eFP lessons learned reflected in Saber Strike 18

Photo By 1st Lt. Cody Pennington | 2nd Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment stages its Strykers and military support vehicles in preparation for departure from a rest overnight site in Poland, June 2018. 2/2CR had a unique opportunity to apply lessons learned from their rotation supporting the enhanced Forward Presence initiative to their mission during Saber Strike 18. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Cody Pennington, 2/2CR)  

BEMOWO PISKIE, POLAND

06.19.2018

Story by 1st Lt. Cody Pennington 

2d Cavalry Regiment

For the month of June 2018, 2nd Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment supported the U.S. Army Europe-led multinational exercise, Saber Strike 18. This training exercise not only builds unit readiness, but also bolsters interoperability among NATO allies and partners.

Earlier last year, Cougar Squadron was forward deployed to Bemowo Piskie, Poland in support of NATO’s enhanced forward presence initiative. Their deployment lasted seven months and encompassed several training exercises. Being the first rotation to support the Battle Group Poland provided the opportunity for many lessons learned that could be applied to future operations.

While both Saber Strike 18 and the eFP rotation had many similarities in preparation, movement and execution, there were also many differences. For instance, eFP occurred only in Poland, whereas Saber Strike 18 involved a water crossing, Lithuanian opposition forces and a longer road march. However, there were several similarities between the two as well. As a result, the Cougar Squadron found itself more prepared thanks to previous experience.

One thing in common was the tactical road march conducted by 2/2CR in order to arrive at the objective. Making the drive from Rose Barracks, Germany to Bemowo Piskie, Poland was no easy feat. Hundreds of miles were driven over several days en route to Lithuania, but drivers and crews had accurate expectations based on past experience.

“As a former Stryker driver, I remember just how exhausting the trip was,” said Spc. Emilio Sencion, team leader, 3rd Platoon, Fox Troop, 2/2CR. “This year, as an air guard, I knew what to look out for when guiding the driver of my Stryker. Sleepiness was my biggest challenge last time. For this road march, I have small conversations with my driver to help keep him alert as well as better assess if he’s becoming too tired.”

Aside from the drive, another similarity was working with an eastern European nation such as the Lithuanians. Last year, the Cougar Squadron worked mostly with Polish Soldiers during eFP. However, the Soldiers and leaders of 2/2CR found that the Lithuanians have a similar approach to training. Therefore, understanding a common operating picture made a quality training experience more achievable.

“I definitely felt like I understood the training settings and conditions more this year than I did last year,” said Staff Sgt. Hector Umana, weapons squad leader, 2nd Platoon, Ghost Troop, 2/2CR. “Last year I didn’t know exactly what to expect as far as resources, overall tempo and conditions, but this year I had a better idea of how certain procedures would go. Ultimately, I think things are going smoother for Saber Strike 18 as compared to eFP.”

With the amount of Soldiers who participated in eFP, combined with the new Soldiers who participated in Saber Strike 18, next year’s execution of Saber Guardian should allow for these lessons learned to continue to be applied. With each repetition, the Cougar Squadron builds its continuity and strengthens its ability to overcome the same challenges.

• Date Taken: 06.19.2018
• Date Posted: 06.19.2018 04:13
• Story ID: 281448
• Location: BEMOWO PISKIE, PL