Oct 20 2023

Video: U.S. Army commanders reflect on serving with NATO's enhanced Forward Presence in Poland

SZCZECIN, Poland – On September 21, NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battlegroup Poland held a transfer of authority ceremony from the U.S. Army 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division to the U.S. Army 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment “Panther Battalion”, 3rd Infantry Division. The ceremony took place on the grounds of the Bemowo Piskie Training Area, northeastern Poland.

Lieutenant Colonels Timothy Decker, the Battlegroup's commander, and James Ray, the Battlegroup's former commander share their thoughts on serving in Poland alongside Allies from Croatia, Poland, Romania and the United Kingdom.

This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Very few people get to command this unique organisation. My hope for our soldiers is that they appreciate the opportunity to interact with multinational formations, learn about new cultures, armies and equipment.

LTC Timothy Decker

I am thankful and humbled by their [soldiers'] effort on a day to day basis. What they did, here in Poland, is amazing. We not only improved our lethality but improved our readiness through interoperability.

LTC James Ray