On 11 May 2009, in order to strengthen relations and exchange experiences, a delegation from the Headquarters Multinational Corps Northeast (HQ MNC NE) led by MNC NE Commander Lieutenant General Zdzisław Goral set off for Bydgoszcz to have a two-day visit at the Joint Force Training Centre (JFTC), another NATO-related institution located in Poland.
A rich programme was prepared for thirteen guests from the Headquarters – MNC NE Commander Lieutenant General Zdzisław Goral, MNC NE Chief of Staff Brigadier General Josef Heinrichs and representatives of several Headquarters’ Divisions as well as Air Operations Coordination Centre. A special briefing introduced a schedule of training activities of the Joint Force Training Centre for upcoming years and the actual ways of conducting them. Then, it was the Headquarters’ turn to talk about plans concerning improving military capabilities and preparing for missions. An important aspect of those presentations was setting a basis for mutual support between the Corps and the Centre. After the briefing, some participants of the visit took part in a follow-up discussion, others could see a sample exercise setup within the training area.
On the second day of the visit, HQ MNC NE guests had a chance to observe a real exercise taking place at the Centre, during which soldiers were preparing themselves to take over responsibilities in the Regional Command South in Afghanistan. The exercise setup was discussed as well as a division of responsibilities and tasks. As one of HQ MNC NE members Major Tomasz Garbarczyk said, it was very interesting especially because the Headquarters is going to conduct a similar exercise, too. It was simply worthwhile to see some solutions used by others. Additionally, the MNC NE members could hear about tasks set for the Regional Command South. Moreover, a discussion with some Afghans representing so-called “white cell”, non-military parties involved in Afghanistan, took place. They presented the situation in that country from their civilian perspective.
All in all, the visit to the Joint Force Training Centre can be assessed as very useful. It helped not only to understand each other’s tasks and priorities, but also to establish cooperation on a working level that would enhance training activities of both the Headquarters in Szczecin and the Centre in Bydgoszcz.
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