Polish NATO commander promotes American lieutenant, alliance

BYDGOSZCZ, Poland — A Kaiserslautern-based first lieutenant serving with the 16th Sustainment Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, was promoted to captain by a NATO Polish army colonel in a unique multinational promotion ceremony held outside of the NATO Force Integration Unit headquarters building May 6 in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

Polish army Col. Artur Bogowicz, NFIU Poland commander, promoted 1st Lt. Briana Bailey, executive officer, 5th Quartermaster Theater Aerial Delivery Company, 39th Transportation Battalion, during a ceremony that illustrated the personal dimensions of the alliance.

“I am honored to share this step with my new NFIU Poland friends from whom I’ve received support and professional development by working in this international environment,” Bailey said. “It’s inspiring to see so many countries working together towards the same goal.”

Bailey and Maj. Samuel Eskew, 16th Special Troops Battalion executive officer who administered her oath of office, have been embedded with NFIU Poland since January.

“As a lieutenant, I never imagined that I would be able to see firsthand the strategic impacts that individuals make in strengthening the alliance and building a ‘Strong Europe,’” Bailey said. “This experience has given me the resources to be a better leader and operate in a multinational environment.”

NATO established six NFIUs following the 2014 Wales Summit, a meeting of the NATO heads of state.

Each of these NFIUs has about 40 personnel, including a major and a lieutenant from the 16th Sustainment Brigade.

“As a lieutenant in 1996, I was able to attend a U.S. Army lieutenant’s promotion in the states,” Bogowicz said. “I am happy that now it has come full circle and I had the opportunity to promote this U.S. Army lieutenant here in Poland.”

As a junior leader, Bailey conducted joint assessments with NFIU logistics planners of Poland’s major reception and staging infrastructure.