ZLOCIENIEC, Poland – In a historic display of commitment of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance, 16 soldiers from the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2ABC), 1st Armored Division, and nearly 200 soldiers of the Polish 2nd Mechanized Brigade 12th Szczecin Mechanized Division came together in a joint enlistment ceremony marking a significant milestone in military solidarity.
U.S. Army Specialist Rudolph Figueroa, a signal operation support specialist assigned to the 40th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, who reenlisted in the ceremony, emphasized the historical significance of the occasion. He stated, "This ceremony demonstrates the close bond between the U.S. and Polish military. It's not just about the words we exchange; it's about the actions we take together. Today, we are writing a new chapter in our commitment to NATO by raising our hands together in a symbolic gesture of unity."
The ceremony, which took place in the northwestern region of Poland, represented the first-ever joint enlistment occasion between the U.S. and Polish Armed Forces. The ceremony showcased the unwavering dedication of both nations to bolster the alliance within the NATO framework.
U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Andrew P. Betson, the 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment commander who gave the oath of enlistment to the 2ABCT soldiers on the field with Polish recruits, echoed Figueroa's sentiments. “This ceremony shows the great bond between our two great nations and the NATO alliance" said Betson. "Our unified commitment stands in opposition to the threats that undermine our core values of peace and security in Europe."
The event created an unprecedented display of shared values from both nations, demonstrating the rich tapestry of the partnership. Adorned in their distinctive uniforms, Polish soldiers stood proudly alongside 2ABCT soldiers with shared ambitions toward sustaining peace and security in the region.
"Today's ceremony is unique because of the presence of American soldiers. Your presence here shows we are stronger together and emphasizes we can build peace in our region," said Brig. Gen. Dariusz Mchula, commander of the Polish 2nd Mechanized Brigade, 12th Mechanized Division.
The ceremony was a testament to the deep-rooted partnership between the U.S. and Poland within the NATO framework. In recent years, both nations have intensified their military cooperation, participating in joint training exercises, sharing intelligence, and ensuring regional stability persists in Eastern Europe.
The 2ABCT brigade commander, U.S. Army Colonel Dwight D. Domengeaux, referring to the reenlistment ceremony, "It's inspiring to see so many smart, energetic, young people, showing such mutual respect and admiration for one another, and profound commitment to their nations."
This collaborative approach reflects the broader NATO commitment to collective defense and assurance, highlighting that NATO members stand united and that an attack against one alliance member is an attack against all. By enhancing interoperability between our armed forces, the U.S. and Poland contribute significantly to NATO’s overall deterrence and defense capabilities in the Baltic region.
"This partnership extends beyond the ceremony," said Domengeaux. "This ceremony is symbolic, but our alliance is ironclad, and enduring."
As the ceremony concluded, with soldiers of both nations proudly taking their oaths together, the message was clear: the U.S. and Poland alliance is more vital than ever, with both countries unified in their NATO commitment, dedicated to safeguarding stability and security throughout Europe.
In the coming months, the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, forward deployed supporting Operation European Assure, Deter, and Reinforce in support of the 3rd Infantry Division, and their Polish Armed Forces partners will continue to work together on various training exercises and joint missions vigorously. This ongoing collaboration reflects both nations' enduring commitment to ensuring security and stability in the Eastern Flank.
As Spc. Figueroa aptly stated, "Our actions today speak volumes about our dedication to the alliance and our readiness to stand together against any threat." With our shared values and determination, the U.S. and Poland reaffirmed their commitment to peace and security for their own interests and the entire NATO community.
Every day, the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team soldiers stand ready to train, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States in close combat alongside our NATO Allies and partners. The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, headquarters is forward deployed to Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland.
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