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Griffin Shock 23-1 - an evidence of Allied commitment to the region's security

19.05.2023

- We are tremendously built up by the interoperability, cooperation and credibility when it comes to the Allied forces. This is a proof of our unity, the unity of the North Atlantic Alliance. This is a very strong signal sent to Russia that it does not pay to attack the territory of NATO countries, that the cooperation between Polish, US and NATO forces is very close" said Deputy Prime Minister Mariusz Blaszczak during a meeting with soldiers at the training ground where an international military exercise is underway.

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On May 19, 2023, in Bemowo Piskie, the head of the Ministry of Defense observed the Griffin Shock 23-1 exercise which involved both soldiers of the Multinational Division North-East and the 2nd Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army.

- For the first time in history, the commander of the Multinational Division Northeast, that is, the division located in Elblag, has taken command not only of the Polish and NATO troops from the eFP, but also of a unit of the US military. Our soldiers are able to improve their skills. As we have seen they use equipment with thorough knowledge of the procedures. When I spoke with commanders one basic piece of information kept coming up. The soldiers know exactly how to behave, they know the procedures. The interoperability between NATO forces is simply a fact.

- said Deputy Prime Minister during the meeting.

Griffin Shock 23-1 is the first exercise in the history of the North Atlantic Alliance, when the commander of the Multinational Division North-East takes a US Army unit under his command. The exercise involves more than 3,000 soldiers from 5 NATO countries and several hundred vehicles. 

- We use the equipment that is available. We are using this equipment building interoperability. We have all seen the capabilities of Apache helicopters. I am proud of the fact that during my recent visit to the United States, I agreed with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin that very soon Polish pilots will start training on them. The first Apache from the US Army's inventory will go to the Polish Armed Forces in a gap-filling formula before the signing and execution of a contract to buy 96 Apache helicopters for the Polish military

- noted Deputy Prime Minister.

- You can all see Himars launchers today as well. The first launchers are already in Poland. This is a sign of building close cooperation between Allied forces. Polish Himars will be right here in the northeastern part of our country, namely in the 16th Mechanized Division, to deter the aggressor

- added minister Błaszczak.

The presence of Allied soldiers in Poland, who exercise together with our soldiers, is the best expression of cooperation within NATO and readiness to act together in a threatening situation, as Deputy Prime Minister M. Blaszczak stated. The head of the Ministry of Defense also stressed the importance of joint Allied exercises, which improve interoperability, i.e. the ability to operate with units of our NATO Allies.

- I represent the group controlling the exercise. In every aspect, the exercise managed to understand the objectives that were set. In terms of tactics, as well as of human resources. We demonstrated NATO's ability to conduct joint operations. We showed that we have the capability and the will to fight together. We have shown all this using our equipment

- emphasized Major General David Hodne, commander of the US 4th Infantry Division.

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The Multinational Division Northeast Command coordinates the activities of the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence battle groups deployed in Lithuania and Poland. The command remains also on standby for collective defense operations in accordance with Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. More than 3,000 soldiers and several hundred vehicles from 5 NATO countries Croatia, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States are taking part in the exercise to confirm readiness to defend NATO's eastern flank during an Allied operation. The exercise supports the North Atlantic Alliance's initiatives, which the Allies agreed to during the 2022 NATO Summit in Madrid.

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