APRIL 6, 2023 – More than 160 Guardsmen from the Arkansas National Guard‘s 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team headquarters departed April 4 for mobilization training at Fort Bliss, Texas, before deploying to Germany for a year-long mission to work with members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Members of the 39th IBCT will assume command of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine at Grafenwoehr, replacing the New York Guard‘s 27th ICBT.
They will mentor and advise Ukrainian troops to enable combat training center capability and capacity to help the Ukrainians defend their country from Russia’s unprovoked aggression.
“This mission is vital to help deter aggression in Europe,” said Maj. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, Arkansas’ adjutant general. “These Arkansans will execute their mission with great professionalism and will no doubt have a strategic impact on the outcome of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. They are well led, well trained, and they will make Arkansas proud.”
JMTG-U is a rotational mobilization under the operational command authority of U.S. European Command, U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and 7th Army Training Command.
“We are eager and privileged to contribute to the Ukrainian armed forces’ capability,” said Col. Chad Bridges, 39th IBCT commander. “Our Soldiers are committed to doing all they can to make maximum impact to this important mission. Additionally, we thank our families and employers. We are grateful for their sacrifice and support that enables us to serve our nation during this critical time.”
By John Oldham
Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs Office