Saha Expo International Defense Exhibition Turkey Istanbul

Joint airborne military training exercise for Polish and U.S. paratroopers 12007151

Armies in the world - United States / Poland

Joint airborne military training exercise for Polish and U.S. paratroopers.

U.S. Army paratroopers with 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, along with Polish soldiers from the 6th Airborne Brigade, conducted an airborne training exercise July 18 at the Nowa Deba Training Area in Poland.

U.S. Army paratroopers from Company D, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade and Polish soldiers from the 6th Airborne Brigade conduct an airborne training exercise July 18, 2015 at the Nowa Deba Training Area in Poland.

Operating as the only U.S. airborne unit in Europe, the 173rd Airborne Brigade has the unique opportunity to work with many multinational partners.

“This was the third or fourth time we've jumped in the last 12 months, just these two units, and each time we get better,” said U.S. Army Capt. Matt McCarthy, commander of Co. D. “It brings us closer and closer together, and increases our strengths.”

Using UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters provided by 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment (Assault Helicopter Battalion), Task Force Brawler, the combined 60 U.S. and Polish paratroopers performed a static-line jump from 1,500 feet, parachuting from the aircraft.

Although the 173rd Airborne Brigade has participated in many multinational jumps, for some of the Polish, this was their first time jumping with the Americans.

“This was the first time I've jumped using (American) equipment and parachutes,” said Polish Army Capt. Thomas Stefan. “Cooperating with (the Americans) gives us the opportunity to share new equipment, learn about different kinds of jumps and cooperate together.”

The jump took place as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, an ongoing multinational partnership focused on joint training and security cooperation between NATO allies. Led by the 4th Infantry Division Mission Command Element and in conjunction with European partner nations, Atlantic Resolve is intended to improve joint operational capability in a range of missions and ensure the continued peace and stability of Europe.