In 2021, I had the privilege of serving as a Platoon Leader for a reconnaissance platoon with Alpha Troop, 1-82 CAV, stationed out of Albany, OR. Our journey began when we were attached to the 3-161 Infantry Battalion from the Washington Army National Guard, forming Task Force Dark Rifles. Our destination: Bemowo Piskie Training Area (BPTA) in Poland, a key NATO base in the Enhanced Forward Presence Mission. NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) involves multinational forces stationed in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. These forces aim to deter threats and ensure our allies' security in Eastern Europe.
Before heading to Poland, Task Force Dark Rifles underwent rigorous training at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California. This 30-day exercise was essential in testing our readiness and preparing us for the challenges we would face during deployment. After completing our time at NTC, we moved to Fort Bliss, Texas, to prepare for our overseas journey.
Our deployment began in May 2021 when we flew to Germany, from where we embarked on a 14-hour bus ride across the country until we finally arrived at BPTA. Bemowo Piskie is a small village in Eastern Poland, nestled less than 100 miles from Kaliningrad and bordered by Belarus. Upon arrival, we quickly settled into our new routine.
While at BPTA, we seized multiple opportunities for training. One of the standout events was the Spur Ride. A spur ride is a long-held tradition in U.S. Army Cavalry units. This challenging series of tests is designed to measure a soldier's physical, mental, and emotional endurance. Successfully completing the Spur Ride earned soldiers silver spurs and a place in the Order of the Spur, a notable honor dating back to 1861. 48 hours, a 60lb ruck, and over 40 miles rucked later, the remaining spur candidates earned their silver spurs.
In August, I led a small group of Romanian, Croatian, and American soldiers to represent BPTA during the Polish Armed Forces Day celebrations in downtown Warsaw. Soldiers from every base in Poland representing several countries participated in the event, which commemorated the 1920 victory over Soviet Russia at the Battle of Warsaw and drew over 20,000 visitors to the city center. It was an exciting experience to interact with the local population and engage in Poland's rich military traditions.
During our rotation, Alpha Troop also represented the United States in Operation Iron Wolf, a two-week joint exercise led by the Lithuanian Iron Wolf Brigade. This operation took place at the main training area of the Lithuanian Armed Forces in Pabrade, approximately 100 miles northeast of Vilnius. Units from various NATO allies participated, including troops from Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and Italy.
During my deployment to Poland, I was fortunate to seize the opportunity to explore some of the country's most vibrant cities, including Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk. Each city offered a unique and profound glimpse into Poland's rich history and culture. In Warsaw, the blend of modern architecture alongside meticulously restored historical landmarks is a testament to the city's resilience. Krakow was teaming with medieval charm, from the historic Wawel Castle to the lively Main Market Square, juxtaposed to the scars of WW2. Meanwhile, with its beautiful waterfront, Gdansk transported me to the heart of a city that was pivotal in shaping European history. These experiences enriched my time abroad and deepened my appreciation for Poland's rich history.
Reflecting on my deployment to Poland, I'm grateful for the experiences that shaped me. Every moment and individual contributed to my growth as a soldier and leader, from the demanding training exercises and extended time away from home to the profound cultural experiences.
Our time in Poland reaffirmed the significance of our mission in supporting NATO's presence in Eastern Europe and the vital partnerships we've formed with allies. I'm proud to have served alongside my brothers and sisters in arms and look forward to applying what I learned during this unforgettable chapter.