Exercise Griffin Shock marks milestone in history of Nato powers

A Nato multinational battlegroup in Poland has grown to brigade size, for the first time in the history of the defence alliance.

The battlegroup based in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, was reinforced by members of the United States 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

This is the first time a Nato multinational battlegroup has expanded from a battalion to a brigade-sized formation.

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Colonel Darius Vaicikauskas, Chief of Staff of Nato's Multinational Division Northeast, praised the results of the exercise which involved using long-range artillery and attack helicopters to augment the battlegroup's existing firepower.

The exercise represents an important milestone for Nato's efforts to strengthen the capabilities of allies in the eastern part of the Alliance.

Troops took part in building clearing drills and worked with artillery units during the exercise.

Operations Officer for the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, US Army Major Ryan Mannina, said: "The significance of this exercise is that it's demonstrating the United States' resolve to Nato, and the future of Nato force posture in Europe.

"So, about a year ago last summer in Madrid, Nato leaders got together, and they decided that we were going to expand the Nato battlegroups.

"At the time there were four and there were four more standing up."

US Army Major Ryan Mannina added: "They decided they were going to expand those battlegroups to brigade-sized elements, from battalions.

"This is part of an effort to demonstrate proof of concept for how we can do that. Initial proof of concept is going to be, to do that on a rotational or temporary basis.

"And then eventually, they want to expand them to brigade size permanently."

Col Vaicikauskas said: "You know, we are first time interacting with a US brigade-sized unit. So, this is the first one.

"We have embedded US personnel into our HQ where they are coaching, mentoring, and teaching us how to provide the divisional deep fire.

"And this is really unique, and for the first time it happens in our HQ's history."