Colonel Jarosław Mika, a new Commander of the Command Support Brigade (CSB) of Multinational Corps Northeast (MNC NE) talks about his new post as well as challenges and tasks involved.
- As new commander of CSB, what aims do you want to achieve?
The aims will not change, as they have already been set out by my superiors. I would like to continue the work commenced by my predecessors. I would like to stress that they spared no effort to establish this formation. Obviously, I will introduce improvements where possible.
- What are these aims?
Supporting HQ MNC NE in all areas of responsibility of CSB.
- What challenges is the CSB facing in the near future?
Undoubtedly the biggest challenge is to ensure appropriate support to exercise Crystal Eagle 08 (CE 08) in Wildflecken, which, as far as we are concerned, has already begun. Another challenge will be receiving units and their equipment as well as perfecting our skills.
- How will you use your experience to command the formation?
Although I have experience in multinational environments, I will not conceal that this is a truly new challenge to me. I have been involved in the process of integration of the Polish Armed Forces with NATO from the beginning. I have reasons to believe that the effort made in work with multinational formations will pay off in the future. I have served on several positions as commander and staff officer. My latest post has been deputy chief of Development Planning Directorate of the Land Forces, including the CSB.
- And you have been to Iraq...
Yes, I was assistant of division commander during the VIII shift in 2007.
- Have you ever had any contacts with CSB?
No, but many of my subordinates have been involved in the CSB establishment process. Incidentally, the conception of the brigade was devised in the planning directorate, where I was deputy chief.
- What is your assessment of the challenges relating to the placement of the formations under your command?
I think it is rather a new challenge to have brigade headquarters other place than the subordinated battalions, but we must get used to the idea that the formation is growing and there is no space within the barracks to house the entire formation one place. However, the major part of the forces is in Wałcz, which is the seat of signalling troops and this should be facilitation and not a handicap. On the other hand, speaking of the 610th battalion based in Prenzlau, Germany, our relations are perfect and the distance of 200 km between us, once a problem, now in the era of technological development does not pose any difficulties.
- What about the next exercises?
The exercises that we will start planning for the next years will certainly be challenging, but we are well prepared to carry out any tasks given to us. Currently, major part of our sub-units is deployed to CE in Wildflecken, Germany, where the CSB is to support the Corps. Later, in November, exercise Compact Grey will take place.
- In concrete terms, what are the soldiers doing in Wildflecken?
The soldiers provide support related to communications and accommodation, which is carrying out the Brigade’s statutory tasks. Each of the Brigade’s sub-units slightly differs, which makes it difficult to talk about the tasks in detail.
- Are all the battalions taking part in the exercise?
Majority of the battalions are participating in the exercise and those that are not taking part in it ensure proper operation of the home -formations.
