Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1532587
The last fully developed land forces division currently in existence is the 12th Szczecin Mechanized Divi- sion, which consists of three brigades: one mechani- zed, one equipped with Rosomaks, and a third, the Co- astal Defense Brigade, which is also mechanized. This division has historically been the lightest among the existing ones, with only a single tank battalion. In the past, it was one of three divisions permanently subor- dinated (alongside Danish and German divisions) to the command of the Multinational Corps Northeast. Additionally, it was likely assumed in the past that in the event of conflict with Russia, it would serve as a reserve force and provide coastal defense, to coun- ter potential amphibious landing operations. The threat of a Russian amphibious landing on Polish beaches is, and likely will remain, minimal. Russia's naval capabilities are weaker than in the past, and landing forces larger than a company would be highly challenging. The main issue in the Baltic remains the protection of communication routes and critical infra- structure: tasks primarily assigned to forces other than mechanized troops. This raises questions about the future of the 7th Coastal Defense Brigade; howe- ver, a role can be found for it that preserves its name and tradition while giving it a new form. If restructured and re-equipped, e.g., with four mo- torized battalions using wheeled armored personnel carriers, it could take on the role of a motorized bri- gade while still being capable of ad hoc coastal defen- se and counter-sabotage operations, supporting ter- ritorial defense brigades and internal security forces - like the policemen. Similarly, the 12th Mechanized Brigade could be retained as a wheeled motorized bri- gade, with a similar set of responsibilities. The role of one of these brigades, the 2nd Mechanized Brigade, has already been clearly defined as a dedica- ted training unit, with elements assigned to play the role of opposing forces at the Drawsko training gro- und. Naturally, in the event of mobilization, it would be transformed into a regular mechanized brigade, likely operating tracked vehicles. Finally, since the declared divisional organization model includes four brigades, an additional mechanized brigade, equipped with IFVs and tanks, could be formed within the 12th Division. These two brigades would have an identical structu- re to other mechanized brigades, featuring two tank battalions and two infantry battalions each. As a result, the fourth existing division, again with the same support and logistics assets, would be a highly maneuverable tactical formation, complementing the other heavy armored and mechanized divisions. In the maximum variant, assuming the formation of a fourth brigade, this would require 232 tanks, 232 IFVs, and 464 wheeled armored personnel carriers, not to men- tion other equipment and, most importantly, personnel. www.fragoutmag.com