weapons it is using so software can model its effects, said Camden Milway, a sergeant 1st class with the 2nd Cavalry Division from Westminster.

“That allows us to make sure we can position people safely,” he explained.

Some of the rounds mapped for the exercise included grenade launchers, 81 millimeter mortars, machine guns and Bradley rounds, among many others.

Detailed mapping and an understanding of how ammunition acts allows troops to prepare for combat situations and it builds confidence and trust among them, he said.

They can know: “I’m safe. And I’m not going to get shot by my own people,” he explained. Milway described his work from a tent with rubberized flooring, full of folding tables where soldiers worked on laptops sheltered on some days from the cold rain that pooled in the muddy rutted roads.

In addition to the ground weapons, the exercise also featured Apache helicopters from the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade in Germany that buzzed over the training ground numerous times in the lead up to a highly coordinated display for high-profile visitors Friday. The Apaches base for refueling and landing was in an open field, close to a working farm.

Ensuring the aircraft and ground troops don’t interfere with each other takes rigorous planning, which Colorado Springs native Sgt. 1st Class Steven Cromer, worked on for the 2nd Cavalry Regiment as the regimental fire support officer.

He planned how artillery, mortars and close air support will come together relying in part on 3-D digital models to plan how munitions will travel to targets and the safe paths through the air helicopters will take. The models help Cromer determine not only safety but how to have the greatest effect with all the weapons.

“It’s fun to put them gether, all the pieces puzzle,” Cromer said.

The large number of weapons systems on display was representative of what a surge of more than 3,000 soldiers would bring to a fight, he said.

It is one of several major training efforts going on across Eastern Europe this spring, as the war in Ukraine stretches into its second year.

The ongoing training is definitely showing results among some Polish tank troops, said Sgt. 1st Class Marc Lloyd, with the 9th Cavalry, who participated in Griffin Shock and was also working with Polish troops on tactics prior.

In one exercise, Lloyd said their strategy was “on point” with a recent lesson. During all of tothe the exercise, his tank got caught by two BMPs, similar to Bradleys, who kept him from turning his turret and had him backing into the trees.

“I was pretty impressed. … They caught me between the tree line and I don’t like getting caught.”

He also found that spending time with the Polish, trying new foods, new weapons and making friends with the lady at the shop on post who sells snacks has helped make working there more meaningful.

“It gives you a sense of like, this is why I’m here. We would fight side-by-side if need be,” he said.

The training and relationship building is happening as NATO is getting tested in ways it hasn’t been since the end of the Cold War, said David.

“The (2nd Cavalry Regiment) in particular, which has many soldiers who are from Colorado, from Colorado Springs, is (at) the absolute cutting edge of U.S. Army-Europe’s efforts to support the NATO alliance and to deter the aggression,” he said.