Press Release: Atlantic Resolve mission command transfers to new unit

June 2, 2020

POZNAN, Poland —

The 1st Cavalry Division Forward assumed command of the U.S. Army’s Atlantic Resolve mission June 1. 

In a transfer of authority ceremony, 1st Infantry Division Forward relinquished authority for the mission command element of Atlantic Resolve to 1CD FWD. The TOA ceremony is a longstanding Army tradition that signifies when an incoming unit takes over full responsibility for a mission from the preceding unit. 

U.S. Army Europe Deputy Commanding General for Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Joe Jarrard presided over the event. Gen. Jaroslaw Mika, commanding general of the Polish Armed Forces, thanked Brig. Gen. Thomas O’Connor, 1ID FWD commanding general, for his efforts and welcomed Brig. Gen. Brett Sylvia, 1CD FWD commanding general. 

“It’s been a pleasure to be a guest of Poland and serve alongside your armed forces,” said O’Connor. “Now as the 1st Infantry Division departs Europe, we hand over this mission to an extremely capable fighting force: our nation’s 1st Cavalry Division. They stand ready to deter regional aggression.”

The 1ID FWD was here for 27 months as a regionally allocated force to U.S. Army Europe. 1CD FWD will be in Poland for 18 months and will participate in both DEFENDER-Europe 20 and DEFENDER-Europe 21. 

“Although this ceremony is for the transfer of authority of the Atlantic Resolve mission, it’s really more about continuity than about it is about change,” said Sylvia. “We look forward to demonstrating to our NATO allies and partners our commitment to peace, security and stability in Europe.”

 “I’m really proud of the interoperability and security we have established in Europe,” said. Mika. “I’m convinced our mutual cooperation will continue, and I’m grateful for your service and success here in Poland.”

There are approximately 6,000 Soldiers participating in the U.S. Army’s Atlantic Resolve at any given time, conducting operations and exercises across 17 countries in support of NATO allies and partners. 

The deployment of ready, combat-credible U.S. forces to Europe in support of Atlantic Resolve is evidence of the strong and unremitting U.S. commitment to NATO and Europe. Through bilateral, joint and multinational training, Atlantic Resolve builds readiness, increases interoperability and enhances the bond between ally and partner militaries. For more information, visit www.eur.army.mil/AtlanticResolve.

  • U.S. Army Europe