Polish Radio
June 1, 2015
NATO increases presence in Poland
The north-east multinational corps in Szczecin officially started operating in a new structure on Monday, as a response to the escalating crisis in Ukraine.
Instead of the previous 200 troops, the base will house 400.
In the coming months, the troops will be joined by soldiers from around 20 countries. Recruitment should be completed later this year.
“Ultimately, the number of military personnel will be doubled to 400 soldiers, along with key liaison officers of the air force, navy and special forces,” stated the head of the Staff Corps, General Lutz Niemann.
The new structure will allow for the implementation of the individual tasks within the main joint operations of NATO forces, as well as serve as the combined headquarters for combined smaller operations, Niemann explained.
The General added that the changes in the Corps were introduced in connection with the crisis in Ukraine. The decision was made to raise the readiness of combat units, so that the forces commanded by it can react very quickly, he said.
Soldiers from 15 countries are already stationed in Szczecin. More than 20 countries will ultimately be represented in the structure of the Corps.
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