Command, speaks during V Corps’ Fully Operationally Capable ceremony at the V Corps Headquarters in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Nov. 3. The declaration of FOC signifies that the corps met a rigorous set of criteria, including the completion of the Warfighter 22-1 exercise which tested V Corps’ ability to mission command large scale combat operations in a multi-national environment. V Corps is now the U.S. Army’s fourth corps headquarters and America’s forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Devin Klecan/released)
3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT KNOX, Ky. (Nov. 3, 2021) -- Gen. Michael X. Garrett, commanding general, U.S. Army Forces Command, speaks during V Corps’ Fully Operationally Capable ceremony at the V Corps Headquarters in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Nov. 3. The declaration of FOC signifies that the corps met a rigorous set of criteria, including the completion of the Warfighter 22-1 exercise which tested V Corps’ ability to mission command large scale combat operations in a multi-national environment. V Corps is now the U.S. Army’s fourth corps headquarters and America’s forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Devin Klecan/released) (Photo Credit: Pvt. Devin Klecan) VIEW ORIGINAL
FORT KNOX, Ky. (Nov. 3, 2021) – V Corps color guard stands in formation during V Corps’ Fully Operationally Capable ceremony at the V Corps Headquarters in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Nov. 3. The declaration of FOC signifies that the corps met a rigorous set of criteria, including the completion of the Warfighter 22-1 exercise which tested V Corps’ ability to mission command large scale combat operations in a multi-national environment. V Corps is now the U.S. Army’s fourth corps headquarters and America’s forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Devin Klecan/released)
4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT KNOX, Ky. (Nov. 3, 2021) – V Corps color guard stands in formation during V Corps’ Fully Operationally Capable ceremony at the V Corps Headquarters in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Nov. 3. The declaration of FOC signifies that the corps met a rigorous set of criteria, including the completion of the Warfighter 22-1 exercise which tested V Corps’ ability to mission command large scale combat operations in a multi-national environment. V Corps is now the U.S. Army’s fourth corps headquarters and America’s forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Devin Klecan/released) (Photo Credit: Pvt. Devin Klecan) VIEW ORIGINAL
FORT KNOX, Ky. (Nov. 3, 2021) – Soldiers render salute during V Corps’ Fully Operationally Capable ceremony at the V Corps Headquarters in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Nov. 3. The declaration of FOC signifies that the corps met a rigorous set of criteria, including the completion of the Warfighter 22-1 exercise which tested V Corps’ ability to mission command large scale combat operations in a multi-national environment. V Corps is now the U.S. Army’s fourth corps headquarters and America’s forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Devin Klecan/released)
5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT KNOX, Ky. (Nov. 3, 2021) – Soldiers render salute during V Corps’ Fully Operationally Capable ceremony at the V Corps Headquarters in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Nov. 3. The declaration of FOC signifies that the corps met a rigorous set of criteria, including the completion of the Warfighter 22-1 exercise which tested V Corps’ ability to mission command large scale combat operations in a multi-national environment. V Corps is now the U.S. Army’s fourth corps headquarters and America’s forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Devin Klecan/released) (Photo Credit: Pvt. Devin Klecan) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT KNOX, Ky. — V Corps has demonstrated to the world that once again, “It Will Be Done.”

Gen. Michael X. Garrett, commanding general, U.S. Army Forces Command, and Lt. Gen. John Kolasheski, commanding general, V Corps, declared V Corps as being fully operationally capable during a ceremony held at V Corps Headquarters in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Nov. 3.

The declaration of FOC signifies that the corps met a rigorous set of criteria, including the completion of the Warfighter 22-1 exercise which tested V Corps’ ability to mission command large scale combat operations in a multi-national environment.

“This is now a fully operational headquarters and that means the Victory Corps is ready for its mission,” said Garrett.

In a little over one year, the Soldiers of V Corps proved they were capable of building the corps from the ground up to include all manning, training and equipping requirements needed to build the high level of readiness to meet operational requirements. This is a testament to the commitment of every Soldier who ensures the corps is ready to defend the U.S., her allies and partner forces in the Eastern European region.

“One year ago, our Army recognized the need for a new Corps headquarters, one of the highest levels of operational command, in order to focus on the European theater’s military threats and opportunities, alongside our partners and allies,” said Garrett. “Re-activating V Corps was the smart decision, because now our Army has the right talent and the right resources aligned against a mission that has only become more important in the past year.”

V Corps was reactivated on Oct. 16, 2020, and V Corps Soldiers, civilians, allies and partners worked together to build a new headquarters. Over the past year, V Corps trained hundreds of Soldiers, welcomed new leaders to the corps and paved a road of future relationships with NATO allies and partner forces during training and certifying exercises such as Victory Glide, Defender Europe 21, Command Post Exercise 3 and Warfighter 22-1.

“I admire [V Corps’] resilience, in fighting to meet a tight timeline with distributed personnel between a U.S.-based headquarters and an overseas command post in the middle of the most deadly pandemic of our time,” said Garrett. “The agility of this V Corps staff in its first year speaks volumes about what they can and will do next for our nation.”

Kolasheski shared Garrett’s sentiments adding that V Corps not only set up headquarters in Fort Knox, Kentucky, but also the V Corps Headquarters (Forward) in Poland.

“For the past twelve months, this corps raced to accomplish a daunting task — achieve fully operational capable status. Upon the successful completion of Warfighter Exercise 22-1, we achieved this goal,” said Kolasheski. “Today the U.S. Army has a fourth warfighting corps, ready to command and control land forces in Europe or wherever we’re called.”

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – Soldiers from V Corps participated in a mass casualty training event as part of the Warfighter exercise 22-1 at the main command post at Grafenwoehr, Germany. The WFX 22-1 is V Corps' final certifying exercise in becoming the U.S. Army's fourth corps headquarters and America's forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photos by Pfc. Devin Klecan/released)
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – Soldiers from V Corps participated in a mass casualty training event as part of the Warfighter exercise 22-1 at the main command post at Grafenwoehr, Germany. The WFX 22-1 is V Corps' final certifying exercise in becoming the U.S. Army's fourth corps headquarters and America's forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photos by Pfc. Devin Klecan/released) (Photo Credit: Pvt. Devin Klecan) VIEW ORIGINAL
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – Sgt. Fernando Washington, from Birmingham, Alabama, works at V Corps' main command post during Warfighter 22-1 in Grafenwoehr, Germany, Oct. 4. The WFX 22-1 is V Corps' final certifying exercise in becoming the U.S. Army's fourth corps headquarters and America's forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photos by Pfc. Devin Klecan/released)
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – Sgt. Fernando Washington, from Birmingham, Alabama, works at V Corps' main command post during Warfighter 22-1 in Grafenwoehr, Germany, Oct. 4. The WFX 22-1 is V Corps' final certifying exercise in becoming the U.S. Army's fourth corps headquarters and America's forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photos by Pfc. Devin Klecan/released) (Photo Credit: Pvt. Devin Klecan) VIEW ORIGINAL
CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - V Corps Soldiers take a stake out of the ground to pack up after completing V Corps' third command post exercise at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, Aug. 6. V Corps conducted CPX3 in preparation for the upcoming warfighter culminating training event that, once successfully completed, will certify the corps headquarters’ ability to take responsibility of subordinate commands for future operations. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Javen Owens/released)
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - V Corps Soldiers take a stake out of the ground to pack up after completing V Corps' third command post exercise at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, Aug. 6. V Corps conducted CPX3 in preparation for the upcoming warfighter culminating training event that, once successfully completed, will certify the corps headquarters’ ability to take responsibility of subordinate commands for future operations. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Javen Owens/released) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Javen Owens) VIEW ORIGINAL
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - Senior leaders from NATO and U.S. militaries, attend the V Corps distinguished visitors day during Warfighter 22-1, in Grafenwoehr, Germany, Oct. 2. V Corps hosted a DV Day, which included a tour of V Corps' main command post for Warfighter 22-1, to discuss the future of V Corps and bolster relationships with allies and partner forces. The WFX 22-1 is V Corps' final certifying exercise in becoming the U.S. Army's fourth corps headquarters and America's forward deployed corps in Europe.  (U.S. Army photo by Pvt. Gabriella Sullivan/released)
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - Senior leaders from NATO and U.S. militaries, attend the V Corps distinguished visitors day during Warfighter 22-1, in Grafenwoehr, Germany, Oct. 2. V Corps hosted a DV Day, which included a tour of V Corps' main command post for Warfighter 22-1, to discuss the future of V Corps and bolster relationships with allies and partner forces. The WFX 22-1 is V Corps' final certifying exercise in becoming the U.S. Army's fourth corps headquarters and America's forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Pvt. Gabriella Sullivan/released) (Photo Credit: Pvt. Gabriella Sullivan) VIEW ORIGINAL

V Corps will provide a level of command and control focused on synchronizing U.S. Army, allied and partner nation tactical formations operating in Europe. The corps will increase the U.S.’s capacity to compete forward in Europe across the entire spectrum of conflict, counter malign influence, assure allies and partners, deter aggression, and promote regional stability and security.

Kolasheski concluded the ceremony by extending his thanks to the entire V Corps team.

“Each [Victory Corps Soldier] played a major role in this accomplishment. All Victory Soldiers should be proud,” said Kolasheski. “You represent our nation’s best and brightest and exemplify the legacy and professionalism that V Corps is known for.”

He added a special thanks to the Polish.

“To our Polish friends — we are grateful for your hospitality and appreciate the outstanding support you provide to our rotational Soldiers. We look forward to strengthening an already close friendship.”

V Corps has served the nation throughout many decades and conflicts since its activation in 1918 during the First World War. The corps saw action during World War II and the Cold War, and remained strong and ready to support European allies until the corps was deactivated on June 12, 2013. V Corps received the call to serve the nation once again and was reactivated on Oct. 16, 2020.

V Corps is now the U.S. Army’s fourth corps headquarters and America’s forward deployed corps in Europe.