US Shares Apache Expertise With Polish Counterparts

V Corps, the US Army's only forward-deployed warfighting headquarters, has hosted the first event of a new initiative aiming to share Apache helicopter knowledge and skills with Polish soldiers.

The Polish Apache Initiative (PAI) involves a series of focused leader engagements aimed at increasing interoperability by discussing command and control, tactics, training, and maintenance.

The first of these events at V Corps in Inowroclaw spanned two days from August 6 and was focused on a variety of topics encompassing everything from combat tactics to maintenance.

The PAI programme comprises three main components: the Apache Initiative Summits, Apprenticeships, and Partnership Exercises.

“We're proud to support our Polish allies in integrating the AH-64E Apache, enhancing our combined strength and bolstering NATO's eastern flank,” said Col. Ryan Kendall, commander of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade. “This collaboration is key to building a combat credible Polish attack aviation capability through shared expertise and training.”

In a move designed to help bolster NATO's defensive capabilities, in March this year the US Government announced it had arranged with Poland a $2 billion loan to enable the European country to buy new defence equipment, including 96 AH-64 Apache helicopters.

Key tasks of the summit include addressing how Polish divisions and corps will integrate these attack helicopters into combined arms maneuvers in deep and close areas. This involves a thorough analysis of the DOTMLPF-P (Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel, Facilities, and Policy) considerations of a U.S. Army AH-64 Battalion.

“Our goal is to build relationships with the Polish and give them a good understanding of some of the great opportunities and challenges we’ve faced since integrating the Apaches 40 years ago,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Meinders. “It’s imperative that our lessons learned can quickly become their success stories.”

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