Units from Ukraine, Poland and Lithuania along with Canadian mentors began executing Military Decision Making Process for peace support operations in the context of Exercise MAPLE ARCH 16, on 9th November 2016.

Staff officers from LITPOLUKRBRIG Ukrainian Assault Airborne Battalion, Lithuanian Grand Duchess Birutė Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Polish 5th Podhale Riflemen, Air Defence, Combat Logistical, Engineer and Headquarters Battalions have worked tirelessly on the analysis of the higher HQ mission.

“We understood the Multinational Brigade Commander’s intent, did research on our area of responsibility and began developing options for the Ukrainian Airborne Battalion operation. This is a challenging task and it requires efforts and experience in the field of NATO procedures. We employ these practices with the mentorship of the Canadian instructors. I am sure, that after participating in this Exercise my subordinate staff will be better prepared to execute overseas operations” explained Major Oleh Balias, Ukrainian Airborne Battalion Commander.

According to Colonel Volodymyr Yudanov, the Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian Brigade Deputy Commander, MAPLE ARCH 16 will allow the troops to develop their professionalism, sharpen their skills and develop a common vision on operational processes among the LITPOLUKRBRIG affiliated units. Joint training brings an opportunity for participating nations to learn about their partners’ best techniques in conducting Crisis Response. This knowledge transfer will contribute to building long-lasting relationships and build trust among participants.

“We work hard, we synchronize our efforts with the Multinational Brigade and our partners – Ukrainian and Lithuanian Battalions. This experience of interoperability is a fruitful contribution for us, Polish soldiers, to cooperate with partners under the leadership of LITPOLUKRBRIG during common exercises and other activities” Capitan Wojciech Potaczla, acting within the MAPLE ARCH 16 5th Podhale Rifleman Battalion Commander said.

Additional information, Exercise MAPLE ARCH 2016 is an annual training event that aims at fostering international military relations through the conduct of a multinational exercise. This year the exercise is being held from 7 November to 18 November 2016 at the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre (IPSC) in Starychi, Ukraine and involves four nations (Ukraine, Canada, Poland and Lithuania).

Captain Oleksandr Gain, LITPOLUKRBRIG Public Information Officer e-mail o.gain@ron.mil.pl