Former anthems of Poland and the United States and solemn handover of command. The American 1st Infantry Division (1st Infantry Division, the alleged large Red One) took over duties yesterday from the 3rd Infantry Division in Poland, which is now stationed in Poland. The ceremony was held in Bolesławec, in the 23rd Artillery Regiment there.
Eventually respective 1000 soldiers of the 1st U.S. Infantry Division will replace the forces of the 3rd Division. For now, the rotation has included respective 100 soldiers of the command battalion, who are located in Bolesławec, in Camp Boles there.
During the command-carrying ceremony held in the Boleslaus 23rd Artillery Regiment, traditionally with the sounds of the military orchestra, the unit's proponent, which takes over service – the 1st Infantry Division, stationed regular in Fort Riley, Kansas, developed.
In addition to command and soldiers of both divisions, representatives of the Polish Army besides took part in the ceremony, including command 11th Lublin Armored Cavalry Division, subordinate to the 23rd Artillery Regiment, and the Boleslawiec local government.
– First of all, I would like to thank our Polish hosts here in Bolesławec – and all our allies – for their hospitality and support, as well as for enabling us to receive training in your facilities, shoulder to shoulder with your soldiers; this allowed us to learn from each another and improve our capabilities for joint combat activities," said General John Lubas, commander of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Division.
We're ready.
On the another hand, General Monté Rone, commander of the 1st Division, pointed out that the mission in Poland was the beginning of another chapter in the boastful past of "Big Red One". – Our goal is clear: to supply allies with our support, deter aggression and – if essential – fight and win. We are not going back to relive history, but to compose it another chapter. large Red 1 is back in Europe – and we are ready. No task is besides difficult, no sacrifice besides great. work first – said the officer.
Exchange at the level of the Staff Battalion and Divisional Command in Bolesławec is the beginning of a rotation which will besides include US troops located, among others, in Świętszów or Żagań. “People change, there is no change in destiny or task or interaction. This is simply a division-by-division exchange, so the combat possible remains the same – emphasises Maj. Gen. Piotr Fajkowski, commander of the 11th Lubuska Armour Cavalry Division.
Great kitchen and dream pension
Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division, who will gradually leave our country, cannot brag about Poland. Everyone emphasizes the cordiality of Polish hosts, the beauty of the country and excellent Polish cuisine. – This was my first stay in Poland and I truly felt large here. I visited Kraków, Warsaw, Wrocław. I've learned a large story. I was besides visited by a household who was besides impressed," says Captain Vincent Nguyen.
In turn, St. Chor. Christopher S. Gibson begins only a nine-month stay in Poland, but this is not the first change of US troops in our country in which he participated. He's very happy to be back. – I like Poland very much, I like it here. People are very friendly and I love your food. If I could, I would spend my pension in Poland – I declare.
Currently in Poland there are about 10,000 US Army soldiers. In Lower Silesia and Lubuskie Voivodeship (e.g. Żagań, Świętszów, Bolesławiec) are mainly located armored units. The elevated Command of the 5th U.S. Army Corps to which they are subject is based in Camp Kościuszko, Poznań.
