Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Reffeor and Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie from the 3rd Infantry Division uncase and unfurl the battalion colors during a transfer of authority ceremony in Boleslawiec, Poland, on Sept. 9, 2023. (Michael Udejiofor/U.S. Army)
WASHINGTON — The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division has taken command of the Army task force in Poland and Baltic states as part of regular troop rotations in Europe, the service announced.
“Once again, we have the privilege of standing together with our Polish allies, the Baltic states, and the rest of NATO,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, the 3rd Infantry Division commanding general.
The 3rd Infantry Division based out of Fort Stewart, Ga., replaces the 4th Infantry Division. The announcement of the change of responsibility did not mention Russia or Ukraine. The U.S. military has maintained about 100,000 troops on the Continent since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Europe was a focus during summer rotations. The bulk of the troops announced in March for rotations in Europe came from Fort Stewart as well as units from Fort Bliss, Texas, and Fort Liberty, N.C. The Army said the deployments were to strengthen NATO to deter Russian aggression.
Along with a changeover of troops at the Sept. 9 ceremony in Boleslawiec, Poland, a change of names occurred from Task Force Ivy to Task Force Marne. This is in reference to the 3rd Infantry unit’s motto, “Rock of the Marne.”
Task Force Marne will assume control of infantry, armor, aviation and logistics units across Poland and the Baltic region.
Approximately 4,500 soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division and the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team are deploying to various locations across Europe to support NATO allies, deter further aggression against NATO countries and train with other forces to build readiness and interoperability, according to the service announcement.
They join approximately 2,000 soldiers from the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade who deployed to Europe to provide aviation support earlier this year as well as other U.S. Army units serving in Europe to form Task Force Marne.
