FORT KNOX, Ky. –
This week we mark the third year since the reactivation of the U.S. Army V Corps on Oct. 16, 2020. It is fitting to reflect on our progress, as well as what our storied unit looks to accomplish in the future. Our journey has been one of challenge and transformation, founded upon unwavering dedication. I am proud to say that the Victory Corps remains ready to fight and win, in line with its critical mission to defend our nation and its interests in Europe.
Today, V Corps is comprised of just under 30,000 Soldiers, with two divisions, 11 brigades and other enabling commands. We operate up and down NATO’s eastern flank, with a clear purpose and a steadfast commitment to assure our allies and partners of U.S. commitment. Our underpinning of European security helps deter our adversaries.
Our mission, as the U.S. Army’s senior tactical headquarters in Europe, is as relevant today as it has ever been. Victory depends on our ability to train and increase readiness while operating in close coordination with our allies and partners. We must continue to compete during peacetime and be able to fight and win in a multi-domain, large-scale conflict.
Competing in the Modern Arena
Today, we find ourselves in an era defined by rapid technological advancements. To compete effectively, we, along with our allies and partners must continue to adapt and innovate at increasingly greater speeds in order to be successful.
Your collective efforts are significant in advising our allies on the integration of new systems into their militaries, including Abrams tanks, High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), and most recently, AH-64 helicopters. Your efforts in training the key regional partners and advising our NATO allies are already significantly increasing their lethality and warfighting capability.
In addition to upgraded equipment for U.S. and European Soldiers, observations from the war in Ukraine are causing us to refine our tactics, embrace emerging technologies, and adjust rapidly to changes in the environment. We will be ready for the unprecedented challenges of the next battlefield.
Denying Adversaries in Crisis
The strategic environment is a multi-dimensional. Adversaries will exploit all vulnerabilities during competition and conflict. They are skilled at operating in the “gray” or “hybrid” zone, using time-tested tactics in the region along will newer information warfare and cyber-attack techniques.
By continually working and training with our allies and partners, we ensure that our combined forces are prepared to respond to these type threats swiftly and decisively.
Fighting and Winning in Multi-Domain Large Scale Combat Operations
Future warfare will be defined by the multi-domain fight. Our corps is at the forefront of developing multi-domain capabilities in Europe – practicing to integrate air, land, sea, space and cyberspace to achieve victory.
We are helping European division and corps headquarters transform into true warfighting headquarters, through mentorship, academics, demonstrating best-practices, and executing challenging command post exercises. Our actions are not only increasing alliance lethality, capability, and capacity, but increasing our own proficiency in planning, coordinating, and synchronizing large scale ground combat operations.
Preparing for the Future
Over the next two years, V Corps units will participate in over 130 exercises across Europe. We will hone our warfighting skills, as well as those of our allies and partners in the region. The collective readiness of V Corps and our NATO allies is what provides assurance and deterrence in our area of operations.
As we move forward, we must remain agile and adaptable. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the recent fighting between Hamas and Israel show us that the world is dangerous. Our readiness depends on our ability to anticipate and respond to emerging challenges. We will continue to invest in our Soldiers, modernize our equipment, and enhance our partnerships to ensure that V Corps remains at the cutting edge of military effectiveness.
Victory Corps’ reactivation in 2020 was tangible proof of our nation's commitment to freedom and democracy in Europe. Over the past three years, we made tremendous strides to realize the goals that Army senior leaders had for our headquarters. As always, though, our collective work is far from over.
I have the utmost confidence that together we will accomplish all our future missions: we will compete effectively; we will increase our combat capabilities and those of our allies; we will deny our adversaries the room to operate; and, if necessary, fight and win decisively as part of a combined, joint and interagency team. The future of the Army’s “Forward Deployed Corps” is bright. Our resolve to defend our nation, our allies and our values remains unshakable. Thanks to every member of this command …… past, present, and future. Your service matters.
Stronger Together.
It Will Be Done.
Victory!