KONOTOP, Poland – Snow and fog were no obstacle for soldiers returning to Poland from Vilseck, Germany, as they conducted railhead operations for a second training rotation in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, Jan. 11.
Around this time in 2015 Soldiers assigned to K Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, were in the same place downloading vehicles and equipment from a train for their first go around in Poland.
Sgt. 1st Class Richard Rodriguez, a 3-2 CR infantryman and noncommissioned officer overseeing railhead operations, emphasized safety before soldiers began unloading Stryker Armored Fighting Vehicles and equipment.
“Every time it’s a great relief to get everything off and everyone home safely,” Rodriguez said. “The hard part about having the experience and doing this all the time is complacency setting in. You have to look at is as if it’s the first time you’ve done it.”
Railhead operations are often the first task for soldiers upon arrival in country.
Rodriguez positioned and briefed soldiers, then conducted rehearsals before anything was moved from the train.
Soldiers then began cold start procedures, a process for safely starting vehicles while operating in severe cold weather.
Once the vehicles were running, soldiers removed equipment used to hold them in place during transportation and began moving them off the train with Rodriguez’s direct supervision.
Rodriguez said he is looking forward to upcoming training with Polish soldiers.
“I’ve been to the Baltic countries [for previous missions],” Rodriguez said. “It’s an honor to get a chance to represent my country … and to work with my allies.”
The schedule for the next few months is packed for 3-2 CR soldiers, who will have a chance to train in different areas in Poland and conduct a combined arms live fire exercise.
“It’s going to be another great opportunity to always be learning something [and teaching] something,” Rodriguez continued. “Any chance we get to work with our allies is a great opportunity, especially for the young soldiers coming up.”