U.S. Army participates in multinational Tumak 24 exercise with NATO allies in Poland

The exercise aimed to strengthen interoperability, security, and warfighting capabilities among allied forces. Tumak 24 involved complex unified manoeuvres and live-fire operations designed to create a versatile and agile force capable of responding rapidly to threats in diverse environments.

Soldiers tackled the challenging terrain of Northeast Poland, where cold weather and dense forests provided a realistic training ground. “Working in a new environment can be challenging,” remarked Capt. Joshua Ramos, 2nd Battalion, 12th Regiment. “But working in the cold and the rain prepares us to fight in any climate.”

The exercise included a Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX), integrating equipment and personnel from different nations. The live-fire scenarios enhanced teamwork and operational effectiveness. “You can find a lot of common ground, even though we’re from two different countries,” said Spc. Gunner Bernier. “Once the targets started popping up, we started doing everything we were taught to do, sending big rounds down range.”

A Wet Gap Crossing (WGX) portion further demonstrated the coalition’s ability to overcome natural obstacles like rivers. Using Improvised Ribbon Bridges (IBRs) and Bridge Erection Boats (BEBs), forces transported troops and equipment across water bodies efficiently. This capability is crucial for advancing operations in complex terrain.