"Combined Resolve 25-1" is proof that Polish command can carry out tasks in the structures of the American army, and this at various levels," emphasized Brig-Gen. Rafał Kowalik, deputy commander of the 1st U.S. Army Cavalry Division, who advised the alleged HICOM in global exercises, or superior command established by the 11th Lubuska Armour Cavalry Division.
Polish general as deputy commander of the American division in exercises in Germany. Isn't that proof of interoperability that NATO is so keen on?
Brig-Gen Rafał Kowalik: This is besides much simplification. To talk about interoperability, we must accomplish the required level of cooperation at human, procedural and hardware levels. Although I admit that these exercises represent another very crucial step forward.
And what were your assignments during ‘Combined Resolve 25-1’?
My function was called SME – Subject substance Expert. I acted as an advisor, took part in briefings, gave my instructions and insights on a better knowing of US Army procedures, facilitated communication of divisional command troops with their American counterparts to better realize certain procedures or the essence of actions. I served as a kind of liaison between the head of the exercise, which is American 7 Army Training Command and HICOM, which is the superior command that officers formed 11th Lublin Armored Cavalry Division.
So, can the "Combined Resolve 25-1" exercise be considered a circumstantial test? The culmination of a trial that was meant to bring the Lubuska division and US Army troops closer together?
This trial has been going on for a long time. Just look at the relation between 11 LDKPanc and American units headed to Poland. Americans are stationed in the immediate vicinity of the Lubuskie division. Since they appeared in Poland, information on staff procedures utilized by individual cells of both parties has been exchanged. The Americans presented how they implemented the planning process and circumstantial tactical actions. The aim was that the Polish side should better realize the rules of operation of US Army troops. This was a step towards interoperability. So that, if necessary, the divisions of both divisions can carry out their combat tasks together without major problems.
Last summer, 11 LDKPanc was designated to participate in the "Combined Resolve 25-1". We have directed efforts to prepare her for these exercises. It was about improving the cognition and skills of utilizing American procedures, but besides communication in English, which was crucial. Especially since the organizer of the "Combined Resolve" is mentioned 7 Army Training Command, and the Polish HICOM was subordinated to 1 of the US Army brigades. An crucial part of the preparation of 11 LDKPanc was the participation of artillerymen in the exercises under the code name "Avenger Triad '24", which took place last September. The Polish squad was incorporated into the U.S. chain of command and successfully carried out the task of planning and coordinating fire support for the 1st Cavalry Division.
American soldiers during Combined Resolve 25-1 exercises at Joint Multinational Reading Center, Hohenfels, Germany, 3 February 2025.
And how do you measure the effects of these preparations?
During the "Combined Resolve" for 2 weeks, respective twelve officers of the Lubuskie division performed tasks in an global environment. They have interacted not only with Americans, but besides with British or Norwegians. They utilized US Army procedures due to the fact that the exercises were held in an American training center. LDKPanc staff 11 functioned as an American command post, according to US Army procedures planned tactical actions, combat support and security. They could besides observe how American soldiers monitor the current activities of their own troops and divisions. Of course, there was any limitation that the full command of 11 LDKPanc was not brought to Hohenfels, but only a separate component. The cognition of the officers will gotta pass on to others erstwhile they return. But it's already known that any divisional officers can operate under American command at various levels.
And what do you think is the biggest challenge erstwhile it comes to cooperation between Polish and American soldiers? Language issues, or is it procedural?
I think we have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. The degree of cognition of English among Polish military gives guarantees that in the global environment they will execute their tasks efficiently. Procedural issues are a bigger challenge. Americans usage quite a few shortcuts. frequently there are different actions under 1 term. A lot depends on the context. For Americans, these differences are usually obvious, for foreigners not always. It takes practice to master it. Additionally, there is the question of individual solutions that are applied in the doctrine of individual tactical unions of the US Army. American commanders have quite a few freedom to carry out procedures, provided, of course, that they do not go beyond the general doctrine. This makes the mode of operation of 1 division may disagree from that of another. 11 LDKPanc is acquainted with the procedures utilized by the 1st U.S. Cavalry Division, however, erstwhile the rotation occurs and soldiers from another U.S. Army unit arrive in Poland, possibly the Black Division will meet any another rules. But this is yet another proof that Polish relations with Americans should be close. For example, to get to know 1 another and to make Polish soldiers see differences between individual U.S. Army tactical unions. I am convinced that all exercise brings us closer to achieving interoperability with United States Army troops.
Brig-Gen Rafał Kowalik – The Polish officer, in the past commanded the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade, was besides the head of the operational unit at the Operations Command of the Armed Forces Types. In October 2023, he was appointed deputy commander of the 1st U.S. Army Cavalry Division.
