British and US Army units exchange experience with tracked armored vehicles in Poland.

British troops traveled from Bemowo Piskie Training Area (BPTA), Poland, to Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area (DPTA), Poland, to meet with soldiers from the 2nd Battalion "Dreadnaughts," 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division to learn more about American-tracked vehicles and discuss similarities and differences between how the two armies operate.
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M1A2 Abrams firing at Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, July 21, 2020 (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The British soldiers are part of The Royal Dragoon Guards, Black Horse Troop and had previously met the Dreadnaughts in October 2021 during the Victory Eagle exercise. Victory Eagle is a live-fire training exercise between Polish Land Forces and other allied nations with the common goal of enhancing tactical and operational interoperability. Since October, the British soldiers have continued the conversation with the Dreadnaughts and have been interested in returning to DPTA to learn more about allied tanks, according to Cpl. Stuart Higham, “after the exercise we kept in touch…and set up the training. It’s been great.”

According to the U.S. Army Europe and Africa, comprehensive interoperability is essential, and it is not just about technology. It is a priority for operational concepts, modular force elements, communications, information sharing, and equipment. Junior enlisted soldiers from both U.S. and British armies discovered quite a bit in common about their roles in and around tracked vehicles.

Trooper Shaun Brook, a tanker with the British Army, described the difference in how they change a trackpad: “Our tracks are probably a bit lighter than yours, it’s easier to get a track link off.” However, they also discussed differences. One key difference was the designated spot in the British tanks to make tea. "The truck commander has to be on point with the cups of tea," laughed Brook.

From left, Trooper Shaun Brooks, and Trooper Toni Smith, both from the British army, ask questions about the Bradley Fighting Vehicles and M1A2 Abrams tanks to Sgt. 1st Class Carl Cazee of Headquarters and Headquarters Company 2nd Battalion "Dreadnaughts," 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, Feb. 08, 2022. (Picture source: U.S. Army/Spc. Hedil Hernández)

Sgt. 1st Class Carl Cazee and 1st Lt. Tasha Abts, both assigned to 2nd Battalion, 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division prepared a classroom portion where specifications of the M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles and M1A2 Abrams tanks were discussed before the group went out to get hands-on experience with the equipment. “They wanted to come down and check out the capabilities of our fighting vehicles,” said Abts, “they were getting in the Bradley and spinning the turret, having a great time.” After the training, the troops stood in the rain talking, soaking up the opportunity to spend time with their allies learning about a different perspective.

"Developing our collective ability to compete below the level of armed conflict requires concerted, ongoing outreach and learning with other U.S. agencies, Allies, and partners to determine where and how the U.S. European Command can support," said General Tod D. Wolters, commander of the U.S. European Command NATO's 19th Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

M2A3 Bradley in Cincu, Romania, Sept. 23, 2021 (Picture source : U.S. DoD)