History
The regiment was activated in late 2006 and grew to its planned strength until 2008. In March 2008, 1st LIRgt (A) assumed its first operational role and deployed 600 soldiers to Kosovo as part of an operational reserve for ongoing operations of KFOR-troops in the region. In 2009, the entire regiment was deployed to Afghanistan for twelve months. During that time, Air Assault Infantry Regiment 1 formed the quick reaction force for ISAF's Regional Command North and saw intense action against insurgents in the northern Kunduz Province.
A member of Air Assault Infantry Regiment 1 was awarded Germany's highest military decoration for gallantry, the Honour Cross for Bravery on January 22, 2010. Sergeant First Class Steffen Knoska rescued a seriously wounded comrade from incoming fire during an ambush in Afghanistan's Kunduz Province on June 7, 2009. The casualty had been struck by a bullet and was lying defenceless on the ground when Knoska charged into hostile fire. Although having been hit by incoming bullets, Knoska refused to give in and eventually was able to drag the man into safety.
In October 2011 the German Federal Ministry of Defence announced a reorganisation/reduction of the German Armed Forces. As a consequence, Air Assault Infantry Regiment 1 will be disbanded. The units based in Hammelburg will be completely disbanded whereas at Schwarzenborn two companies will be disbanded. On 1 July 2015, the remainder will form the newly created Light Infantry Battalion 1.
Read more about this topic: Air Assault Infantry Regiment 1 (Germany)
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