Illinois Army National Guard Participates in the 21st Podhalan Riflemen's Brigade Staff Planning Exercise

30 June 2009

Soldiers during training

Three soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard participated in the 21st Podhalan Riflemen's Brigade Staff Planning Exercise at the 1st Battalion, 21st Brigade's headquarters in Rzeszów, Poland.  Colonel Matakas, Sergeant Major Walls, and Lieutenant Haric provided their Polish counterparts with tactics, techniques, and procedures that U.S. staff officers are currently using in Afghanistan to plan and prepare for missions.  They also explained the U.S. Army's Military Decision Making Process, which is an information management tool that staff officers use to provide their commander the detailed yet concise information he or she needs to make the best decisions in an uncertain environment.  The Illinois Army National Guard also has 16 soldiers serving side-by-side with the Polish Task Force White Eagle operating in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan.  This visit to Rzeszów continues the close relationship Illinois has with Poland through the State Partnership Program."