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History of Combat Equipment Group Europe

Combat Equipment Group Europe (CEGE) was established in 1985 as a subordinate unit of the U.S. Army Materiel Command to manage and maintain prepositioned military equipment in Europe. Headquartered in Livorno, Italy, CEGE was responsible for the storage, maintenance, and accountability of Army Prepositioned Stocks (APS), ensuring rapid force deployment and readiness for U.S. and NATO operations during the Cold War and beyond. The unit played a crucial logistical role during major exercises and contingencies, supporting operations such as Desert Storm and later peacekeeping missions in the Balkans. In the mid-2000s, CEGE’s mission and assets were integrated into the Army Field Support Brigade structure, reflecting evolving strategic requirements and organizational changes within U.S. Army Europe.

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ABOUT Combat Equipment Group Europe

  • Origins in the Cold War: Combat Equipment Group Europe (CEGE) was established in 1985 as part of the U.S. Army’s initiative to streamline the management of pre-positioned military equipment in Europe during heightened Cold War tensions.
  • Prepositioned Stocks: CEGE was responsible for maintaining Prepositioning Of Materiel Configured in Unit Sets (POMCUS), which involved storing tanks, armored vehicles, and other critical equipment in secret depots across Western Europe for rapid deployment.
  • Geographic Reach: At its peak, CEGE managed over 24 sites in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy, ensuring U.S. and NATO forces could rapidly equip incoming soldiers in case of conflict.
  • Role in Operation Desert Storm: Equipment maintained by CEGE was deployed to the Middle East in 1990-1991, supporting U.S. forces during Operation Desert Storm and showcasing the strategic value of prepositioned materiel.
  • Massive Equipment Volumes: The group was responsible for the upkeep of thousands of vehicles, including M1 Abrams tanks, M2/M3 Bradleys, and hundreds of support vehicles, making it one of the largest logistical operations outside the continental U.S.
  • Transition and Downsizing: After the end of the Cold War, CEGE’s mission shifted due to reduced tensions, leading to the closure of many sites and the consolidation of prepositioned stocks.
  • Key Personnel: CEGE was staffed by a mix of U.S. military personnel, Department of the Army civilians, and local nationals, fostering close cooperation between American and European employees.
  • Technological Innovations: CEGE pioneered the use of advanced inventory management and maintenance tracking systems, some of which laid the groundwork for modern Army logistics IT solutions.
  • Support for NATO Exercises: The group routinely supported major NATO exercises, such as REFORGER (Return of Forces to Germany), by providing and maintaining the equipment necessary for large-scale armored maneuvers.
  • Legacy: The traditions and mission of CEGE continue today under the Army Field Support Brigade and Army Prepositioned Stocks programs, playing a critical role in rapid U.S. and NATO response capabilities in Europe.

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