The formation served as the main forward deployed land element of Canada's armed forces, and was stationed in West Germany from 1957 until it was disbanded in 1993.

Around the same time, a review of Canada's foreign policy was announced by the Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau, part of which involved an investigation into the role of 4 CMBG, which was the Canadian military's main overseas force.

The ultimate result of the investigation was the announcement by the prime minister, as part of an overall cut in defence spending, to reduce the Canadian military commitment in Europe by half.

[1][5][6][7][8] The end of the Cold War brought the final draw-down of Canada's military presence in Europe when the brigade was disbanded in 1993.

The brigade also used the Javelin man portable SAM,[9] The following is a list of major combat units serving in 4 CIBG/4 CMBG: