Multinational live fire exercise demonstrates interoperability

Photo By Sgt. Hubert Delany | Spc. Raymond Badillo (right), San Antonio, Texas native, infantryman with 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, aims a Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle during a multinational training event for exercise Puma 2 with Battle Group Poland at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland on June 14, 2018 as part of Saber Strike 18. This year's exercise, which runs from June 3-15, tests allies and partners from 19 countries on their ability work together to deter aggression in the region and improve each unit's ability to perform their designated mission. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Hubert D. Delany III /22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)  

BEMOWO PISKIE, POLAND

06.15.2018

Story by 2nd Lt. Robert Bannon 

2d Cavalry Regiment

The Battle Group Poland conducted exercise Puma II at the Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, June 4 -15, 2018. Exercise Puma provides the opportunity to validate the Battle Group’s ability to synchronize multinational parts into a cohesive whole. The training consisted of a wet gap crossing, expert infantry badge lanes, offensive and defensive operations and hybrid warfare. It concluded with a live fire exercise that incorporated weapon systems and mobility platforms from across the Battle Group in an explosive display of firepower, June 15.

“The live fire showcased the ability and breadth of what the Battle Group and our higher unit, the 15th Mechanized Brigade, can do on the field of battle,” said Maj. Ryan David, operations officer in charge, 1st Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment. “We have integrated fixed wing, rotary wing, ground forces, armor and mechanized infantry across Croatian, Romanian, British, U.S. and Polish forces to come forward and defeat an enemy.”

The high-visibility event offered international leaders a snapshot of the Battle Group’s progress in achieving interoperability. It was attended by distinguished military figures such as Maj. Gen. Timothy McGuire, deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Europe, Brig. Gen. Krzysztof Krol, Polish deputy commander, Multinational Corps Northeast and Brig. Gen. Jaroslaw Gromadzinski, Polish commanding general, 15th Mechanized Infantry Brigade.

After the event, Krol and McGuire engaged with the Soldiers who contributed to its success, presenting standout performers with challenge coins. McGuire expressed his amazement with the display and emphasized the significance of their mission in “maintaining peace” throughout eastern Europe.

“It’s definitely something that I’ll hold on to for the rest of my life,” said Pfc. Isaiah Alarcon, infantryman, Quickstrike Troop, 4th Squadron, 2CR, one of the challenge coin recipients. “I’m still fairly new to the Army, and I’ve already had the chance to shake hands with generals from around the world. It’s been a great experience.”

With the completion of Puma II, the Battle Group’s leadership has redirected its focus to planning and preparation for the upcoming change of command ceremony and the fielding of the new 30mm Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle – Dragoon. Both events are scheduled for early July.

• Date Taken: 06.15.2018
• Date Posted: 06.15.2018 10:52
• Story ID: 281057
• Location: BEMOWO PISKIE, PL