ZAGAN, Poland -- Train cargo transporting six Paladin Self-propelled Howitzers, six Field Artillery Ammunition Support vehicles and a variety of wheeled and tracked equipment belonging to 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, arrived here March 29, 2017.
Bravo Battery relocated from Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area to Zagan, Poland to sustain interoperability with the Polish Army, in particular, the local Polish Field Artillery units.
3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg., from Fort Carson, Colo., is deployed to the European theater in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. This U.S. led effort in Eastern Europe demonstrates the U.S. commitment to strengthening the defensive and deterrent capabilities of the NATO Alliance.
"With this 90-day window that my battery has before [Training exercise] Saber Guardian in Romania, we're really looking to maintain that relationship and getting as much training with the Polish Army as possible," said Capt. Joe Roberts, Bravo Battery Commander, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg., 3rd ABCT, 4th ID. "We're also going to focus on our individual soldier readiness, in terms of, artillery proficiency task in drills and crew level training.
"Focusing on each gun section's ability to do their job efficiently. So when we do combined operations, all the little things will work well together to accomplish one mission," said Roberts.
Coordinating the movement of personnel and equipment isn't a one-soldier-task. The Unit Movement Officer for 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg. had to work with local contracting agencies and multiple resources to ensure the equipment transferred locations successfully.
"We were able to move very swiftly and efficiently from DPTA down here to Zagan," Roberts said. "It puts us in positions where we can be on ground and operational within 48-72 hours."
Having the capabilities and the experience to relocate rapidly demonstrates the U.S.'s ability to effectively plan and execute railhead operations.
"Honestly, at this rate, the amount of times that we've gone to the field and The National Training Center (Fort Irwin), we're professionals at railhead operations," said 1st Lt. Kasey Dollen, Bravo Battery Executive Officer, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg., 3rd ABCT, 4th ID. "Usually rail operations aren't fun but we can do this with our eyes closed."
The U.S. Field Artillery unit showcases its ability to deter aggression and assure NATO Allies by demonstrating the speed and efficiency at which it can rotate troops and equipment throughout the European theater.
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