Photo By Staff Sgt. Evan Lane | Maj. Gen. Erhard Buhler, right, congratulates Col. Michael Schwartz on his new command...... read more read more
CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - Hundreds of service members representing 10 countries, participated in the official transfer of authority ceremony of Multinational Battle Group East from Col. Francisco J. Neuman to Col. Michael D. Schwartz here, April 2.
The MNBG E sector of responsibility, including all of Kosovo, supports the NATO mission to maintain an environment of protection and wellbeing as well as allowing for all people in Kosovo to move about freely.
The transfer of authority is rich in history and ritual, dating back to the 18th century during the reign of Frederick the Great of Prussia.
During that time, flags were created with symbols and colors unique to each unit. To the flag as a representation of the unit, and to the commander, soldiers would dedicate their loyalty and trust. During a transfer of authority or a change of command, the flag would be passed to the individual taking command showing a shift of authority. This action was performed with the unit present so all could see who was assuming responsibility of the group. The allegiance of the troops belonged to the flag and the leader who held it. This tradition is still in practice today.
As part of the transfer of authority ceremony, the commander performs a review of the troops’ condition and state of readiness prior to battle. During the April 2 ceremony, the Kosovo Forces commander, Maj. Gen. Erhard Buehler was afforded the opportunity to review the incoming MNBG E Kosovo Forces 14 soldiers. Standing in front of him were soldiers from France, Germany, Greece (Hellas), Morocco, Poland, Turkey, United States of America and Ukraine. These nations comprise MNBG E now led by Schwartz.
Schwartz, of Clovis, N.M., commander of the 111th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, based in Rio Rancho, N.M., and the soldiers under his command, officially accepted responsibility of MNBG E from Neuman, Ponce, Puerto Rico, commander of the 92nd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the soldiers in his battle group.
“It is an honor to assume the KFOR mission, and I look forward to continuing to build on the work accomplished by my predecessors,” said Schwartz. “It is apparent that KFOR has proven its ability to maintain a safe and secure environment as well as ensuring freedom of movement for all residents in Kosovo.”
More than three months of training and years of preparation led to this stage of a year-long deployment for the U.S. soldiers representing 22 states and U.S. territories. Home station training began in January for many of the soldiers which led to collective training at Camp Atterbury, Ind., and then to the Joint Maneuver Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany before arriving at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo in late March.
“We have come together from all over the United States and have built a strong, cohesive organization,” said Schwartz. “As commander of Multinational Battle Group East I look forward to building a strong relationship with all our multinational partners. Together we are a more mobile and deployable battle group, able to respond on a moment’s notice anywhere at any time.”
Prior to and during the ceremony, the multinational aspect of the NATO mission here was apparent. A U.S. soldier, 2nd Lt. Christopher Tebo, a platoon leader of the Maneuver Contingency, and French soldier, Sgt. Quillien, a patrol leader in the French Contingency were discussing their duties in their respective formations. Both Tebo and Quillien lead patrols and missions and both are looking forward to the deployment as a way to gain more experience.
“I will learn a lot; from my soldiers, from my chain of command, and from other friendly soldiers who are around,” Tebo said.
Quillen added the same sentiment of gaining experience for his fellow sergeants, and for himself while here in Kosovo. Tebo and Quillien are both glad to have the opportunity to meet soldiers from many parts of the world adding to the overall experience of the deployment.
The ceremony itself was a multinational affair with the Greek (Hellas) Band playing the sharp resounding notes of all the ceremonial music and marches, and each nation standing in formation responding to the commands of their respective leaders with crisp movements. The multihued uniforms aligned in front of Buehler, Schwartz and Neuman were all different, yet when mixed together in the melting pot of the NATO mission create a force focused on providing a sense of security for those in Kosovo.
“It’s an honor for me to led Multinational Battle Group East,” said Schwartz, “as we represent the best of the international community.
We come from many areas of the world and from many different cultures with a shared goal of maintaining a safe and secure environment with freedom of movement throughout Kosovo.”
As the soldiers of KFOR 14 wish those who comprised KFOR 13 farewell, they look to the months ahead and the mission set forth before them. The professionals will spend their time here maintaining the liberty of movement for those in Kosovo, allowing for the people to conduct their daily business with a sense of safety and working with the institutions in Kosovo to continue to grow and strengthen.
| Date Taken: | 04.02.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 04.08.2011 07:46 |
| Story ID: | 68439 |
| Location: | CAMP BONDSTEEL, ZZ |
| Web Views: | 146 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Fresh Focus: Responsibility of MNBG E transferred to new leadership, by 1LT Anna Doo, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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