POZNAN, Poland – In order to meet U.S. Army in Europe and Africa requirements, to improve command and control capabilities, and to manage forward operating sites within the Republic of Poland, the Army established the U.S. Army Garrison Poland in a ceremony March 21.
The garrison is one of the enduring improvements to the DoD posture in Europe based on assessments from the 2021 Global Posture Review and consultations with NATO allies, and announced by President Biden in June 2022.
During his remarks, Tommy. R. Mize, Director, Installation Management Command– Europe, addressed directly the V Corps Commanding General, Lt. Gen. John Kolasheski, also in attendance.
“This garrison exists to support you, V Corps, and all your Soldiers. They will support you in accordance with your priorities and will enable V Corps readiness,” Mize said. “IMCOM-E’s mission is to set the conditions for the garrison’s success.”
“The relationship of the U.S. and Poland serves as an example of the deepening ties throughout the alliance. Today’s activation ceremony is a tangible reminder of the growth in our relationship,” Kolasheski said.
In addition to Kolasheski, Mize, and Col. Jorge Fonseca, USAG Poland commander, other speakers at the event were the Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak, and U.S. Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski.
“This Army garrison ensures our brave men and women in uniform have the support they need so they can focus on their mission. Permanent support for troops permanently stationed in Poland,” Brzezinski said.
In October 2022, a memorandum of agreement between the U.S. Army Materiel Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa transferred operational control of Area Support Group Poland from the 21st Theater Sustainment Command to IMCOM-Europe, the higher headquarters for all Army garrisons in Europe.
“We must recognize that we are not just building a military installation, but we are also becoming an enduring member of the vibrant and proud communities of the 11 sub-sites of our garrison,” Fonseca said.
USAG Poland will support three forward operating sites in Poland: FOS Poznan, FOS Powidz, and FOS Zagan, comprising a total of 11 locations in Poland.
In addition to supporting the permanently assigned forces, USAG Poland will also provide direct base operations support to roughly 4,000 rotational forces and 2,500 surge or exercise personnel.
“Our decades-long relationship with other communities and host nations throughout Europe has taught us valuable lessons we eagerly look forward to applying here in Poznan and in the communities surrounding all of the garrison’s installations here in Poland,” Mize said.
Click here for the photo gallery from the ceremony.
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