The United States Army will deploy new troops to Kosovo as part of the NATO-led KFOR mission, replacing units from the Florida and Colorado National Guards.
According to a statement from U.S. Army Europe and Africa, soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and supporting units from the 1st Infantry Division will be deployed to Kosovo. They will replace the Florida National Guard’s 53rd Infantry Brigade.
Additionally, elements of the 1st Infantry Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade will replace the Colorado National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment.
The rotation is part of NATO’s efforts to optimize KFOR’s structure following a review conducted by the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).
According to the statement, the changes reflect improvements in security conditions and aim to gradually adapt the mission to evolving circumstances, ensuring that KFOR remains prepared to fulfill its responsibilities. European allies are expected to assume the leading role in this process, in line with the transition toward NATO 3.0.
The rotation also marks a change in the way U.S. troops are deployed in Kosovo, shifting from National Guard units to forces deployed through operational theater military structures, while maintaining continued support for KFOR.
Colonel Samuel Sargent, speaking about the conclusion of the 53rd Infantry Brigade’s mission, said that serving alongside NATO allies and partners in Kosovo had been an honor for American soldiers.
He praised the brigade members’ professionalism and dedication, expressing confidence that the incoming unit would continue strengthening KFOR’s efforts to maintain a safe environment for all communities in Kosovo.
Meanwhile, Colonel Jabari M. Miller, the incoming commander of Regional Command-East, stated that the 1st Infantry Division and the 2nd Cavalry Regiment were honored to take on the mission.
He emphasized that U.S. troops were prepared to work alongside NATO allies and partners to maintain a safe and stable environment in Kosovo.
The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability in the Western Balkans, stressing that it will continue close coordination with NATO and its partners throughout the transition.
U.S. troops will continue contributing to the KFOR mission in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244.
