1st Armored Division assumes control of operations in Eastern Europe

Boleslawiec, Poland – The U.S. Army’s 1st Armored Division uncased their colors as 1st Cavalry Division formally transferred their authority for its mission in Eastern Europe during a ceremony held in Boleslawiec, Poland, March 6.

The Fort Bliss, Texas, based armored division assumed control as the U.S. Army’s Task Force operating across Europe’s eastern flank from the 1st Cavalry Division.

The 1st Armored Division, referred to as TF Iron, will work alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s forward deployed corps in Europe.

“Our Division arrived having completed over 18 months of intense exercises across the United States to prepare for this mission,” said Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, the commanding general of the 1st Armored Division. “Our Soldiers have trained hard to be here and we are ready to get to work.”

Taylor stated his commitment to the mission and expressed gratitude to the Soldiers of Task Force Pegasus for their efforts while in control of the area of responsibility.

“To General Feltey and America’s First Team, thank you for all that you have done to build our force posture here and set conditions for a great transition,” continued Taylor.

Task Force Pegasus assumed responsibility for the mission in May 2024 and now, after casing its colors, passes command to TF Iron.

Task Force Pegasus leaves the theater after participating in multinational training events, command post exercises, community engagements, and celebrations with NATO allies and partners.

Maj. Gen. Thomas M. Feltey, the commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division, looked back on TF Pegasus’ accomplishments during the deployment and saluted his Soldiers’ efforts over the past several months.

“From live-fire exercises, combined arms maneuver drills, joint training with our NATO partners, and multinational warfighters, we have built and strengthened the combat readiness that ensures we are prepared for any challenge,” stated Feltey.

Feltey also took a moment to impress upon the 1st Cavalry Division team the importance of the mission.

“The training conducted with our NATO allies highlights our cohesion and our ability to operate together,” said Feltey.

Lt. Gen. Charles D. Costanza, the commanding general of V Corps presided over the transfer of authority ceremony in Boleslawiec. He spoke on the importance of TF Pegasus’ and TF Iron’s mission in Poland and how it supports NATO’s allies.

“Your division and its subordinate brigades here in Poland and across Eastern Europe are a visible reminder of the United States’ commitment to Europe to deter adversarial aggression, and that we stand ready to defend NATO’s borders every inch from Sweden to Bulgaria,” said Costanza.

Today approximately 5,500 Soldiers from the 1st Armored Division Headquarters, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division Artillery, and 1st Armored Division Sustainment Brigade are deployed to various locations across Europe to support NATO allies, deter further aggression against NATO, and train with host-nation forces to increase individual and collective readiness.