GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - The 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment (1-4) of Hohenfels, Germany, shifts-focus, as it begins to wind-down from its mission in support of the Combined Task Force Zabul at the end of this year.
Since 2006, the 1-4 has regularly deployed to Afghanistan with the Romanian Land Forces (ROULF) sending a company-size unit, during each International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) rotation. The mission will end with the 1-4 Infantry, Team Cherokee's return to the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) at the end of its tour-of-duty.
"This change of mission gives 1-4 Soldiers the opportunity to reset and return to their core-role as the opposing forces in support of training U.S. and multinational Soldiers at the JMRC. The "Warriors" have accomplished their strategic purpose in Afghanistan, cementing a relationship vital to NATO and ISAF operations, a partnership to be maintained well into the future," said Brig. Gen. Steven L. Salazar, commanding general of the Joint Multinational Training Command (JMTC) and senior mission commander. "The achievement defined by mutual respect and camaraderie is largely unseen and unheard-of in larger war efforts, but the benefits to both countries will outlive the careers, and in some cases the lives, of those who were a part of it. It is a historic partnership and the Soldiers and Families of 1-4 Infantry can be extremely proud of their contribution and accomplishments."
The change of mission does not affect the unit's expected return from theater; however, it will reduce the number of Soldiers deploying with Team Cherokee to about 120 personnel, and does not in any way impact the safety of the Soldiers, said Salazar.
"Planning for the return of all 1-4 personnel is ongoing at this time, but no concrete dates have been set for their return to Hohenfels," said Col. John M. Spiszer, Commander of the JMRC. "Since 2006, 1-4 Infantry has partnered with and augmented the ROULF with personnel, enablers, and operational experience, while the Romanians developed and improved their capacity."
Because of the success of the partnership and other conditions in theater, this year, Romania deployed a second battalion and a brigade tactical command post, signaling its increased commitment to ISAF.
Although 1-4's mission in Afghanistan is ending, the JMRC will continue the partnership with the Romanian Land Forces, by continuing to provide pre-deployment training and enhanced training capabilities at the Cincu Training Center in Romania.
For more information about the JMTC, visit the Web site at www.hqjmtc.army.mil. Learn about the JMRC at http://www.jmrc.hqjmtc.army.mil/.
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