Good way to wake up...

Ryan's deployment that was scheduled for the beginning of the year has been canceled! Press release posted this morning:

Mission change for 1-4 Infantry

After 4 years, the 1st Battalion 4th Infantry Regiment mission of regularly deploying to Afghanistan with our Romanian allies will successfully conclude with Team Cherokee's redeployment from Combined Task Force Zabul at the end of this year.

This change of mission gives 1-4 Infantry the opportunity to reset and return to its core role of providing world class Opposing Force support to JMRC focused on preparing Soldiers, leaders, and units throughout USAREUR for success on current and future battlefields.

The change of mission will have no effect on the Team Cherokee and Team Delta Relief in Place timeline as it currently stands, however it will reduce the number of Soldiers deploying with Team Cherokee to 120 personnel. The adjustment to the number of personnel will have no impact to the mission or safety of the Soldiers. Planning for the return of all 1-4 IN personnel is ongoing at this time but no concrete dates have been set for their return to Hohenfels.

Since 2006, 1-4 Infantry has partnered with and augmented Romanian Land Forces with personnel, enablers, and operational experience while the Romanians developed and improved their capacity. As a result of that partnership and other conditions in theater, this year Romania has deployed a second battalion and a brigade tactical command post signaling its increased commitment to ISAF.

The "Warriors" have accomplished their strategic purpose in Afghanistan, cementing a relationship vital to NATO and ISAF operations that will be maintained well into the future. It has been largely unseen and unheard in our larger war efforts, but its benefits to both countries will outlive the careers, and in some cases the lives, of those who were a part of it. It is a historic partnership and the Soldiers and Families of 1-4 Infantry can be extremely proud of their contribution and accomplishments.

Although the mission in Afghanistan has ended 1-4 IN, the Timberwolf OC-T Team and JMRC will maintain their partnership with the Romanian Land Forces aiding in their pre-deployment training and the enhancement of their training capabilities at the Cincu Training Center.

1-4 Infantry Battalion wants to thanks the Hohenfels community for the continuing support to their Soldiers and Families.