Fearing a possible opponent is not words, but concrete actions. What actions can discourage an adversary from attacking and erstwhile a deterrence strategy can be dangerous for both parties," says General Dariusz Parylak, commander of the Multinational North-East Corps.
The word “scaring” has late been changed by all cases in safety talks. Which means “repeating” in the context of action taken by Multinational North-East Corps, which you command?
Lieutenant General Dariusz Parylak, Commander of the Multinational North East Corps: Let's start by saying deterrence is simply a very broad concept, which includes a series of actions continuously and on a immense scale. 1 component of this process is exercise. They are crucial not only due to their primary purpose, that is to rise the skills of soldiers, but besides due to the fact that they are a signal, a circumstantial consequence to what is happening in our Adversary. If this 1 prepares for the exercise, we answer the same. If a possible opponent does not conduct specified activities, neither do we. This is how we escalate and de-escalate the situation all the time, trying to keep a balance. However, peculiar care must be taken to guarantee that our movement is not perceived as provocation. Our strategy of deterrence is to discourage the enemy from aggressive action. We give him a clear signal that we are much better prepared than he is and ready to respond quickly.
Have you finished late Griffin Lightning exercise Were they active in this strategy?
The script and nature of the exercises resulted from the mission The Corps, which is liable for a circumstantial area, the alleged east flank of NATO – for deterrence and, if necessary, readiness to defend it. The Alliance is constantly investigating us to verify our preparation for this task. I would add that there is simply a final test ahead, which in NATO's vocabulary is called CREVAL (Compat Reading Evaluation). This crucial test will be passed next year. Returning to "Griffin Lightning", the exercises consisted of 2 parts: maneuvers with troops, during which we integrated eleven exercises conducted in different countries. In the second part, command and relay exercises were held – equally crucial –.
Exercises "Griffin Lightning '25".
What signal did you give the enemy with these exercises?
Signal of unity and effectiveness. Come on. The Corps is composed of soldiers from 21 countries, can integrate different players and is effective in action. We have shown that we are able to put all the elements of aviation, the Navy, the support units into a functioning system. It was a demonstration of our strength, based on unity and cooperation skills. If, therefore, our possible opponent, who is presently active in 1 conflict, is preparing a plan "B" to launch an aggressive action against NATO, then he has just received the message that it is better for him to halt doing so. We told him: “It is not worth attacking us.” At the same time, we emphasise that our action is purely defensive.
What real deterrent force does Corps have? What kind of units and equipment does he have?
I must be prepared, along with my team, to command 5 divisions at once. The Corps shall have 1 or 2 units of artillery, at least 1 anti-aircraft shield, one-two engineering units, including a unit of designation of various types and logistical support. That's about 15 units of support. There are besides elements of the alleged permanent infrastructure, for example the territorial defence army. Let me remind you that the Corps is liable for securing the defence of the 3 Baltic states and parts of Poland during peacetime. This means that all national military resources and forces designated by NATO to defend this territory can be commanded by us.
Are there another types of troops at your disposal as commander of the Corps?
I'm liable for the land domain. On the another hand, my colleagues from another NATO units are liable for another types of troops and can support me as commander of the Corps.
What is NATO's consequence force, and how long could it be utilized in the event of a conflict?
This time is very different, from a fewer hours to a fewer weeks. Sometimes I hear that if an individual can be utilized within a week, it's besides slow. I do not agree with specified simplifications. Preparedness results from the specificity of an individual and its function in the conduct of activities. Let us besides remember that the military is not a fire department. Conflicts do not erupt suddenly, they are born and then escalate, but at the same time, there is an expansion of forces on both sides. Of course, there are besides aeromobile units whose metastasis capacity counts in hours. So the ability to respond is different.
Exercises "Griffin Lightning '25".
Can you number on this kind of unit?
Yes, and fast consequence forces whose consequence is twenty-four hours. They are NATO units stationed in Poland, specified as the American V Corps, which has aeromobile troops, which are able to shift any of their forces very rapidly in delicate situations. Moreover, aviation is deployed throughout Europe and naval forces are deployed in the Baltic. They may be directed to support by the Allied Joint Forces Command.
What is the biggest challenge facing the Corps in the coming months?
The second part of the year is mainly the improvement of staff. We have observed the course of the “Griffin Lightning” and others exercises, drawn conclusions and now we will be putting them into practice. We besides have a major "Avenger Triad" staff exercises ahead of us in the 3rd 4th of 2025, and we will be 1 of the participants. In the first half of next year – as I have already mentioned – we will ourselves be subjected to the NATO test with our combat readiness. In parallel, we will begin the process of preparing for further exercises with troops.
