Division Sustainment Brigade activates to strengthen ‘endurance’ of Arctic Angels

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – The next chapter in the transformation of 11th Airborne Division was officially started on Oct. 16, 2026, with the activation of the 11th Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade (Arctic), along with its subordinate battalions and companies.

While still the “youngest” division in the active Army after being re-activated in 2022, 11th Airborne Division is also growing faster than any comparable unit. In addition to its two Infantry Brigade Combat Teams, the 11th Airborne Division is now strengthened by a sustainment brigade that will aid its many complex and challenging arctic missions.

“Today’s uncasing ceremony represents much more than the unfurling of our unit colors,” said Col. George Plys, commander, 11th Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade (Arctic). “It symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter, the commitment to a mission, and the readiness of our Soldiers to answer the call wherever and whenever our nation needs them.”

Plys also noted how his brigade helps give Arctic Angel Soldiers the endurance to accomplish their missions. With the Army’s recent release of foundational doctrine “How the Army Fights,” the service highlighted “endurance” as one of the four interdependent operational elements, along with convergence, strike and close battle.

This link between endurance, sustainment and warfighting was also highlighted at the ceremony by Maj. Gen. John Cogbill, commanding general, 11th Airborne Division.

“Our ability to endure and sustain ourselves in the crucible of large-scale combat operations is impossible without the formations you see in front of you today,” said Cogbill.

The activation ceremony also highlighted the re-activation and re-designation of multiple subordinate battalions to the Division Sustainment Brigade. 106th Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion was re-activated, while the 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion was re-designated as 17th Division Sustainment Support Battalion.

“While these two battalions have distinct missions, both are essential to our Army’s ability to fight and win,” said Plyls. “One sustains the force; the other provides the intelligence and electronic warfare capabilities that help commanders understand the battlefield and make informed decisions.”

Also activated was 11th Airborne Division Sustainment Troops Battalion.