NOWA DEBA, Poland - A senior NATO officer visited U.S. troops in Poland July 27 to observe their training and discuss their increasing role within the alliance.
British army Col. Gordon Falconer, NATO's Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, Allied Land Command, spent the day meeting with U.S. Soldiers of P Troop, 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment at the Nowa Deba Training Area in southern Poland.
Falconer stopped in to observe the training taking place between the U.S. and Polish armies, and to speak with the Soldiers about their role in NATO's mission to reassure European partners and strengthen the alliance.
After speaking to soldiers at a small arms weapons range, Falconer met with the leaders of P Troop, or "Team Palehorse," for a more formal breakdown of their role.
Falconer described for them how joint training exercises between NATO allies, such as those between the Polish and U.S. militaries, help assure the people of Europe of their continuing support.
"I've followed the U.S. activities in Poland for some time, but only now does NATO have more of a direct interest," said Falconer.
Falconer said he was impressed by the Soldiers' professionalism as well as their grasp of their significant role within the alliance.
"I was most impressed by the Soldiers understanding of why they are here, and that is of assurance, deterrence without being provocative, so I was hugely impressed by that."
Falconer said he was here to show where the individual Soldier and units fit into the broader NATO context.
"We had an opportunity to discuss where Team Palehorse sits within the air support being provided, maritime support being provided and how this in effect is one large assurance effort by NATO, and I think that message was accepted pretty well," said Falconer.
The leaders also discussed ideas for closer coordination between NATO's command structure and these units on the ground, to ensure the military Alliance can operate effectively as one unified force.
Capt. Kaleb Blankenship, commander of P Troop, said the visit went a long way in explaining the NATO alliance and the role his unit plays in it.
"His visit was important to help us understand our relationship with NATO, and he provided information on how we can reach out for more support so we can have a bigger impact in strengthening the alliance, said Blankenship. "He also provided clarity on our mission to assure our Allies of NATO's resolve to stand with them."
Sgt. 1st Class Luis Coriano, a platoon sergeant for P Troop, says he's walking away from the visit with a greater understanding of the unit's role in the bigger picture of this mission.
"It really opened my eyes to how the things we're doing here plays into NATO's mission," said Coriano. "It's something that we leaders are going to get together with our Soldiers about and make sure they understand."
Falconer said these U.S. Soldiers are very adaptive to the challenges of working with NATO, as they've been doing so for many years.
"If you look at where we have come from, the U.S. Soldiers' ability to work with other nations is what impressed me most, the fact that all ranks could step into the training, because that's what they've always done," said Falconer. "We've just had 10 years of the U.S. being engaged with the 28 nations of NATO (in missions like Afghanistan), and they do it as if it's second nature."
Blankenship said he was grateful for the visit and believes it will have a lasting impact on his Soldiers.
"It was another opportunity to communicate to the Troopers and Paratroopers of Team Palehorse how important our mission is," said Blankenship. "We appreciate him taking the time to come visit us."
The U.S. Soldiers here are part of Atlantic Resolve, an ongoing multinational partnership focused on joint training and security cooperation between NATO allies. Led by the 4th Infantry Division Mission Command Element and in conjunction with European partner nations, Atlantic Resolve is intended to improve joint operational capacity in a range of missions and ensure continued peace and stability across Europe.
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