Command post training completed

After a total of three weeks of intensive training, Tank Brigade 45 “Lithuania” has successfully completed its command post training. This marks another important milestone on the brigade's path to full operational readiness.

At the end of October, around 150 soldiers from the brigade staff, the staff and support company, and the signals company trained in setting up and operating the command post. The aim of the training was to establish and consolidate the brigade's command capabilities in a realistic environment. In addition to tactical procedures, the focus was on the coordinated and networked command of a defense operation within the framework of the 10th Armored Division.

Major General Jörg See, commander of the 10th Armored Division, was impressed by the level of training. He confirmed the command capability as the first operational capability, referred to as Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in military terms. He praised the achievement as a “significant step” in the brigade's development process.

Command post training is a central component of the so-called ‘roadmap’ of Armored Brigade 45 “Lithuania.” This roadmap envisages the establishment of command capability by the end of 2025 as a key milestone. Further significant steps will follow in 2026: the integration of the Multinational Battlegroup Lithuania into the brigade and the transfer of command of Panzergrenadier Battalion 122 from Oberviechtach in Bavaria and Tank Battalion 203 from Augustdorf in North Rhine-Westphalia.

With the addition of these combat units, the brigade will further gain in structure and capabilities to contribute to collective defense within the framework of the 10th Armored Division in NATO.

The insights gained from the command post training will be directly incorporated into the preparations for the brigade exercise “Freedom Shield 2026” planned for 2026. This exercise serves to further deepen the command processes at brigade level and, in particular, to test the operational capability of the brigade forces under realistic conditions.

Brigadier General Christoph Huber, commander of Tank Brigade 45, explained: “The training has shown that the brigade has mastered a first, very important and successful step toward command capability and thus toward establishing operational readiness. The professionalism and operational readiness of the soldiers are the basis for our further mission in Lithuania.”

Background

Armored Brigade 45 “Lithuania” is being established as a Bundeswehr brigade permanently stationed in Lithuania. It is part of the 10th Armored Division, which is the German Army's central contribution to NATO's enhanced deterrence and defense presence on the eastern flank. The brigade is expected to reach full operational readiness by the end of 2027.