NATO
Multinational Corps Northeast Public Affairs Office
February 7, 2023

NATO eFP Battlegroups in Poland and Lithuania rotate troops as part of deterrence and defence mission

SZCZECIN, Poland – During a Hand Over, Take Over (HOTO) ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battlegroup Poland welcomed the U.S. Army 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment (1-9 CAV) as they replaced the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (3-8 CAV) at the helm of the Battlegroup command. Simultaneously, NATO eFP Battlegroup Lithuania has started to rotate troops and equipment ahead of their HOTO ceremony.

Held on February 2, the event celebrated the accomplishments of the outgoing 3-8 CAV (“Warhorse”) while preparing for the incoming 1-9 CAV (“Headhunters”)….Since 2017, the U.S. has been providing soldiers in Poland to reinforce the framework of nations for eFP. Their mission is to train together with the Allies to fortify NATO’s ability to deter…against any potential threat in the region. Currently, the U.S.-led Battlegroup comprises the Romanian Sky Guardians, the U.K. Royal Lancers, Prince of Wales Troop, and the 11th Croatian contingent, Panzer Battery, all of whom operate in concert with Poland’s own 15th Mechanized Brigade, headquartered in Giżycko, northeastern Poland.

Video from German army