FORT KNOX, Ky. — About 300 soldiers from Fort Knox's Victory Corps are being deployed to Germany and Poland to bolster U.S. Army forces in Europe.
"The reason that the whole Corp is going is exactly because of what's happening in Ukraine," explained Major General Bob Burke.
The Corps already has soldiers stationed at an operational command post in Poznan, Poland, but the Army said last week it is deploying the Corps' main headquarters to Europe as well.
The additional deployment will “build readiness, improve interoperability, reinforce allies and deter further Russian aggression," the Army said in a news release. The Corps will support NATO's eastern flank and help coordinate multinational exercises across the continent.
"It demonstrates our readiness to move out quickly and rapidly," said Mike Lamkins, Operations Sgt. Major for Corps. "The second thing it demonstrates is that we’re there and we’re present and that should send a message to competitors."
Lamkins said the deployment demonstrates the United States' willingness and availability to aid our overseas partners.
"We’re shoulder to shoulder with our partners in Poland, in Germany," he said. "We’re working with Romanians. It is a multi-national effort."
While overseas, the Kentucky soldiers will be participating in training both live and computer-simulated.
It's unknown how long the troops will remain there.
“Victory Corps is ready and prepared to support the orders of the President, and demonstrate our commitment to our NATO Allies," Lt. Gen. John S. Kolasheski said in a news release. “Throughout our unit’s history, we have stood as guardians of peace in Europe and we once again proudly answer the nation’s call."
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