Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/713424
Due to its international character, Anakonda-16 had also a character of international management – apart from the Component Operational Headquarters of Armed Forces, decisions were made by USAREUR (U.S.Ar- my Europe), the Component General Headquarters of Polish Armed Forc- es, the Multi-National Army Corps North-East, and the combined NATO HQ in İzmir. Preparations for performance of that undertaking started much earlier, because a large part of equipment was about to be transported to Poland. For that purpose, among others, the trade potential of the shipyard in Szczecin which was used for the arrival of transporting units. From the very start, Anakonda-16 surprised with the openness for media and with the scenarios – it is the first time that training lasting for sev- eral days have been conducted in such a way within the country. Journal- ists could stay within the training area for almost the whole time, only shifting between proving grounds and episodes. On the first day, an air- borne assault was performed to take over the bridge in Torun. It included paratroopers from Poland, United Kingdom and the United States. Out of 2000 soldiers, some came to the region of the assault directly from the United States. At the same time, in Chemłno (a town north of Toruń), an international engineering battalion constructed a crossing over the Vis- tula, thanks to which a mechanized column consisting mainly of Stryker wheeled IFV's took of towards the bridge in Toruń. At the same time, the proving grounds served as training area for anti-air units, while in Wędrzyn - for airmobile units. Heavy units facilitated with tracked vehi- cles and air support were distributed at the largest training grounds in Europe, in Drawsko Pomorskie. The closing ceremony took place on 17th June 2016. Experience gained from the finished training will help in achieving better preparation of troops to operate during real crisis. One of the first conclusions that were announced by General Różański was concerning the frequent usage of civil space for training, which would make it more realistic for the sol- diers. Americans, who deployed the largest contingent of all allies, also pointed out shortcomings that must be removed in next events of that type or in real combat operations – it refers to i.a. integration of commu- nication or issues with logistics. PHOTO: cOmcam.Pl PHOTO: cOmcam.Pl www.fragoutmag.com