NATO’s eastern flank is now one of the alliance’s key front lines. With tensions in Europe high and the threat of massive conflict no longer a mere throwback to history, the United States and its allies are doubling down on their commitment to defend the region. It is nowhere more evident than in Poland, where American ground forces—headed by V Corps—have built a permanent and potent presence, making the nation a pillar of NATO’s forward defense posture.
The “Victory Corps” has long-standing ties to the European wars, with honorable service in both World Wars, from St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne battles through command of D-Day’s charge. Today, its mission continues from a forward command post, an Army garrison headquarters, and a field support battalion at Camp Kosciuszko in Poznan. Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, the current commander, has described this as the first permanent U.S. force on NATO’s eastern edge—a visible indication of America’s “ironclad” commitment to defend allied soil. Polish Army Maj. Gen. Maciej Jablonski seconded that opinion, referring to V Corps’ mission as “very significant” to Polish defense and deterrence.
Multi-national battle groups are the linchpins of NATO defense in the area. Those combined formations—eight in all across the eastern flank—unite troops from various countries into one cohesive force. In Poland, the battle group consists of a U.S. tank battalion, Croatian artillery, Romanian air defense, and British reconnaissance soldiers, about 1,150 troops in total.
Lt. Col. Patrick Merriss, who leads the group in Poland, emphasized that this partnership is constructed daily: soldiers live together, they train together, eat together, and overcome language and cultural differences long before a crisis ever arises. The result is not only camaraderie, but a truly integrated unit able to fight as a whole.
Modernization is a major contributor to this initiative. Poland’s acquisition of 250 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tanks and 26 M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicles represents one of the biggest upgrades to its armored capability in decades. Polish crews have already finished rigorous live-fire qualifications at Nowa Deba Training Area, supported by U.S. master gunners and operations officers, who closely collaborate with their Polish peers in planning and conducting large-scale training exercises.
Artillery capability is increasing as well. The European High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Initiative—led by V Corps—has witnessed Poland and a number of other NATO countries purchase this highly mobile precision strike system. In combined training and exercises, allies are building their capability to provide swift, accurate fire in a crisis.
Aviation modernization is also crucial. Poland is to become the second-largest operator of the AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopter, a platform that is famous for its state-of-the-art sensors, software, and weapons systems. The initial two Apaches just arrived in Germany to undergo training with upgrades aimed at enhancing firepower, survivability, and allied interoperability. An Apache Summit in Germany assembled Polish, Dutch, and British crews and pilots to exchange tactics and maintenance skills, even further solidifying multinational coordination.
Training is behind all of these abilities. V Corps coordinates 30–40 exercises every year, ranging from small tactical exercises to multi-nation-scale maneuvers. Exercises like Combined Resolve and Avenger Triad 24 consolidate thousands of soldiers to rehearse intense operations and hone coordination. Throughout Avenger Triad 24, U.S. Army Europe and Africa played a first-time Multi-Corps Land Component Command role, commanding six NATO corps in mock combat—a giant leap toward unencumbered integration throughout the alliance.
Soldiers themselves appreciate the value of these missions. Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment have called deployments to Poland demanding but worthwhile. First Lt. Julia Cooke discussed the professional development and camaraderie one develops from serving in a challenging environment. Staff Sgt. Yannel Nunez pointed out the strong relationships forged through common experiences, while Spc. Hayden Eaves said serving among allied forces and with allied equipment has opened his eyes to what joint operations are capable of.
Strategically speaking, the consistent presence of U.S. and NATO troops in Poland accomplishes more than simply deterring aggression—it reassures allies and shows a solid front. Sophisticated hardware such as Abrams tanks, HIMARS launchers, and Apache helicopters are important tools, but no less essential is the trust, training, and interoperability established among allied troops.
Finally, NATO’s land warfare strategy on the eastern front is all about having a ready force in every way: technologically advanced, tactically trained, and united by common commitment. Allied territory defense is not policy—it’s a reality of daily life, experienced in barracks, training areas, and collective privation of a genuinely multinational crew.