Airmobile Operations Division
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Airmobile Operations Division Division Luftbewegliche Operationen |
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Airmobile Operations Division Shoulder Insignia
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| Active | In current form: July 2002 – June 2014 |
| Country | Germany |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Division |
| Role | Air assault, providing specialized forces |
| Size | About 14,600 soldiers |
| Part of | German Army |
| Garrison/HQ | Veitshöchheim |
| Motto(s) | Forwards! Nach vorn! |
| Anniversaries | July 1 |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Major General Benedikt Zimmer |
| Notable commanders |
Lieutenant General Hans-Otto Budde, former commander of the German Army |
Airmobile Operations Division (Division Luftbewegliche Operationen) was a division of the German Army. The division was founded on 1 July 2002 and reported for duty 8 October 2002. Airmobile Operations Division consisted of approximately 14,500 soldiers, 350 of which were stationed at divisionary headquarters in Veitshöchheim, Germany.
In October 2011 the German Federal Ministry of Defence announced a reorganisation/reduction of the German Armed Forces. As a consequence, Airmobile Operations Division was dissolved and those units not being disbanded altogether were either transferred to other parts of the armed forces or incorporated into a different command structure. The division itself was officially disbanded on 26 June 2014 and was integrated into the 10th Armoured Division which relocated from Sigmaringen to Veitshöchheim.
The tasks of the division were unique within the modern German military in that it was able to provide air mobility as well as ground based fire support, aerial defence and counter chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear assets to all parts of the German military. With an additional infantry component, it was also capable of limited air assault operations. The division's command was prepared to fulfil a role as Framework Headquarters for NATO and EU operations. Troops of Airmobile Operations Division also render assistance to civilian authorities during disaster relief operations.
The coat of arms of Airmobile Operations Division depicts a flying black eagle, with its wings turned upright, holding a sword in its claws on a argent. Below the eagle a red arrow is shown. The argent symbolises dedication and the eagle strength, courage and bravery. The eagle's upturned wings, somewhat unusual in heraldry, represent the lunging out for new power. The sword stands for strike capability and penetration depth. The red arrow illustrates the third dimension, the depth of space and the dynamics of the division. The framing silver cord shows the status as a division. The maroon coloured seam corresponds with the traditional beret colour of the Army Aviation Corps and airborne forces.
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Wikipedia