LUBLIN, Poland - The Lithuanian, Polish, Ukrainian Brigade (LITPOLUKRBRIG) conducted Exercise Brave Band 2026 from Jan. 25 to Feb. 6. The annual battle staff training event is designed to enhance the brigade headquarters' ability to plan, synchronize and execute multinational operations in a complex operational environment.

This year's exercise also marked 11 consecutive years of participation by the National Guard, with mentors from the Illinois, Pennsylvania and California National Guards continuing a long-standing partnership aimed at strengthening multinational headquarters effectiveness. Through the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program, the Illinois National Guard is partnered with Poland, the Pennsylvania National Guard is partnered with Lithuania and the California National Guard is partnered with Ukraine.

"Experience in working with the brigade was enlightening to see how universal military concepts are incorporated among the various nations," said California National Guard Sgt. Timothy Davis, a geographic information systems (GIS) coordinator and intelligence analyst. "Brave Band 26 was a fantastic opportunity to train and learn with our partners."

Brave Band 2026 focused on staff integration, operational planning and mission command across the brigade headquarters, reinforcing interoperability among Lithuanian, Polish and Ukrainian personnel while incorporating lessons learned from contemporary operations.

"It was great to be back in Poland training with our partners in the LITPOLUKR brigade. Every visit reaffirms how much progress we've made together and how much potential still lies ahead," said Lt. Col. Paul McConkey, Illinois National Guard selective service officer and maneuver lead for the exercise.

Illinois National Guard Col. Tim Newman, the strategic plans and international affairs officer (J-5), has trained with LITPOLUKRBRIG four times.

"This exercise continues to demonstrate the strength of the National Guard State Partnership Program as it builds multinational partnership security and capacity. It truly emulates the LITPOLUKR brigade's motto, 'United for Peace,'" Newman said.

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