Operations Center
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Operation Joint Forge
Master Sgt. Jason Bullard, superintendent of the 401st Security Forces Squadron at Tuzla Air Base, Boznia-Herzegovina, marches up a hill during a 30-kilometer Dancon Ruck March at Camp Dannevirke, Bosnia, in support of Operation Joint Forge. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Joint Forge Operational Overview
Since December 1995, the United States European Command has provided forces in support of NATO-led operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) transitioned to a slightly smaller force June 10, 1998. Simultaneously, Operation Joint Guard terminated and Operation Joint Forge commenced. Operation Joint Forge continues to build on the successes of Operations Joint Guard and Joint Endeavor.
U.S. Forces
The United States agreed to provide a force of approximately 6,900 U.S. personnel to help maintain a capable military force in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The U.S. supports SFOR by providing the headquarters and most of the troops for one of the three NATO-led multinational divisions. The U.S. also provides personnel, units and equipment to various parts of the SFOR organization.
A 2/2 team from the 2ACR prepares to travel downrange and practice situation battle in Glamoc, Bosnia
The majority of the U.S. forces are in northeast Bosnia, in the Multinational Division North (MND-N) sector. The sector headquarters is at Tuzla, Bosnia.
General Montgomery C. Meigs, U.S. Army, took command of SFOR and Operation Joint Forge Oct. 23, 1998.
The 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum, New York, took over the MND-N mission from the First Calvary Division on Aug. 4, 1999. Maj. Gen. James L. Campbell assumed command of MND-N from Maj. Gen. Kevin P. Byrnes.
The Transfer of Authority is a gradual, incrementally executed operation that is planned in a manner to ensure no disruption in MND-N's mission of providing a safe and secure environment throughout its area of responsibility. First Cavalry Division soldiers will continue to serve the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina as the 2nd Brigade Combat Team remains in place until later this year.
Timeline and Endstate
No timeline for Operation Joint Forge has been established. The mission will be assessed periodically and the force commitment will be adjusted as needed.
The U.S. is committed to supporting peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina by implementing the Dayton Peace Accords and participating in the NATO-led military force. NATO's aim is to achieve a secure environment to ensure peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina without the presence of a NATO-led military force. From a total of almost 20,000 troops at the height of NATO's Bosnia operations in 1996, U.S. troop levels have steadily decreased as progress continues under the Dayton Peace Accords.
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