Polish Soldiers to Handle American Equipment at the Powidz APS

The APS-2 (Army Prepositioned Stock) depot in Powidz enables the rapid deployment and preparation of an armoured brigade in Poland within just a week, significantly enhancing the operational capabilities of the U.S. Army in Europe, as well as the security of Poland and other countries in the region.

There are 400 Polish soldiers stationed at the base in Powidz, training in the use, maintenance, and repair of the stored equipment. In about five years, the Polish Army will take full responsibility for the base, though the U.S. Army will remain the owner and user of the equipment.

Recently, 25 Polish soldiers completed a nine-week course on maintaining the M1A2SEPv3 tanks stored at the base. During exams, Polish soldiers achieved scores of at least 96%. Currently, there are about 3,000 vehicles at the base, according to American sources. The process of stocking ammunition, fuel, and other necessary supplies will now begin. Americans also point to other investments being made in Poland.

The biggest challenge now is ensuring housing for American personnel. Currently, many live in tents, which are set to be replaced by residential containers next year.

In the long term, the American presence in Poland could become more permanent, leading to the construction of properly equipped housing complexes with the necessary infrastructure, as well as further expansion of military facilities.