1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, "Devil Brigade," 1st Infantry Division (1ID) assumed command during a transfer of authority ceremony with the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (1CD) in Żagań, Poland, August 13.
The 1ABCT, 1ID, is eager to assume the Regionally Aligned Forces (RAF) mission. It will represent the tip of the spear and rally point from which Devil Brigade headquarters will conduct its mission in Europe.
“As a Soldier, there are two units closest to my heart in the Army," said Col. Jon Meredith, commander of 1ABCT, 1CD. “The 1st Cavalry Division is the Army Strong knockout right hook. The 1st Infantry Division is its soul, and the heart of the Big Red One is the Devil Brigade.
The transfer of authority ceremony, officiated by Brig. Gen. (Promotable) Matthew Van Wagenen, V Corps deputy commander, was the last step of the transition between the two divisions.
“We're excited to have you here,” Van Wagenen said. “We look forward to working with you both in V Corps, but most importantly, for all the allies over here, is that we march forward over the next nine months.”
“These Soldiers are fired up to live and train in Europe, alongside you, our allies and our partners,” said Col. Brian McCarthy, commander of 1ABCT, 1ID. “We're going to master our warfighting skills and demonstrate to the world that we are lethal, ready, resilient and committed, and that Europe has no greater friend than the United States of America.”
In January 2019, the Devil Brigade deployed for nine months to Europe. They are now operational once again in Europe in support of Atlantic Resolve, a set of bilateral, joint, and multinational training exercises designed to build readiness, increase interoperability and enhance the bond between allies and partner militaries