WIESBADEN, Germany -- U.S. Army Europe is preparing to contribute to and strengthen the NATO Alliance's deterrence and defense posture by deploying a multinational, battalion-sized battle group to Poland in April.
The United States' framework unit to NATO's enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) initiative in Poland is the 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment (2/2CR). The United Kingdom and Romania have confirmed their contributions to the U.S./Poland eFP Battle Group and several other countries are finalizing agreements to provide personnel and equipment.
The battle group will consist of about 1,000 Soldiers from 2/2CR and 350 personnel from contributing nations. As 2/2CR is a Stryker unit, they will deploy a variety of Stryker vehicles including the Infantry Carrier, Mortar Carrier and Medical Evacuation vehicles; additionally, they will bring howitzers. The U.K. is planning to provide a reconnaissance company. Romania will provide an air defense artillery battery and a Military Police company. Other contributing nations are working to provide combat, support and logistics equipment and personnel.
Having multinational Allies working within an eFP is a visible demonstration of the Alliance's commitment to Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, which enshrines the principle that an attack against one Ally is an attack against all.
The battle group plans to conduct a Rehearsal of Concept (ROC) drill at their headquarters in Vilseck, Germany in February. In late March, the battle group will convoy to their final destination in Orzysz, Poland, via routes through Germany, Czech Republic, and Poland. Once in Orzysz, they will integrate with the Polish 15th Mechanized Brigade, 16th Infantry Division and mark their readiness by April 1.
The United States' contribution to NATO's eFP is a part of the overall deterrence and defense posture and are designed to demonstrate that even a limited attack on, or incursion into, NATO territory will be met by Allied military forces.
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PRESS NOTE: Journalists wishing to cover the U.S./Poland eFP Battle Group events should contact CPT Judith Marlowe (judith.a.marlowe.mil@mail.mil) or Sgt. Kyle Burns (kyle.a.burns.mil@mail.mil) via email. The ROC drill on Feb. 24 is scheduled to include a multinational press engagement. Reporters interested in covering the event should contact the regiment's public affairs officer no later than 5pm CET on Feb. 21.
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