In compliance with the Covid-19 protective measures, the handover of command of Jägerbataillon 19 took place on 28 January in the form of a military ceremony. Colonel of the General Staff Service Markus Höfler officially took command of Jäger Battalion 19 on January 1 and was entrusted with leading the soldiers in the Montecuccoli barracks for one year.
During the ceremony, he officially took over the insignia and thus the leadership of the battalion. Colonel of the General Staff Service Höfler Markus thanked the military leadership for the trust placed in him and was visibly proud to be able to leave his mark here in southern Burgenland. He also thanked his predecessor, Colonel Thomas Erkinger, for the comprehensive and orderly handover and the excellent “standing” of the battalion. “The reputation of the Güssing soldiers for their commitment and professionalism within the brigade and throughout the Austrian Armed Forces precedes them. This level of training must be further developed in order to be ready for deployment for the population in times of crisis.”
Colonel Thomas Erkinger looked back on the eventful years of his command and also thanked his superiors for their support during his years in command. The construction of the Montecuccoli barracks, the establishment of the Kaderpräsenzeinheit, the takeover of the Jägerbataillon Burgenland in the mobilization responsibility as well as the increase of the battalion’s personnel in southern Burgenland took place during his time as Güssing’s landlord. “I am entrusting you with the command of Jäger Battalion 19”, Brigadier Habersatter Christian, the brigade commander, ordered the new commander, Colonel of the General Staff Höfler. The ceremony was accompanied by the Burgenland Military Band.
