TRZEBIEN, Poland -- To fully understand the capabilities of their Polish counterparts, the "Dark Knight" soldiers of Company D, 3rd Combined Arms Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division got up-close and personal with the Polish BMP infantry fighting vehicle during joint training operations Aug. 2 in Trzebien, Poland.
The Dark Knights took advantage of the opportunity to break the ice with Polish soldiers of the 10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade, 11th Armoured Division, returning from a summer training holiday by conducting vehicle cross training.
"This is our first day with them since they've returned from leave, so we wanted to get together and see what their capabilities are and what they want to gain from training, and see how we can complement each other in the field," said Staff Sgt. Daniel Hardin, tank commander, D Co., 3rd Bn., 69th Arm. Rgmt.
Each force took turns, presenting their vehicles and displaying their vehicles' capabilities.
"It was good to show our NATO allies what we use hands-on and it was cool to get on their vehicles," said Pfc. Nathaniel Pinson, tank loader, D Co., 3rd Bn., 69th Arm. Rgmt. "We got to learn what they do and have them show us around."
The soldiers of D Co., gathered around the BMP anxious to get a glimpse inside. Surprised initially by the overhead clearance inside the vehicle, they piled in for a closer look.
After examining the BMP, the Dark Knights invited the Poles to check out the features of the M1A2 Abrams tank. Hardin and Cpl. Aaron Brixley, tank gunner with D Co., popped open the hatches and led the Poles through the tank, including a brief demonstration of the turret and gun tube.
The day was highlighted by an impromptu test drive portion of training, allowing the Dark Knights to get in the driver's seat of the foreign BMP and the Poles to take a spin through the training area in a U.S. tank.
"The experience was once in a lifetime," said Pvt. Christian Marroquin, tank driver, D Co., 3-69 AR. "I don't think we'll ever get this chance again. It gives me something to tell my family and friends about when I get home."
Before heading out, the Polish soldiers also conducted a squad attack demonstration.
"They took a section of their BMPs and assaulted from the wood line and then showed us how they dismount and move forward while maintaining security," Hardin said. "It's really good for us because as an armor unit, we don't often get to see that unfold so close."
The vehicle training served as an ice breaker, one that Hardin hopes will leave a lasting impression as both units move deeper into joint training this week.
"I'd like to think, we gave them a positive image of how we are willing to work with them and adapt our training to include them," Hardin said.
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