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In August 2008, the U.S. and the Republic of Poland signed a declaration of strategic cooperation to strengthen missile defense and strategic partnership. The two nations concurred that a bilateral relationship will be beneficial; thus, they agreed with the expansion of a joint air and missile defense cooperation.
A rotational deployment was established exclusively for training and exercise. Many Soldiers have gained knowledge through this rotational deployment that takes place in Torun, Ustka and Morag, Poland. The planning conference was held in Warsaw and so far, nine rotations are complete.
U.S. Army Europe is the lead component and rotates one patriot battery to Poland for no less than 30 days every quarter.
The success of these rotations has been attributed to the commitment of U.S. Army Patriot Air and Missile Defense Command Soldiers stationed in Kaiserslautern.
In addition, this success has played an essential role in enhancing U.S.-Polish cooperation and strengthening the strategic partnership of both nations.
“It is important for our Soldiers to work with Soldiers from other countries, especially NATO partners,” said Capt. Michael Unbehauen, the action officer for P2P. “I was amazed to see how well the Polish military tried everything to accommodate us and how well we were received in Poland.”
With these rotations, the Soldiers from the 10th Air and Missile Defense Command and the Polish air force have demonstrated a strong commitment and the willingness to share their experiences.
During the rotation, Soldiers from both nations expand their relationship through training such as partnership ranges, soccer games and social events. The partnership range gives both the opportunity to familiarize themselves with U.S weapons (M16A2, M249 and M9) and Polish weapons (UZI, PKR, and AK 47).
“I have grown as a Soldier by experiencing cooperative training with the Polish military,” said Pvt. 1st Class Francisco Flores, a tactical control assistant with Alpha Battery 5-7 Air Defense Artillery.
When asked what was surprising about the assignment, Flores said, “The eagerness of the Polish to learn our Patriot equipment.”
The 10th AAMDC is training select Polish air force personnel on Patriot equipment and familiarizing them with U.S. training and operation methods to improve operational familiarity to further U.S.-Polish air and missile defense cooperation.
