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Polish and American troops conduct live-fire demonstration in Poland 53101172.
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Defense & Security News - Poland
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Polish and American troops conduct live-fire demonstration in Poland
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The President of Poland formally welcomed American Soldiers during a ceremony at Karlike Range here Jan. 30, 2017. The ceremony, which featured the official uncasing of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team (Iron Brigade), 4th Infantry Division’s unit colors, culminated with a combined arms live-fire exercise between the two nations.
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Polish President Andrzej Duda greets American Soldiers (Photo By Staff Sgt. Corinna Baltos ZAGAN, Poland)
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Polish President Andrzej Duda welcomed the Americans, by calling it a “historical moment”.
The brigade, consisting of nearly 3,500 troops from Fort Carson, Colorado, and close to 2,700 pieces’ heavy equipment, arrived in Poland earlier this month as part of a continuous, “heel to toe” troop rotations to bolster ties with NATO allies. U.S. forces have been training in Poland since 2014. The American forces spent the month training and getting certified in Poland. Next month the brigade will begin to rotate through other NATO countries for training and exercises. “Last month, our unit voluntarily cased our colors to signify that we were leaving family and friends to serve here,” said Col. Christopher Norrie, commander, 3rd Armored Bgde, Combat Team, 4th In. Div. “Those same colors will be unfurled here this morning, signifying not only our service in Atlantic Resolve but also a visible and incredible commitment of our nations’ commitment to our allies and the power of this exceptional team of teams, fully ready to take action, if needed, to preserve our shared interest in security and peace in this vital part of the world.” After the Iron Brigade’s colors were uncased, the American and Polish forces conducted the first, of what will be many training events between the two nations. The exercise consisted of a motorized infantry platoon, made up of both Polish and American forces, in the defense, having to temporarily withdrawal until support from American and Polish tanks could come to their defense and vanquish the enemy. The joint live fire exercise was designed to be a show of force of the capabilities of the alliance. “This exercise will express the will of the alliance on anyone who expresses harm to our shared interest and our way of life,” said Norrie. “The armed forces of our great nations, are embarking on a whole new level of cooperation, collaboration, and preparation to defend every inch of allied territory together,” said Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, commander, U.S. Army Europe. Hodges said that the joint training the two nations would embark on would serve to integrate the two army’s together until they are ready to fight as one. In April, 800 more American troops will arrive in Poland to train alongside the Polish 15th Mechanized Brigade, while British, Canadian and German forces will begin training in the Baltic states. |
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