Back in the fall, most of the division's equipment was loaded on trains to eventually make its way to Poland. The first group of soldiers that left for this deployment went to Bremerhaven port in Germany to unload the nearly 3000 pieces of equipment (vehicles and containers) and get them to various parts of Poland by rail.
Most of these pictures are from the 4-10 Cav facebook page, where they post periodic updates. One update explained the goal of their mission: to enhance deterrence capabilities in the region, improve the U.S. ability to respond to potential crises and defend allies and partners in the European community.
Here is the equipment arriving in Poland.
Looks cold, huh? Hyrum said they freeze every time they exercise outside. But I think because they're in real buildings there's less suffering from the elements than existed in his Afghanistan deployment. (They were in tent structures, with less reliable heating.)
While it might be warmer inside, the quarters are more cramped. Hyrum is sharing a pretty small room with one other guy, and there's enough floor space to get from the door to their beds. The rest is covered in Army gear.
This is where they're staying... it's the headquarters for the Polish 10th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Swietoszow, Poland. Still not sure how to pronounce the town's name, and Hyrum isn't much help in that department.
On the weekends they do get some down time, although they're also working. They're allowed to leave the base with permission, and often go to the nearest 'big city', Boleslewiec. That's the place we went Polish pottery shopping back in 2014. It's less than 30 minutes from their current base. There are a few advantages to being stationed in Poland. First, the cost of living is really low, so they're able to get a nice restaurant meal for about $5. (And $4 haircuts! Important for soldiers that cut their hair every 2-3 weeks.) And second, the food is really good. Every time Hyrum talks about buying pirogis my mouth waters.
On Sundays they have an LDS group that meets together. Within a 30 mile radius there are a couple of other bases with US Soldiers, which translates to a handful of people meeting together for church. Hyrum helps coordinate the meetings, and they've usually had 4-5 in attendance. He said they'll be a ward soon. ha [The closest LDS branch is in Wroclaw, which is 1.5 hrs away.... too far for them to attend.]
The soldiers have been busy getting equipment ready, working with the Polish Army, doing gunnery trainings, and getting all their systems in place. I'm sure there's more to it, but that's the extent of what I understand.
They eat in a cafeteria with the Polish soldiers, so it's all very Polish food. Hyrum said there's actually not much variety, but it's good food. A lot of rice, potatoes, meat, etc. And not much fruit. I think Hyrum would really love a huge American breakfast occasionally, but he'll survive without. They have internet that works moderately well, and he's still able to text with his phone. So all in all, communication has been great and it's just the 8-hour time difference that requires some planning.
One of these days I'll have to get Hyrum on here to give his own update. I'm sure it would be 1000 times more informative.
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