Battle Group Poland Staff Ride to the Hüertgen Forest

Photo By Sgt. Timothy Massey | Battle Group Poland troops pose in front of pyramid shaped fortifications of reinforced concrete called "Dragon's Teeth", which were used by the Germans in World War II to impede the movement of enemy tanks, during the staff ride to the Hüertgen Forest around Aachen, Germany, Sept. 13.  

POLAND

09.19.2019

Story by Sgt. Timothy Massey 

278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee Army National Guard

AACHEN, GERMANY - Members of the 3/278th Armored Cavalry Regiment from the Pennsylvania and Tennessee Army National Guard who are currently deployed supporting NATO enhance Forward Presence Battle Group Poland, hosted a staff ride  at the Hüertgen Forest, Sep.10-14.
A staff ride is typically conducted with the unit’s leadership and is a historical study of a campaign or battle, consisting of extensive visits to important sites, which the events took place.

“Based on the commander’s intent of what he wishes to achieve through the staff ride for the professional development of his subordinates,we will review the military history that occurred on a site and then bring that history back to the commander’s intent,” said Kenneth Fortune, the staff ride facilitator from CSM Solutions who coordinated the event. 

The Hüertgen Forest is a forest along the German-Belgian border where the U.S. forces suffered their worst defeats against the German Army during World War II, which the U.S. had over 33,000 casualties over a 3 month period.

“This is an amazing opportunity not only to get a view of the history, but it gets you thinking about different things when you’re out here walking the actual land instead of learning about it back home,” said Master Sgt. Michael Bordner, 278th ACR.

The staff ride highlighted the historical sites and its key players in significant battles with special emphasis on the battle history of the 30th and 28th Infantry Divisions. These infantry units can be traced to the Tennessee and Pennsylvania Army National Guards. 

 “This staff ride was a tremendous opportunity for the 3rd Squadron leadership to get together and learn more about World War II history- specifically the battle of Hüertgen Forest in Germany,” said Cpt. Paul Tennison, 278th ACR.“I think it’s always beneficial to study military history, see what we learn from the past and apply some of those lessons learned to the future.”

NATO eFP BG POL is a multinational task force comprised of representation from Croatia, Romania, United Kingdom, and the United States to increase interoperability amongst Allies and provide a strong signal of support towards Poland. 

• Date Taken: 09.19.2019
• Date Posted: 09.19.2019 10:18
• Story ID: 342301
• Location: PL