U.S. and Polish military personnel gather at 1 Baza Lotnictwa Transportowego (1st Airlift Base) in Warsaw, Poland, highlighting continued collaboration in enhancing NATO interoperability. The Illinois National Guard and Poland have been partners in the State Partnership Program since its inception in 1993. (Courtesy Photo)
U.S. and Polish military personnel gather at 1 Baza Lotnictwa Transportowego (1st Airlift Base) in Warsaw, Poland, highlighting continued collaboration in enhancing NATO interoperability. The Illinois National Guard and Poland have been partners in the State Partnership Program since its inception in 1993. (Courtesy Photo) (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WARSAW, Poland - About 75 U.S. and Polish Armed Forces personnel strengthened NATO interoperability and defense modernization during a military-to-military workshop Feb. 24-25.

Brig. Gen. Michael Eastridge, deputy assistant adjutant general, Illinois Army National Guard, said the event identified cost-effective training initiatives, “strengthening NATO’s defense and enhancing deterrence against aggression.”

The two-day event, hosted by European Command, J5, Office of Defense Cooperation in Poland and the Illinois National Guard State Partnership Program, focused on synchronizing engagements that enhance Poland’s capabilities and reinforce the longstanding military partnership.

The Illinois National Guard and Poland have been partners in the Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership Program since its inception in 1993.

Key discussions centered around increasing procedural and technical interoperability, supporting Poland’s modernization efforts — including key initiatives like the Apache, Abrams, High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, Patriot and F-35 programs, and bolstering deterrence strategies such as Operation Eastern Shield.

Participants engaged in an “M2M engagement carousel,” where stakeholders reviewed and confirmed upcoming engagements, ensuring alignment between U.S. and Polish objectives. The workshop concluded with a roadmap for fiscal year 2026 military-to-military concept and funding requests to be submitted by March 31.

Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Cistaro, one of the Soldiers involved in the training, was awarded the Order of Saint Maurice Centurion.

A nominee for the Order of Saint Maurice must serve the infantry community with distinction and demonstrate a significant contribution in support of the infantry branch, representing the highest of standards of integrity, moral character, professional competence and dedication to duty.

Eastridge presented the award to Cistaro for his 30-year contribution to the infantry.

“I have had the honor of knowing Cistaro for 20 years,” he said. “It is a privilege to present him with the OSM. His impact on the infantry community has been profound, and this award is truly well deserved.”