US deploys more than 150 soldiers to Germany to train Ukrainian troops

News, US August 26, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

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The United States Army deployed more than 150 soldiers with Pennsylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team on a year-long mission to Germany to support Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine.

During their deployment in Germany, the U.S. soldiers will serve with the Joint Multinational Training Group Ukraine and train the Ukrainian troops. The American soldiers will aid the 7th Army Training Command with its mission of helping Ukraine defend itself.

The U.S. Army soldiers with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT), 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard, were honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field before leaving for Germany.

Commander of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Col. Christopher Costello said, “I am confident that we have the right people and the right training to ensure the success of this mission.”

“This mission supports the United States enduring national interests that include security for U.S. allies and partners, respect for universal values, and a rules-based international world order that promotes peace and security,” Col. Christopher Costello added.

According to the U.S. Army statement, “HHC, 56th SBCT, will provide a command-and-control element to the JMTG-U mission. The unit, part of the 28th Infantry Division, is based in Horsham, Pennsylvania, but its Soldiers come from across the commonwealth and some neighboring states.”

The Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine, also known as JMTG-U, is a U.S. Army mission of training the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The 7th Army Training Command oversees the JMTG-U mission and is supported by numerous Army units.

^{A Ukrainian service member stands at attention during the closing ceremony of the Sea Breeze exercise in Chabanka, Ukraine, July 12, 2019. (Image Credit: U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class T. Logan Keown)}

The JMTG-U of the U.S. Army has trained the Armed Forces of Ukraine since 2015, however after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the JMTG-U relocated to Grafenwoehr in Germany and resumed its role. Since then, the training has continued to evolve based on the needs of and in coordination with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the U.S. Army highlighted in a statement.

Separately on August 23, the U.S. Department of Defense announced additional security assistance for Ukraine to meet the country’s critical security and defense needs. The U.S. has provided Ukraine with more than $50 billion worth of military assistance since the Russian invasion in 2022.

The announcement of the latest defense package, which came ahead of Ukrainian Independence Day, is valued at $125 million, and includes, air defense capabilities; munitions for rocket systems and artillery; and anti-tank weapons.

According to the Pentagon statement, the latest package includes, Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-UAS) equipment and munitions, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) missiles, Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems, High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) ambulances, small arms ammunition, medical equipment, demolitions equipment, as well as spare parts, ancillary equipment, services, training, and transportation.

“The United States and the international coalition of some 50 Allies and partners remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s brave defenders that continue to fight against Russian aggression,” the Department of Defense statement highlighted.