Throughout history the U.S. Army has proven, through multiple spectrums of operations and locations, that it is the most lethal and capable ground combat force. To continue to shape the Army to remain lethal and ready for any type of mission, in September of 2018 the Army announced the conversion of two brigade combat teams, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division out of Fort Bliss, Texas and the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Carson, Colorado. Nearly two years after the announcement, leaders and Soldiers gathered, both physically and virtually, in order to abide by social distancing guidelines, for the brigade’s re-designation ceremony, June 15, on Fort Carson, Colorado.
During the ceremony, Knight and Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarland, commanding general for the 4th Inf. Div., talked about the brigade’s history and future from an infantry brigade to Stryker brigade. “When this re-designation was first announced, then Secretary of the Army Esper said this shift was part of a broader strategy to ensure that our Army remain the most lethal ground combat force able to deploy, fight and win against any adversary, anytime, anywhere. And while we don’t know where or when the next fight will take place, Stryker’s will certainly be a key part of that fight against any potential threat.”
The brigade began their conversion process in the fall of last year. Since the beginning of the brigade’s conversion the unit has turned in more than 11,000 pieces of equipment no longer need for a Stryker brigade and has received more than 30% of Stryker vehicles, as well as adjusting personnel manning. Since the beginning of the process, organizationally, the brigade has closed three infantry companies across the units maneuver battalions and gained one new troop, Echo Troop, to the brigade’s squadron. The brigade’s efforts throughout the conversion have not been unnoticed by senior leaders.
According to the brigade leadership the unit plans to finalize their conversion in late 2021. Conversion of 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division to a Stryker Brigade represents the culmination of a major U.S. Army transformation effort which began in 2013 with the addition of a third maneuver battalion for each BCT (brigade combat team). Soldiers of 2nd Brigade should take pride in their hard work as they complete this conversion and prepare for their certification exercise at Fort Irwin. U.S. Army soldiers of 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry, can be very proud of what they’ve already accomplished as they look forward to future challenges.
