NATO's SWORD '26 exercises one more time test whether it is able to respond rapidly and efficiently to threats and what it looks like in practice to spread allied forces and resources into the delicate areas of Europe, the east flank of the Alliance. On the logistical side, the task secures the structures of the Armed Forces Support Inspectorate.
Strategic Warrior Operation for consequence and Defence’26 SWORD ’26) is the largest global training task this year on the east flank of NATO. In short, it consists of 3 consecutive (and operationally connected) manoeuvres: Saber Strike ‘26, Immediate consequence ‘26 and Swift consequence ‘26, during which soldiers train as rapidly as possible to spread to the east flank of forces and resources separated by 11 States belonging to the Alliance.
Of the more than 15,000 military men participating in SWORD ‘26, the largest contingent was exhibited by the Americans – about 6,000 soldiers and respective 100 copies of military equipment. It is best evidenced by the fact that the drill script was planned by the European Command of the United States (USECOM) and that its lead was entrusted to the United States Command in Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) and the 5th Corps of the US Army (V Corps).
Test of Polish logistics
The SWORD’26 besides involves Polish logistics, namely the structures of the Armed Forces Support Office and its subordinate units and specialised cells, for which this year’s most crucial test of cognition and competence is definitely the most important. They are liable for all the tasks of the host state (HNS, Host Nation Support) related to the service of allied soldiers who decision around our territory (e.g. from bases in Germany or Scandinavia), and those who train in Poland as part of the above mentioned projects.
“SWORD’26 exercises have been conducted to verify the applicable feasibility of HNS tasks for allied operations, including the operation of key communication infrastructure, logistics safety systems and RSOM&I (Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration) procedures, covering the smooth reception of troops, centering, further displacement, integration of forces and implementation of training tasks in the territory of Poland,” explains representatives of the IWSZ press cell. Our soldiers are so liable for securing the transport of road, rail, air and sea allies through our country, as well as for ensuring that abroad troops have timely supplies of fuel, food, beverages and medicines, inter alia, with local administration all essential permissions.
In order to guarantee the safety of allied transports of soldiers and equipment, IWSZ cooperates with the Military Gendarmery, police, provincial commands of the State Fire Department and elements of the National Rescue and Firefighting System.
But that is not all. Logistics are besides liable for method assistance to allied soldiers, who, for example, damaged equipment or vehicle. Although the Polish side is not obliged to have spare parts for them, they can number on not only our mechanics, but besides repair in method workshops belonging to the Armed Forces of Poland.
SWORD’26 exercises will last until May 31.
