Poland: US-Polish 'Defender Europe 2020' drills kick off after virus-induced delay

W/S Tank advancing during multinational training exercise, near Drawsko Pomorskie
C/U Soldier on board of tank
M/S Soldier on board of tank
W/S Tanks during exercise
W/S Amphibious vehicle driving into water
M/S Amphibious vehicle driving in water
SOT, Brett Sylva, US General: "And so when we are working together, we can prove that we can accomplish this mission quickly, efficiently, effectively and successfully. And at the same time, we can prove that we can train in this COVID environment by creating a safe training environment for all of our soldiers."
W/S US General Brett Sylva speaking to media
SOT, Brett Sylva, US General: "What this training exercise will prove is that not only can we synchronise all of the combined arms that will require to make this operation a success, but that we are better when we are doing it as part of a multinational operation."
W/S US and Polish Army officials during presser
SOT, Mariusz Blaszczak, Minister of National Defence of Poland (Polish): "Of course the current pandemic has changed our plans, however, in this instant we have adjusted to the current changing situation. The Polish armed forces have not lost their combat training event for one moment and the presence of the US forces here in Poland is a sign of the great trust the American nation puts into us."
M/S Polish Minister of National Defence Mariusz Blaszczak shaking hands with officers
W/S Blaszczak, US and Polish Army officials walking on training grounds
W/S Amphibious vehicle driving into water
W/S Army vessels during training
W/S Army vessels during training
W/S Army vessels during training
W/S Army vessels during training
W/S Army vessels during training
W/S Army vessels during training
W/S Army vessels during training
W/S US and Polish army officials
M/S US and Polish army officials
SCRIPT
A US and Polish bilateral 'Defender Europe 2020' exercise was inaugurated in Drawsko Pomorskie, in north-western Poland, on Thursday. The drill was originally scheduled for May, but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"The US forces here in Poland is a sign of the great trust the American nation puts into us," explained Defence Minister of Poland, Mariusz Blaszczak, who added that although the training operations were postponed due the pandemic, the US-Polish relations remain strong.
"What this training exercise will prove is that not only can we synchronise all of the combine arms that will require to make this operation a success, but that we are better when we are doing it as part of a multinational operation, "said US General Brett Sylva, who is in charge of the US training operations in Poland.
He added that the current global crisis presented the forces involved in the manoeuvres a unique opportunity to learn about adaptability in the field.
The military drill will take place between June 5-9.
The 'Defender-Europe 20' was announced in January by deputy commander of the US Armed Forces in Europe General Andrew M Rohling, who said its purpose was 'to exercise the US military ability to deploy a large force of personnel and equipment to Europe and quickly respond to any crisis.'