Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Władysław Kosiniak Kamysz appointed the former First Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army, Lieutenant General Piotr Błazeusz, as commander of the Eurocorps, the Ministry of Defense said on Thursday.
The previous commander of the Eurocorps, Gen. Jarosław Gromadziński, was dismissed due to a Military Counter-intelligence Service (SKW) investigation into the general’s security clearance and “acquired new information” about the officer.
Lieutenant General Błazeusz began his military career at the Military University of Technology in Warsaw, graduating in 1994. His extensive education also includes degrees from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the University of Warsaw, and he has been honored with numerous awards including “the Silver Cross of Merit, Military Cross of Merit, NATO Meritorious Service Medal, Star of Afghanistan, U.S. Bronze Star and the Afghan Medal in Service of Ensuring the Security and Sovereignty of Afghanistan, among others,” the ministry stated.
Rising through the ranks
The general’s career is marked by a series of positions within the Polish military and NATO.
His first command post was as an assault platoon commander in 1996, which paved the way for significant assignments, including serving as a specialist for NATO affairs, deputy defense attaché in Washington, D.C., and director of the secretariat of the Minister of Defense.
“In 2007 he was appointed as the Command Centre Chief of the Armed Forces Operational Command, then as acting Training Chief at the 1st Armored Division in Legionowo. On August 15th, 2009, as the commander of the 15th Armoured Brigade in Giżycko he was promoted to brigadier general,” the ministry noted.
The Eurocorps, a multinational rapid reaction command based in Strasbourg, plays a crucial role in operations under the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations. It focuses on humanitarian, rescue, peacemaking, and peacekeeping missions.
Since its inception in 1993, the Eurocorps has symbolized multinational military cooperation and effectiveness. Poland’s upgraded role from an associate to a framework country in 2022 underscores its commitment to and influence within the Eurocorps, highlighting the importance of Błazeusz’s appointment in this context.
Reflecting on his appointment, Błazeusz emphasized the importance of multinational cooperation in ensuring peace and security in Europe and beyond. “The Eurocorps represents a unique blend of military capabilities and a shared commitment to uphold peace and security. It is an honor to lead such a distinguished multinational command,” Błazeusz remarked, underscoring his dedication to furthering the Eurocorps’ mission.
The transition of leadership comes at a pivotal moment for the Eurocorps and the Polish military, signaling a continued commitment to strengthening military capabilities and international collaboration. Under Lieutenant General Piotr Błazeusz’s command, the Eurocorps is poised to enhance its role in international peacekeeping efforts, reflecting the evolving landscape of global security challenges.
Lieutenant General Błazeusz began his military career at the Military University of Technology in Warsaw, graduating in 1994. His extensive education also includes degrees from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the University of Warsaw, and he has been honored with numerous awards including “the Silver Cross of Merit, Military Cross of Merit, NATO Meritorious Service Medal, Star of Afghanistan, U.S. Bronze Star and the Afghan Medal in Service of Ensuring the Security and Sovereignty of Afghanistan, among others,” the ministry stated.
Rising through the ranks
The general’s career is marked by a series of positions within the Polish military and NATO.
His first command post was as an assault platoon commander in 1996, which paved the way for significant assignments, including serving as a specialist for NATO affairs, deputy defense attaché in Washington, D.C., and director of the secretariat of the Minister of Defense.
“In 2007 he was appointed as the Command Centre Chief of the Armed Forces Operational Command, then as acting Training Chief at the 1st Armored Division in Legionowo. On August 15th, 2009, as the commander of the 15th Armoured Brigade in Giżycko he was promoted to brigadier general,” the ministry noted.
EurocorpsLieutenant general Piotr Błazeusz became the new Eurocorps commander @HQEurocorps https://t.co/LLYhC1v8pk
— Poland MOD 🇵🇱 (@Poland_MOD) March 28, 2024
The Eurocorps, a multinational rapid reaction command based in Strasbourg, plays a crucial role in operations under the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations. It focuses on humanitarian, rescue, peacemaking, and peacekeeping missions.
Since its inception in 1993, the Eurocorps has symbolized multinational military cooperation and effectiveness. Poland’s upgraded role from an associate to a framework country in 2022 underscores its commitment to and influence within the Eurocorps, highlighting the importance of Błazeusz’s appointment in this context.
Reflecting on his appointment, Błazeusz emphasized the importance of multinational cooperation in ensuring peace and security in Europe and beyond. “The Eurocorps represents a unique blend of military capabilities and a shared commitment to uphold peace and security. It is an honor to lead such a distinguished multinational command,” Błazeusz remarked, underscoring his dedication to furthering the Eurocorps’ mission.
The transition of leadership comes at a pivotal moment for the Eurocorps and the Polish military, signaling a continued commitment to strengthening military capabilities and international collaboration. Under Lieutenant General Piotr Błazeusz’s command, the Eurocorps is poised to enhance its role in international peacekeeping efforts, reflecting the evolving landscape of global security challenges.
Source: PAP, gov.pl
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