GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - Five key leaders from 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, attended a Polish command post exercise dubbed Bobr (or "Beaver") 17 in Wrezyn, Poland, from May 24-25.
The "Pacesetter" Battalion supported the Polish 17th Mechanized Brigade by integrating U.S. artillery and logistics leaders into their final attack mission.
Bobr 17 is a computer-assisted training event that tests readiness, responsiveness and leadership skills in a variety of scenarios that simulate full-spectrum operations.
"I worked directly with the 17th Brigade commander and chief of artillery to integrate 3-29 FA's capabilities into the attack," said Capt. Michael Aldaya, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery. "We supported three pre-planned targets during the attack mission and processed over 30 targets of opportunity throughout the CPX."
1st Lt. Jasmine Hansen, HHB executive officer, acted as the liaison officer in the 17th Mechanized Brigade's Joint Operations Center to the chief of artillery and Polish joint terminal attack controller (JTAC), facilitating seamless coordination and clearance between the two nations.
Similarly, Capt. Amanda Walton, the commander of 3rd Bn., 29th FA Regt.'s Forward Support Company, said: "I worked directly alongside the Polish 57th Logistics Battalion commander, ensuring all classes of supply were delivered efficiently and with security provided by Polish forces. I was honored to have joined forces with the Polish army during the exercise."
The training ensured U.S. and Polish field artillery leaders understood how their units' capabilities, including the U.S. M109A6 self-propelled Paladin howitzer, can mesh in a fight.
"It was very good for us because we were able to use the Paladin's capabilities to support more missions and range to maximize our fire support," said Lt. Col. Pawel Jedryczka, 17th Mech. Bde. Chief of Artillery.
1st Sgt. John Ernst, senior noncommissioned officer of HHB, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Regt., acted as the senior U.S. gunline and fire direction center advisor to the 17th Mech. Bde. He ensured Polish leaders fully understood the capabilities of the Paladin throughout the planning and execution phases of the operation.
"Bobr 17 was a tremendous success in its ability to further develop a lasting bond between the United States and Polish armies," said Ernst. "This event was another successful display of interoperability between 3rd ABCT and NATO allies in support of our Atlantic Resolve mission."
The 3rd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div., is the current Regionally Allocated Force for Atlantic Resolve, serving as the first of continuous rotations of armored brigades to Europe as a deterrent to aggression in central and eastern Europe.
Radar expert Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Weeks, 3rd Bn.'s senior counter-fire sergeant, planned radar locations and advised the Polish brigade operations officer on the effectiveness of the AN/TPQ-53 and AN/TPQ-50 radars.
Upon completion of the exercise, Brig. Gen. Stanislaw Czosnek, commanding general of the Polish 11th Armored Cavalry Division, presented the Pacesetter participants with certificates and offered his appreciation.
"This exercise demonstrated operational understanding of the battlefield, tactical patience and trust between Soldiers. Thank you for your effort, commitment, and determination in reaching the goals set ahead of this exercise. Your participation was also an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences that will enrich us all," said Czosnek.
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