Photo By Sgt. Mark Brejcha | U.S. Army Col. Michael Simmering, commander, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th...... read more read more
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ZAGAN, Poland — U.S. Army Col. Michael Simmering, commander, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, and Polish Brig. Gen. Stanislaw Czosnek, commanding general, 11th Armored Cavalry Division, held a media press conference, Heritage Hall, Zagan, Poland, Sep. 28.
The press conference was in preparation for the relief-in-place ceremony that will occur, passing command and responsibility to the incoming unit, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.
The conference was meant to center around Atlantic Resolve and feature training opportunities the two armed forces received and the relationship established between the the 11th Armored Cavalry Division and the 3rd ABCT during its nine-month rotation.
Atlantic Resolve is a U.S. endeavor to fulfill NATO commitments by rotating U.S. -based units throughout the European theater and training with NATO Allies and partners.
"American forces in Poland have opened a new chapter in cooperation between the countries," Brig. Gen. Czosnek said. "This presence strengthens not only our country, it is also a reinforcement on the entire region of the North Atlantic Alliance. Together, we present a growing Trans-Atlantic bond."
Poland is the focal point for the deployment and elevation of U.S. Troops on the NATO eastern flank, he said.
Comprehensive military and training infrastructure and host nation support has been provided to the U.S. presence while in Poland.
Among the list of achievements by 3rd ABCT, the Iron Brigade, twice led a multinational task force during defensive exercises and participated in 10 large-scale movements, demonstrating an armored brigade's freedom of movement when required.
The unit trained with multiple countries and armed forces during exercises in Bulgaria, Estonia, Germany, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania.
"As an alliance, as a group of nations, to see Soldiers on the ground from different nations, side by side, working together, it is quite honestly, amazing," Simmering remarked. "It adds a level of capability that you just don't get overnight. It has been absolutely phenomenal to watch."
From the units rotation in Poland, the 3rd ABCT is confident its position of intensive training resulted in level of readiness and mobility for future events.
"Above all, the Soldiers of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, of the 4th Infantry Division, we have demonstrated the at the United States Army is committed to standing side by side with our allies," Simmering said. "We've shown through collective participation and multinational exercises and daily training with hosts like the 11th Armored Cavalry Division, that we can respond with great precision and lethality against any threat to ensure the independence of sovereignty and security of NATO members that will remain intact for years to come."
The meeting also recognized the economic impact of U.S. Soldiers in nearby towns, and possible opportunities or influences upon those areas.
It is important to be open and address issues so people understand that there are good intentions, said Pfc. Piotr Zubaszewski, designated armored brigade combat team coordinator, 11th Armored Cavalry Division Headquarters. That cooperation between soldiers is executed on many levels, not only tactically.
"Speaking with partners in open forum and maintaining complete transparency just builds trust, builds friendship," Simmering commented. "It strengthens an alliance that quite honestly is already strong but it could just get better through continued reinforcement going forward."
The 3rd ABCT has been in contact with Col. David Gardner and his 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team since day one, Simmering said. It was an attempt to keep the incoming unit apprised of training, events and seizing every opportunity to share information and prepare the unit for their arrival.
The Iron Brigade participated in 13 multinational exercises, Col. Simmering said. It's clear to 3rd ABCT, that European Allies are incredibly capable and wherever are called to fight, will go.
"As long as we maintain a sense of unity, Europe will collectively remain strong, secure and free."
| Date Taken: | 09.28.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 09.28.2017 13:39 |
| Story ID: | 249902 |
| Location: | PL |
| Web Views: | 127 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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