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“This exercise tests our military occupational specialties but those skills have been clearly demonstrated time and time again,” said Brig. Gen. Gregory J. Mosser, commanding general of the 364th Expeditionary Sustainment Command. “Participating in an exercise like this allows us to hone those skills, but more importantly, it gives our Soldiers the opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture.”
Mosser believes participating in Exercise Anaconda 2016 is about creating and leveraging improved relationships with allied and partner nations.
“If my soldiers leave here having only seen the inside of a tent, then they missed out on the experience of learning about Poland’s culture, and this cultural understanding may be key to working together in the future,” Mosser explained.
While Exercise Anakonda 2016 is far from being a tourist event, many Soldiers are actively seeking to learn about the Polish culture, language and military. Interacting with Polish soldiers is often made possible through mobile translator applications, although American soldiers have found it relatively easy to learn a few basic Polish words.
“I’ve had several interactions with Polish soldiers who speak really good English, and I was able to talk to them and learn how they operate,” remarked Pvt. Timothy Williams, a Missouri National Guard soldier assigned to the 175th Military Police Battalion. “The Polish soldiers have been open to my questions, and they even taught me a few basic Polish words, like how to say please, hello and thank you.”
Williams said this is his first experience being outside the United States and Exercise Anakonda 2016 has allowed him to learn about Poland and the Polish military police, allowing him to transition into a joint training role with one of the Polish military police platoons.
“At the end of the day, interoperability is made possible through increased cultural understanding,” Mosser added. “As Exercise Anakonda 2016 continues to execute smoothly, it sends a message to hostile countries, or anyone with a hostile intent, that all of these countries are capable and willing to work together to increase security.”
| Date Taken: | 06.14.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 06.17.2016 05:28 |
| Story ID: | 201514 |
| Location: | PL |
| Web Views: | 51 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Exercise Anakonda 2016 builds camaraderie among 20 nations through cultural integration, by SFC Debra Richardson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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