BEMOWO PISKIE, Poland - Speed, freedom of movement, defense capabilities and offensive operations are important functions of a multinational unit like that of the Battle Group Poland.
The Polish-based battle group consists of the framework nation provided by the United States' 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, with the Balaklava Troop of British Light Dragoons as additional reconnaissance, and two batteries of air defense artillery, a capability not organic to the squadron, provided by Romania and Croatia.
This third iteration of Bull Run added to the previous one to help build on the procedures and cohesion of a multinational unit.
In order to execute Bull Run III there has to be communication as a battle group within the battle group. Importantly, the common operating picture and testing of systems are true measures of success for this two-day exercise.
"The Battle Group conducted extensive staff preparation using the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) prior to execution of BULL RUN III," said Battle Group Poland Operations Officer, U.S. Army Maj. Ryan Duffy. "We rehearsed communication procedures during previous smaller-scale exercises to ensure our units were able to maintain both digital and analog Common Operating Pictures (COPs) for mutual understanding."
The U.S.-led battle squadron deployed to North East Poland since October with the mission to defend NATO's eastern boarder along with three other battle groups positioned in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
Bull Run III began with an alert to the troops and involved the entire battle group leaving the base and assembling outside of the traditional training area provided by the host nation, Poland.
"By training together frequently, we are able to find efficiencies and leverage the unique capabilities each nation brings to ensure we maximize our combat power," said Duffy. "This exercise prepares us and refines our ability to perform our deterrence mission together and ensures our ability to "Fight Tonight."
Once subordinate units of the Battle Group Poland depart the training area and establish secure battle positions, the Polish 15th Mechanized Brigade, acts as the higher command for the exercise and issues orders and key tasks for the exercise. Upon reception of these orders and key tasks, commanders and subordinate leaders initiate plans to accomplish the mission.
The Romanian Army Ground Base Air Defense Detachment focused on three lines of effort during the exercise. Those three were combat readiness, interoperability and communication, all of which were effective during Bull Run 3.
The Civil Affairs team assigned to the Battle Group Poland worked closely with local authorities, land and space owners within municipalities of the cities and towns used in the exercise.
"Local officials and private land owners alike were incredibly supportive of the exercise and proactive throughout the planning process," said U.S. Army Capt. Kevin Nigh, Battle Group Poland, Civil Affairs Team Leader. "Local officials allow access to the private community, opening up training opportunities which would otherwise not exist. Without the support of the local community as a whole, exercises such as BULL RUN would not be possible."
Battle Group Poland helps in supporting Atlantic Resolve and in demonstrating the U.S. commitment to the security of NATO and NATO allies. This unique, multinational battle group comprised of U.S., U.K., Croatian and Romanian Soldiers serve with the Polish 15th Mechanized Brigade as a deterrence force in northeast Poland in support of NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence.
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