Thousands of American soldiers, heavy weapons deployed to Poland

World Today

Poland

The United States has deployed thousands of soldiers and heavy weapons to Poland as part of a regional NATO build up. The move is meant to reassure allies who are worried about potential Russian aggression.

Comments by US President Donald Trump on NATO have left some skeptical about America’s commitment to the alliance.

CGTN’s Aljosa Milenkovic reports.

A U.S. armored brigade, a total of 3,500 from the state of Colorado is taking part in the training.

“I mean the biggest reason why we are here is really just to form a better bond between us and our NATO allies. And I think that we’re doing that already with the first few weeks, month and a half that we’ve been here. It’s come along nicely,” Specialist Alexander Boehmer of the Third Armored Brigade Combat Team said.

Nations in the region are seeking reassurance in the face of Russian activity. American soldiers and their Polish counterparts have gone through drills to prepare for possible conflict.

Only some 30 years ago, Polish tanks were training together with Soviet tanks to repel possible attack from the U.S. and the West.

Many of these soldiers are part of the biggest U.S. deployment in Europe since the end of the Cold War.

Equipment has been secured on the train, including tan-colored Humvees used during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflict. Green paint is already on the way so vehicles can blend into the European environment.

However, at this moment the U.S. and NATO maneuvers are very much visible and out in the open.