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SZCZECIN, Poland – On 24-25 January,  LTG Jürgen-Joachim von Sandrart, Commander Multinational Corps Northeast (MNC NE), visited the Corps' subordinate units in Poland. The tour aimed at maintaining excellent contacts and working relationships with their commanders and staffs.

LTG von Sandrart's first steps were directed to Headquarters Multinational Division North East (HQ MND-NE) in Elbląg, where he met with the Division Commander, BG Zenon Brzuszko and his team. The meeting served to discuss the command's planning processes as well as their training and exercise priorities ensuring the Corps' 24/7 readiness. Additionally, the General took the opportunity to view the Division's Main Command Post set up by the MND-NE Command Support Regiment. LTG von Sandrart found the units' performance impressive and spoke highly of their detailed situational awareness:

Your professionalism and involvement in the execution of your tasks showcase that you are capable and ready to cope with challenges in your area of operation at any time.

LTG von Sandrart (COM MNC NE) and BG Brzuszko (COM MND-NE) and their staffs at the Division HQ in Elbląg, Poland, 24 January 2022 / Photo by CPL Hans-Peter Alzner

LTG von Sandrart (COM MNC NE) the MND-NE Main Command Post in Elbląg, Poland, 24 January 2022 / Photo by CPL Hans-Peter Alzner

Placed under MNC NE, Headquarters Multinational Division North East coordinates activities of the Lithuanian Iron Wolf and Polish 15th Mechanized Brigades as well as their subordinate enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battlegroups so they can act together in a variety of settings including combat. Kept on a high level of readiness, the Corps' divisional command is prepared to carry out collective defence operations in accordance with Article 5 of the Washington Treaty.

LTG von Sandrart (COM MNCNE) and LTC Broyles (COM NATO eFP Battlegroup Poland) in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, 25 January 2022 / Photo by SGT Bartek Grądkowski

On the second day of his field visit, LTG von Sandrart toured the Polish Army's 15th Mechanized Brigade and NATO eFP Battlegroup Poland. As emphasized by the MNC NE Commander, their seamless integration enhances Multinational Corps Northeast's readiness for no-notice contingencies and demonstrates the Alliance's interoperability. "You are highly capable, flexible and ready to respond to a range of threats," stated the General.

While in Giżycko and Bemowo Piskie, LTG von Sandrart met with the Brigade Commander, COL Piotr Fajkowski and the eFP Battlegroup Commander, LTC Craig Broyles of the U.S. 3-161 Infantry Dark Rifles Battalion, 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Washington Army National Guard. They discussed the formations' structure, capabilities as well as their training and exercise system.

The General summarized his tour by saying: "Inspiring mission conduct and tremendous spirit! Five years of NATO's eFP have proven that our men and women from over 20 Allies, deployed to serve and train together in the Baltic region, represent a strong expression of NATO's unity, solidarity and commitment."

LTG von Sandrart (COM MNCNE) and COL Fajkowski (COM 15 POL BDE) in Giżycko, Poland, 25 January 2022 / Photo by SGT Bartek Grądkowski 

LTG von Sandrart (COM MNCNE) at the 15th Mechanised Brigade Headquarters in Giżycko, Poland, 25 January 2022 / Photo by CPL Hans-Peter Alzner