First German Quick Reaction Troops Head to Afghanistan
Around 200 German combat troops will be deployed this week
German Defense Minister Franz Josef Jung is to see off the first Bundeswehr troops to take command of the Quick Reaction Force in northern Afghanistan on July 1.
The 200 members of the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) are the first German combat troops in Afghanistan. Some 3,500 German soldiers are already involved in the NATO peacekeeping mission in the country's north.
Norway will hand over command of the unit at the beginning of next month.
The QRF will be responsible for helping local Afghan authorities reconstruct the country and providing security. In conflict situations, the soldiers are prepared to act as brokers and engage in combat if necessary. Though the troops will be based in the north, they may assist allies in other regions as well.
Germany has traditionally been hesitant to engage in combat missions and Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition government has firmly opposed sending troops to the more volatile south, where fighting has been intense.
At an official send-off ceremony on Tuesday, June 3, Jung will honor the 250,000th Bundeswehr soldier to be sent on a foreign mission.
Join Us and Debate Military, Defense Issues Now!
Latest Reports
- Acid Attack Shows Nature of Taliban, Pentagon Spokesman Says
- Leaders Attend Bridge Reopening in Baghdad
- Coalition Forces Kill Insurgents Throughout Afghanistan
- Gates Promises Continued Commitment to Wounded Warrior Care
- Private David Fisher To Return Home
- Colonel Notes Reduced Attacks, Economic Gains in Iraqi Province
- Zabol Bridges
- Terrorists with Suicide Vests Killed, Cell Leader Detained
- Cheney Calls Georgia Victim of 'Unjustified' Russian Assault
- Anbar Handover Could Free Marines for Afghanistan Missions, General Says
- Troops Capture Suspected Hezbollah Associates in New Baghdad
- European Command Chief Checks Georgia Relief Effort First-Hand
- Troops Capture 11 Terrorism Suspects in Iraq
- Coalition Forces in Afghanistan Kill Enemy Fighters
- Australians claim key Taliban scalp