DRAWSKO POMORSKIE, Poland — June 07, 2026 : Soldiers assigned to the 6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division completed M2A3 and M3A3 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle gunnery qualifications at the Drawsko Combined Training Center in Poland on June 1-2, 2026.
The two-day live-fire exercise was conducted as part of the 1st Armored Division’s ongoing operations along NATO’s eastern flank, supporting allied readiness and collective defense efforts in the region. The training focused on maintaining combat readiness, improving technical proficiency, and strengthening teamwork among Bradley crews.
During the qualification, soldiers conducted weapon zeroing, engaged multiple targets, and completed standard qualification tables using the Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. The exercise also provided crews with an opportunity to identify and address equipment issues, helping maintain vehicle and weapon system readiness.
“This gunnery helps us build proficiency with our weapon systems and helps the team build cohesion,” said Cpl. Roddy F. Rodriguez, a Bradley gunner with the 6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment. “If anything were to happen, we can work together under stress without stepping on each other’s toes.”
Rodriguez said the training also helps crews detect and correct potential equipment problems before they affect operations.
“The benefit of being out here on this range is improving readiness and finding issues with the weapon system or the vehicle itself,” he said. “It helps us identify problems and fix them so there isn’t a future situation.”
As the platoon sergeant’s gunner, Rodriguez is responsible for maintaining the Bradley’s weapon systems, assisting with vehicle maintenance, and supporting crew communications.
Noncommissioned officers overseeing the exercise highlighted the importance of the training for leadership development and mentoring junior soldiers. Staff Sgt. Mickeal Smith, a cavalry scout and Bradley commander, said his experience allows him to help younger soldiers overcome challenges and improve their performance.
“Everything you go through in your career can help someone else,” Smith said. “My experiences also allow me to mentor younger Soldiers and help them overcome challenges that I’ve already faced.”
Smith added that ensuring crews understand their responsibilities and mission objectives is a key part of his role as a vehicle commander.
“My job is to make sure my crew understands what they need to do and that they have clear guidance on the mission and the desired end state,” he said. “That way, we can accomplish the mission effectively.”
The Drawsko Combined Training Center provides the maneuver space and realistic conditions required for armored units to conduct complex live-fire exercises. Training in Poland also allows U.S. soldiers to operate in unfamiliar environments while improving interoperability with NATO allies and partner forces.
The 1st Armored Division’s continued training activities in the region support V Corps’ mission of maintaining readiness, strengthening deterrence, and contributing to NATO’s collective defense along the alliance’s eastern flank.
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