10th SFG(A) Conducts Rehearsal of Concept Drill for Baumholder Move

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - The ornate Swabian Activity Center at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, provided a stately backdrop for the Special Operation Forces Move to Baumholder (SOF2BH) Rehearsal of Concept (ROC) drill. More than 100 personnel representing 17 Department of Defense organizations gathered to rehearse the 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group- Airborne (1-10 SFG-A) move from Stuttgart to Baumholder, Germany, scheduled for completion by Oct. 1, 2026.

This relocation supports several key objectives:

• Optimizing the posture of Special Operations Forces (SOF) in Europe.
• Enhancing training opportunities for 1-10th SFG(A).
• Providing closer proximity to the dedicated military airfield at Ramstein.
• Alleviating overcrowding at United States Army Garrison-Stuttgart (USAG-ST).

“We appreciate the dedication of the entire team, including US Army Europe, IMCOM, and SOCOM, that has been working hard for years to ensure that Baumholder is prepared to receive the more than 1,000 special operations forces and their families,” said Colonel Ned Marsh, SOCEUR-DCO-Support. “The ROC drill demonstrated commitment from all parties to prioritize our service members and families balanced with mission readiness.”

Participants represented a cross-section of the SOF enterprise, including Special Operations Command (SOCOM), U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) (1SFC(A)), Special Operations Command-Europe (SOCEUR), and 1-10 SFG (A). Supporting agencies included U.S. Army Europe-Africa (USAREUR-AF), U.S. Army Installation Management Command-Europe (IMCOM-E), 21st Theater Sustainment Command, 16th Sustainment Brigade, 405th Army Field Service Brigade, and U.S. Army Garrisons Stuttgart and Rheinland Pfalz.

The three-day event focused on synchronizing mission-critical activities for the on-time relocation of personnel, equipment, and families. Utilizing a time-phased approach, operational planning representatives and stakeholders provided updates on key tasks, requirements, and timelines for each operational phase. Over 30 topics were reviewed and discussed.

Key highlights of the ROC Drill included:

• Garrison Housing and Facilities: Participants addressed potential challenges posed by construction delays in Baumholder and local housing shortages. With over $1 billion in renovations underway for housing, facilities, schools, and lodging, Smith Barracks in Baumholder is being prepared to accommodate the influx of Soldiers and families.
• Training Areas and Ranges: Construction delays and reservation requirements for Baumholder's training ranges necessitate mitigation strategies to meet 1-10 SFG(A) operational requirements. A breakout session focused on developing a strategy to engage senior leaders on the potential impact of training area shortfalls.

The ROC drill successfully identified potential friction points and resource gaps requiring resolution or mitigation strategies ahead of the 2026 move. It also provided 1-10 SFG(A) a valuable opportunity to rehearse its relocation plan, incorporating the Enterprise’s established requirements and constraints. Participating senior leaders praised 1-10 SFG(A)'s detailed relocation plan, recognizing it as a testament to sound Army doctrine and a blueprint for a successful transition.

These ongoing improvements and modernizations will benefit the entire Baumholder military community and ensure that BH will be seen as a premier assignment for Soldiers and their families stationed overseas.

Story by Julia Furman, U.S. Army Special Operations Command Logistics Staff Officer, Plans, Readiness and Operations Division