Cottonbalers, Polish combine STX training at Anakonda 16

By Spc. Ryan TatumJune 9, 2016

Cottonbalers, Polish combine STX training at Anakonda 16
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Cottonbalers, Polish combine STX training at Anakonda 16
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Cottonbalers, Polish combine STX training at Anakonda 16
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Cottonbalers, Polish combine STX training at Anakonda 16
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Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment joined their Polish Allies for Situational Training Exercise lanes as part of Exercise Anakonda 16 at Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland June 8.

Anakonda 16 is a Polish-led exercise taking place in Poland from June 7-17. It involves over 25,000 participants from more than 20 nations and is a premier training event for U.S. Army Europe, supporting assurance and deterrence measures by demonstrating Allied defense capabilities to deploy, mass and sustain combat power.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Christopher Retch, a platoon leader for Company D, 2nd Bn., 7th Inf. Rgmt., said the lane had two Polish tank platoons set in a defense against a U.S. tank company conducting an attack.

"We worked on engaging the enemy with both direct fire systems and using indirect fires," said Retch. "It was good training for the platoon leadership to integrate our indirect fire plan."

Retch said they had to change their attack plans in the middle of the lane because the Poles use similar tactics to the U.S.

"The training today was very eye-opening, because even though our tactics, techniques and procedures are similar [to the Poles], we were adjusting to how they attacked us and learned from it," said Retch. "That is what this training is all about."

After the lane was complete, both units conducted an after action review to learn what they can work to improve on during future lanes.

Pvt. Jacob Dillingham, a tank driver with Co. D, 2nd Bn., 7th Inf. Rgmt., said it was great working with the Poles and was looking forward to working with them throughout the remainder of Anakonda.

"It was pretty awesome working with the Polish," said Dillingham. "This is my second time working with them and I can' wait to do it again."

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