eFP reconnects Soldier with his Romanian roots

Photo By 2nd Lt. Robert Bannon | Sgt. Bogdan Baitan, squad leader, Scout Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment, poses with a group of Soldiers of the Blue Scorpion Battery, Romanian army, at a combat capabilities display at the Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland. Baitan’s background in the Romanian military enables him to comfortably intermingle with multinational allies and form lasting friendships.  

BEMOWO PISKIE, POLAND

05.08.2018

Story by 2nd Lt. Robert Bannon 

2d Cavalry Regiment

For six months, the American, Croatian, Romanian, Polish and British Soldiers that comprise the Battle Group Poland will live and train alongside one another. The process to integrate five different nations and achieve seamless cohesion will present its fair share of challenges.

Fortunately, 1st Squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment’s diverse makeup projects a culture of inclusivity to its multinational allies. Soldiers from a wide array of backgrounds stand throughout the squadron’s formation, contributing their respective skills and expertise. Sgt. Bogdan Baitan, squad leader, Scout Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1/2CR, is one such Soldier – arriving to 2CR through an unorthodox route.

Born in northern Romania in the city of Satu Mare, Baitan enlisted in the Romanian military in 2001 due to their compulsory service laws. After completing his mandatory year of service, he realized the military lifestyle complimented his temperament and values. He re-enlisted and began working at a military base in Odoreu, Romania as commander of the guard.

When Romania officially joined NATO on March 29, 2004, his base was deemed strategically unnecessary due to the additional border security provided by the alliance. It was subsequently shut down, leaving Baitan unemployed.

Young, energetic and hungry for a challenge, Baitan decided to pursue his childhood dream of joining the French Foreign Legion. A globally prominent organization, the French Foreign Legion accepts foreign recruits who are willing to serve in the French Armed Forces.

After passing the rigorous selection process and basic training, Baitan was assigned to an airborne regiment. He lived at a military base in France under strict conditions. During his six years in the French Foreign Legion, Baitan deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 and 2010 respectively, where he worked alongside NATO allies.

In September 2010, his contract expired and he returned to Romania. Baitan lived there for two years and then relocated to Arizona where some friends from the French Foreign Legion resided. Lacking a college degree, he needed a stable job and thus returned to the line of work that he knew so well. Baitan reached out to a U.S. Army recruiter, and for a third time, enlisted in the military – this time as an infantryman for the U.S. Army.

“Having a military background helped me a lot in getting through the challenges,” said Baitan. “When I joined the Army, my English was not the best so it helped me to understand what was going on. Everything that I was doing, I had done before, but ten times harder.”

Baitan’s multilingualism and diverse military experience has served as a valuable asset at the multinational Battle Group Poland. His skillset allows him to comfortably intermingle with the allied forces, fostering stronger bonds.

At first, Baitan’s presence baffled the Soldiers of the Romanian Blue Scorpions Battery -- the Romanian army contingent currently supporting the NATO enhanced Forward Presence initiative at the Battle Group Poland. They stared in bewilderment when he initially approached them and began speaking in fluent Romanian. Baitan has since become a familiar, friendly face to the Soldiers as they frequently eat together and exchange stories and jokes.

“Baitan’s unique path to joining the U.S. Army gives him a singular viewpoint,” said 2nd Lt. Jon Pulwalski, platoon leader, Scout PLT, 1/2CR. “He can always be relied upon for a fresh perspective on both tactical and personal problem sets.”

Baitan is currently accompanying the 1/2CR Scouts at an international Scouts competition in Werzyn, Poland, where he will continue to support the squadron’s goal of strengthening interoperability while supporting NATO’s eFP initiative at the Battle Group Poland.

• Date Taken: 05.08.2018
• Date Posted: 05.09.2018 05:54
• Story ID: 276117
• Location: BEMOWO PISKIE, PL