From 24 to 30 September 2011, personnel from the Headquarters Multinational Corps Northeast, for the first time in their history, took part in the exercise organised by the Polish Armed Forces codenamed “Dragon 11”.
In order to effectively prepare for the Anaconda 2012 exercise, 170 personnel from the Headquarters Multinational Corps Northeast (HQ MNC NE) and Command Support Brigade (CSB) participated in the Dragon exercise, conducted at military training area in Drawsko Pomorskie.
The Dragon exercise was the biggest training event conducted by the Polish Armed Forces this year. In total about 7,000 soldiers took part in this exercise.
“This is a real historic moment for us because for the first time a multinational unit like our Headquarters has taken part in the national Polish Article 5 exercise. Moreover, we were fully integrated into all the functional elements and cells. We had a real task and in order to fulfil it, we worked together with 2nd Mechanized Corps and 12th Mechanized Division,” said the MNC NE Commander Lieutenant General Rainer Korff. “That was a starting line for our deeper involvement and integration in our Article 5 related exercise plan.”
After having been incorporated in the exercise, the Tactical Command Post (TAC CP) of HQ MNC NE was established in Budowo which consisted of operational and planning personnel reinforced by supporters from other Corps’ cells and “force enablers” provided by Command Support Brigade.
Although the scenario of Dragon required mainly planning capabilities for the coordination and synchronization of a joint and combined operation, the HQ MNC NE Current Operations Centre as “an eye and ear” and of course “a spider in the net” was heavily involved in all activities.
One of the exercise aims was the extended use of Polish Command and Control Information System (C2IS) Szafran implemented in the Corps. “Szafran proved to be a powerful tool again; we did not miss any tools, software or installations needed for a satisfying working environment. The interaction and exchange of information between the Polish 2nd Corps and our TAC CP went off very satisfying and helpful for both sides,” said Major Ulrich Pfuetzenreuter, Chief of Current Operations Centre.
During the exercise, the MNC NE personnel managed to create the team that linked up with numerous units and staff formations, produced detailed plans and concepts and conducted several important conferences in order to support the Polish Land Forces in their training efforts.
Dragon exercise enabled collection of numerous lessons identified with regard to the cooperation and interaction with the Polish Forces – starting with the adaptation of work plans and processes and ending up with experiences in network connectivity and information sharing. These valuable experiences are of utmost importance for the preparations for the exercise Anakonda 2012.
“The whole team here is very proud of setting a ‘multinational footprint’ in this exercise demonstrating Polish national capabilities,” summed up Major Pfuetzenreuter.
Article based on contributions by CuOps
