Spc. Patrick Urness, a nodal network systems

Spc. Patrick Urness, a nodal network systems operator-maintainer with the Mission Command Element, 1st Infantry Division, out of Fort Riley, Kansas, attaches concertina wire to the military vehicles in preparation for the command post exercise in the Alexander Training Area, in Biedursko, Poland, Feb. 8.

The purpose of the field exercise is to improve readiness, perform command post functions, and to stress the ability to move the MCE quickly when told.

The training includes route planning, sustainment operations, maintenance readiness, and communications set up that will enable conditions for future training events.

The ability to respond to a twenty-first century security challenge and to unconventional threats, the force needs to be fast, mobile, able to surge quickly, and not tied to one place. (U.S. Army photo by: Spc. Christina Westover)