By Staff Sgt. Scott J. Evans
Mission Command Element-Atlantic Resolve Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
POZNAN, Poland — The 4th Infantry Division officially transferred authority of the Mission Command Element (MCE)-Atlantic Resolve mission to 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas, during a ceremony in Poznan, Poland, Feb. 28, 2018.
POZNAN, Poland — Brig. Gen. William L. Thigpen, the outgoing Military Command Element commander and deputy commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, speaks to Soldiers with 4th Infantry Division and 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas, during a transfer of authority ceremony in Poznan, Poland, Feb. 28, 2018. (Photo by Spc Dustin D. Biven)
Since February 2015, the 4th Inf. Div. served as the regionally allocated division headquarters providing mission command of all U.S. ground and helicopter aviation forces conducting multi-national training and security cooperation activities with NATO units in support of U.S. Army Europe’s Atlantic Resolve.
“Every step of the way, ‘Steadfast and Loyal’ Soldiers are the ones who created the processes, created the relationships and created, in that way, the future of the U.S. Army’s presence in Europe,” said Lt. Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, commander of U.S. Army Europe.
Members of the U.S. and Polish militaries and other distinguished guests throughout the Atlantic Resolve area of operations and beyond attended the ceremony.
“The MCE fulfills a critical purpose acting as an intermediate headquarters between both United States Army Europe and our rotational (regionally allocated forces) brigades, which support the Atlantic Resolve mission,” said Brig. Gen. William L. Thigpen, deputy commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson. “This division-level forward command post serves to oversee multi-national training and security cooperation activities to include multi-national training exercises.”
POZNAN, Poland — Command Sgt. Maj. Eric B. Olsen stands in front of a formation of 4th Infantry Division Soldiers during the Mission Command Element transfer of authority ceremony in Poznan, Poland, Feb. 28, 2018. (Photo by Spc. Dustin D. Biven)
The MCE also provides oversight of movement of personnel and equipment throughout the Atlantic Resolve area of operations, said Thigpen.
The chance to participate in Atlantic Resolve has been a rare opportunity for leadership development, which has not been lost on those who have served in the MCE over the last three years.
“I owe a special thanks to the Soldiers who have served here in Atlantic Resolve and their supportive Families back home, and a tremendous thank you to the warm and kind people of Poland … as well as the U.S. Army Europe leadership and staff for their support and mentorship,” Thigpen said.
The 4th Inf. Div. has worked with the 1st Inf. Div. for several months to ensure continued readiness.
POZNAN, Poland — Lt. Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, commander of U.S. Army Europe, speaks during the Mission Command Element (MCE) transfer of authority ceremony in Poznan, Poland, Feb. 28, 2018. (Photo by Spc. Dustin D. Biven)
“This transition of authority between 1st Inf. Div. and 4th (Inf. Div.) is proof the United States is committed to the free people on this great continent; committed to the independence, peace, sovereignty and security of our NATO allies and partners,” said Brig. Gen. Richard R. Coffman, deputy commanding general, 1st Inf. Div.