WEGORZYNO, Poland - U.S. Army and Polish Army forces are developing improved relations that enhance the allied mission by conquering the uncertainty of local citizens.
Capt. Niels Madsen and Staff Sgt. Arthur Kleeb, of the 457th Civil Affairs Battalion based in Grafenwoehr, Germany, are partnering with members of the Civil-Military Cooperation support team of the Polish Army to conduct civil affairs operations in Poland during Exercise Anakonda 2016 on June 6.
Large-scale exercises such as Exercise Anakonda 2016 send a clear message that the United States is capable of enabling and executing a full range of military missions in concert with our European Allies and partners to secure U.S. national interests and to support a Europe that is whole, free, prosperous, and at peace.
In meeting in the town of Wegorzyno, which is a few miles away from Drawsko Pomorskie, The team meets with the Mayor, Monika Kuźmińska. Both teams sit with the Mayor and her council members discussing the impact Exercise Anakonda 2016 is having on the local citizens in the area.
“The towns that are surrounding the training area are affected both positively and negatively from the training that is happening here in the Drawsko Promorskie Training Area,” said Madsen.
The meeting between the CA team and the civillans of Wegrozyno serves as a way for locals to directly voice their concerns with an experienced team of servicemen, who can negotiate on their country’s behalf.
The meeting spoken in Polish and translated to English by the CIMIC Support team makes the communication understandable for Madsen and Kleeb.
Keeping a positive relationship with the local communitiy keeps forces safer and helps to complete the mission more effectively.
“When we touch base with the local community, they can point out stuff to us that we don’t see, like convoy movements,” said Madsen.
Visits by the CA team brings out information that can help local towns which can lead to safer route for a convoy.
In a later meeting the CA team learns that there are residents who feel safer with the Polish Army and with other multinational forces nearby.
“It rises a sense of security and a sense of comfort,” said Madsen.
The CA team finds that many of the people with the feeling of protection are older residents. Many still remembers the life under “the iron curtain” and years of the cold war in previous decades.
“Somehow through our presence they feel safer,” said Madsen.