moughoun
04-12-2004, 09:02 AM
Defence & Arms Last Updated: Apr 12th, 2004 - 09:47:19
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Polish Heroes in Iraq Buildup
By Robert Winnett and Justin Sparks,Times 29/2/04
Feb 29, 2004, 09:11
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IN a command bunker beneath the Ministry of Defence in London, Geoff Hoon and some of his most senior officials gathered to watch the first special forces mission of last year’s invasion of Iraq. The night operation, one of the most daring and dangerous of the war, was relayed live to the defence secretary’s bunker from cameras monitoring the raid.
Details of the mission have been revealed for the first time by the Polish special forces who had the task of seizing an oil rig off the coast of Iraq. Their attack paved the way for the full invasion.
Intelligence reports suggested that Iraqi workers were under orders to blow up two oil rigs near the port of Umm Qasr when hostilities began. Had they succeeded, an oil spill could have set the Gulf ablaze and seriously hampered the invasion.
In a synchronised attack, one rig was to be seized by crack troops from America’s Delta Force. The other, 50 miles to the east, was to be taken by Grom, a Polish force trained and nurtured by Britain’s SAS.
“It was a mission with no margin for error,” said Darek, one of the Polish commandos on the raid. “Every second counted. We had to hit them and finish the job before they had a chance even to think about detonating explosives.”
On March 19, Darek and more than 20 other Polish commandos set out under cover of darkness in fast boats fitted with high-calibre machineguns. It was the third consecutive night that the unit, commanded by Colonel Roman Polko, had been ready to go. On the two preceding evenings the mission was halted at the last minute.
Finally, with Hoon and his officials watching, Grom — it is Polish for thunder — got the go-ahead. The plan was simple: the boat-based team would defuse any underwater explosives on the rig before a helicopter manned with a sniper swooped to kill or capture more than 40 Iraqi workers.
Grom soldiers have access to a devastating array of firepower; each unit carries Glock or Browning handguns, Uzi sub-machineguns, Tantal assault rifles and M203 grenade launchers.
The snipers can each choose their own favoured rifle and those used include the M86, PSG-1 and Hecate II.
As they approached the rig, the diving team moved into two dinghies powered by silent motors that would not alert the enemy.
At the rig frogmen checked for charges on the submerged oil pipeline, while commandos climbed underneath the giant steel structure. They quickly established that the intelligence had been correct — and carefully removed all the explosives.
Then a naval Black Hawk helicopter arrived carrying marksmen. It took them three minutes to kill the guards and secure the platform.
An SAS source said: “The Grom unit has an extremely good reputation and is often chosen for the most dangerous and daring raids. We work very closely with them and they are always unflinching in battle.”
After capturing the rig, Grom went into inland waterways deep in Iraq and created havoc behind enemy lines.
Even after the fall of Baghdad, Grom played a role in tracking down Saddam Hussein’s henchmen. They captured about 30 leaders on the “most wanted” list.
One high-ranking Ba’ath party official who was shot by Grom soldiers pleaded for his life in fluent Polish. “Our enemy spoke truly admirable Polish because he had studied at a military academy run by our communist generals,” said one commando.
“When we handed him over somebody remarked, ‘Those guys not only capture them but force them to learn Polish in just a couple of hours!’ ” The Polish operations in Iraq are to be turned into a Hollywood-backed film later this year. Retired commandos and officers who took part have agreed to co-operate and the production is expected to offer one of the most comprehensive insights yet into the secret world of special forces.
The decision by some former officers to reveal details of top-secret operations comes amid fears that Grom is about to be disbanded.
“I’d like to think that the film may help us,” said Slawomir Petelicki, a retired general who commanded the organisation, “but I fear it will only be a celluloid testament to what is one of the best special forces in the world.”
The unit’s high-profile success and close links to British and American intelligence has caused it to fall foul of the political establishment and become a “source of concern” for socialist politicians.
moughoun
04-12-2004, 10:18 AM
Someone post it before you :| BTW Its cool to heard such a good things about GROM, but some parts of this article are BS. GROM dont using UZI or Tantal.I dont think GROM snipers need 3 minutes to kill this bodyguards ;) .At the monent GROM in Iraq cooperate with 2nd Battalion of 3 Special Forces Group.Well, I think GROM is highly trained unit and Im proud of them :) Regards(ohh, in my avatar are GROM boys).
Was it, bugger, oh well it was a little interesting anyway :cantbeli:
White_Bear
04-15-2004, 09:38 PM
ok guys - so there is some info about Grom actions .I used english translator to translate all articles from polish because it's too much for one person to translate.I suppose that because of using software it could sound strange sometimes.I'm sorry but I can't do anything more :(((
afterall there were also some plots that GROM was used when US troops captured Saddam.Nobody knows if it is true - there is no any confirmation.
and there you have some photos from afghanistan and Iraq
http://acn.waw.pl/grom1/gallery.html
The infernal hole (Hell Holl) - the American soldiers named so the Republikę of Haiti. Commandos GROM left this for the first time on foreign mission that is where - at. In time this mission the Ministry of Defence LIGHTENING was subordinate. Dispatch Polish soldiers had to be revenge showed help near creating individual for and confirmation commandos' qualification GROM - at. The desire of conviction was different reason oneself Waldemara's Prime Minister Pawlaka whether 6 hours need GROM really to preparation finished quota to departure on mission. This confirmed in practice became.
The departure of individual caused the numerous disputes the kompetencyjne at Ministry of Defence. Claim for example, that Col Petelicki it has not they would prove suitable experience individual during this mission.
The customs of military ceremonial ( the requirement of official farewell of waygoing on foreign missions soldiers) they forced the GROM as well as his the colonel's commander Petelickiego to first the public ****ouncement in day 17 October 1994 r. on Varsovian airport Okęcie. This for commandos it was not however nice farewell. Partly enclosed the commandos' faces called out with dark eyepieces the series of malicious comments. To win journalists it can concrete information on individual mistakenly they interpreted her I will name, NJW subordinated her or else gendarmerie.
Commandos GROM - at protecting Polish base in Mariani. Commandos GROM - at protecting Polish base in Mariani.
The part in haitańskiej operation "Uphold Democracy" he had to be for individual the revenge and test of acquired skills. It is proper to add, that the common former was the working the special strengths of USA and country adherent once to Warszawskiego Układu. Commandos needed six hours on preparation to departure on second hemisphere only just. They before workings became additionally trained in base Puerto Rico and the serfs the test of skill. The instructors of Zielonych Beretów acquainted with conditions in what had to act the commandos then. They gave many useful advices relating Haitańczyków's mentalities, used by them itp. protects Do Polaków American commandos' group was assigned having to estimate au courant their workings. Soldiers had alone to organize and to protect their base. They placed oneself 35 kilometres from centre Port - au - Prince in Mariani. It base was protected was, the own system of guards was organized. The commandos took over from Navy the SEAL theking-pin's protection visitor the island, which made up the proof of acknowledgement and the huge confidence. She the bodyguard of ambassador at large of ONZ was ad litem the most dangerous task Haiti - Lahdara Brahimi. For him head postreżimowa opposition marked in height prize 100 tys. of dollars, she was enlarged to 150 Kolejnym tys. then was almost equally difficult task the assurance of safety of delegation White House, which was showed the most untidy and the most dangerous districts.
Situations happened very often, in which soldiers GROM - at they had to produce evidence with independence in treat decision. How choćby this, when sped up rich Haitańczyka's car fell in crowd wounding seriously several persons. Only decided soldiers' intervention saved him from lynching, they rendered aid wounded simultaneously. Next incident, thanks which commandos won me the hearts of occupants of island salvage from armed bandits' hands boy was.
Similar interventions happened often, time was intervened completely accidentally. Np., when many men came together around burning car together with go out children. Commandos were on time them to to push away hardly, and fuel exploded.
Commandos' training GROM - at on Haiti, before outlet home. Commandos' training GROM - at on Haiti,before outlet home.
All those situations caused that LIGHTENING had gained the liking and acknowledgement of occupants of island. Additionally, decision about it institution bullet-proof vest and helmets as well as rifles MP -5 waked among enemies of presence of international strengths respect.
LIGHTENING returned home 13 December 1994 r. for his service from mouths of president of Haiti they heard Polish " I thank". The Wiliam Perry, the secretary of defence of USA, one's on hand the commander handed over the commemorative medal in proof the acknowledgement. Minister T. D. West he distinguished one's commemorative medals four soldiers GROM - at affirmer him protection. Colonel Petelicki he as first foreigner received "Medal handicap Military Merit".
Mission GROM - at she on Haiti was successful very. Commandos proved that they were trained very good, they came back richer about new experiences and collected very high opinions.
Lieutenant colonel Manuel Diemer asked about possible differences in training GROM - at and he answered "Zielonych Beretów":
There have not no large differences, thingamabob only level. A bit different is destination. We have the wide range of workings very, and LIGHTENING is more specialized individual. We from your commandos learnt very good the methods of overpowering persons without use it protects, in personality's protection. Different methods of "cleaning" apply also somewhat [invading] rooms. We will compare it from our, we will test and choose with both systems the best elements.6
The success of mission he caused, that LIGHTENING was recognized for credible partner for the best this type of individuals on world. Soon hereinafter event LIGHTENING partook in common practices with Deltą and 22. SAS.7
In June 1995 r. LIGHTENING was put in state of the highest readiness in relationship from kidnapping by Bosnian Serbów two Polish officers, which were treated lifelike shields in retaliation for attack of aviation NATO on Bosnian Serbów's positions. Along with were quit in result of negotiation 24 soldiers of ONZ kept in Bośni fortunately. LIGHTENING was already they say finished to action when message had come that officers after negotiations were free of charge.8
19 December 1995 r. to reserve went away the creator and first the commander of individual the colonel Sławomir Petelicki. The Lieutenant Colonel became the successor Marian Sowiński, the colonel passed on him in symbolic gesture his MP -5. Na ceremony of delivery the command present m.in. were the as well as attaches military minister of national defence, minister of internal matters, boss of Sztabu of Generalnego WP, ambassador of Wielkiej Brytanii and deputy of ambassador of Zjednoczonych Stanów, sea and the air - these states.9
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Misja UNTAES in eastern Slawonii
7 October 1995 r. the international Court of Justice criminal ds. former Jugosławii - ICTY (International Criminal Tribunal handicap The Former Yugoslavia) the preliminary secret indictment gave against perpetrators massacre in village Ovcara. He the indictment was directed against: Miles Mrksiciowi, Miroslavowi Radiciowi, Veselinowi Sljivancaninowi, Slavko Dokmanoviciowi. Accusation hugged on 260 men the accomplishment of massacre, violation by them graves, gross violation and war customs as well as crime against mankind. His making top secret had to help in drawing from terrain of Federacyjnej Republiki of Jugosławii accused. It massacre this was executed was 19 November 1991 r. took from hospital the whenas of individual of Jugosłowiańskiej Ludowej Armii in Vukovarze about 400 men. It some after preliminary selection were freed was, remaining it was taken to building on farm in village Ovcara. There imprisoned men were partite on had calculated since ten to twenty men groups. It it was loaded was them on lorry and take away south with leading to village road Grabovo. In being about 900 metres from road ravine Ovcara - Grabovo soldiers, shooting from rifles, they killed 260 men. The bulldozer after massacre of the victims' body was rummaged with the help of in mass grave. It after extradition of indictment began the hunting on Slavko Dokmanovicia. The main indictment was given given 3 April 1996 r.
In 1996 r. soldiers GROM - at they happened to eastern Slawonii as police group. They acted as Polska Specjalna Policyjna Grupa there (Polish Special Police Group). Police, because individual was subject to the ministry of internal matters. It it with time was begun was applying name Polska Specjalna Grupa (Polish Special Group). 53 soldiers to Slawonii left. the colonel proved in this time with individual (later be promoted to degree of brigadier) Marian Sowiński. Them the main tasks then the protection VIP - that, protection of small objects about strategic meaning, escorting the groups of national minorities as well as prevention the possible demonstrations, and in time the instant needs the responsiveness.
The most spectacular and simultaneously first this was type operation arrest war criminal Slavko Dokmanovicia called "Rzeźnikiem from Vukowaru", which during it prosecution mayor's function Vukowaru along with responsible was colonel Mile Mrksiciem, captain Miroslavem Radiciem as well as major Veselinem Sljivancaninem for accomplishment massacre in village Ovcara.
The soldiers of Polskiej Specjalnej Grupy on patrol. The soldiers of Polskiej Specjalnej Grupy on patrol.
Preparation to well-known under cryptonym operation "Little Flower" they were very long-lasting and difficult. It belonged to to collect the information about residence in demand as much as possible possibly, in the demand in controlled by UNTAES zone protection, her morale and training, the followers' number (United Nations Transitional Authority the in Eastern Slavonia, Baranja the and Western Sirmium - the Tymczasowa Administracja of Zjednoczonych in Wschodniej Slawonii Narodów, Baranji and Zachodnim Śremie). They in composition of group argumentations operation came in: The Kofi Annan - the general secretary of ONZ, directly him the subordinate temporary administrator the general J. P. Klein, the boss of mission in eastern Slawonii, J. Clint Williamson from ICTY the temporary administrator's special assistant as well as command of subunit the GAMES. The commander of military quota UNTAES, Belgian general of division was engaged also Willy Hanset. The government of United States about operation was not it informed even. In May 1997 r. experts from ICTY recognised, that the opportunity of caption can come soon Dokmanovicia. Commandos GROM - at they started intensified preparations. They organized team designed to caption Dokmanovicia and his escorting, team medical, sharpshooter and recognition. All be prepared, agreement was received on execution action. It the practices in region of planned action were conducted was, obviously in deep secret before local population. Masked commandos GROM - at by three days they waited on appearance Slavko Dokmanovicia. Unfortunately in demand he did not it appear. It belonged to modify plan and to execute him before 15 July, whenas Croatian powers had to take over from UNTAES administration. Agents ICTY got confidence Dokmanovicia convincing him, that it he found oneself on letter in demand. Him alone it depended on selling in Slawonii which was owner house. Convinced about temporary safety UNTAES insisted on meeting with representatives. To the transportation of ONZ to assure him on border passage safety had to wait on him. Whole action had to be recorded on audio tapes and video as well as fotografowanA in archival aims. He had then to be proof also that stopped right did not it were broken.
Operation began 27 June 1997 r. about hour 14:55. Slavko Dokmanović he entered trained soldier's steered by especially car GROM - at, on territory eastern Slawonii. Different vehicle after abandonment on bridge border passage on Dunaju arrived road to him soon. Car transporting Dokmanovicia he went down from main road suddenly, reaching to region chosen it on the spot of execution operation. There exactly about hour 15:00 soldiers GROM - at they stopped suspicious. His bodyguard, Milan Kneziević, he tried to take out from kept on knees briefcase charged revolver Magnum kalibru 357 adherent to S. Dokmanovicia. It did not it pretend him then the thanks the quick drive and violent turns of steering-wheel of car. Soldiers GROM - at they stopped Slavko Dokmanovicia as criminal war in demand by international Court of Justice ad litem zbrodnii war. Agents in several minutes hereinafter ICTY was passed on, broughts on airport in Ćepinie and put away to Hagi. The operation "Little the Flower" she finished oneself the full success mainly thanks to professionalism the soldiers and commander of Polskiej Specjalnej Grupy.
Stop Slavko Dokmanovicia. Stop Slavko Dokmanovicia.
It was speculated initially that the Russian rented by international Court of Justice in Hadze mercenaries executed arrests. Croatian press passed that dependent UNTAES had conducted action Croatian police or police and soldiers. Information about this, who caught Slavko Dokmanovicia provide for she was in secret. This dictated about safety of Polish the servants' soldiers with worry on terrain of former Jugosławii was, as and the participants of mission the UNTAES. After mission in eastern Slawonii J. P. Klein he delivered such opinion about soldiers GROM - at:
They are the most professional and the best trained group from what worked. Destruction tactical aim is soldier's thing or strategic, police work this stop, arrest and imprisonment. LIGHTENING is the best in both these fields.10
Later on general's special request J. P. Kleina chosen soldiers GROM - at they co-operated from him in Sarajewie.
The Polish commandos' action from GROM - at former first operation of this type. The soldiers of strengths of United special States and states NATO used with Polaków's experiences near carrying out such actions. Slavko Dokmanović he commited suicide in day 29 June 1998 r. Powiesił oneself in diligently watched cell. Decision 15 July 1998 r. court remitted conduct against Slavko Dokmanoviciowi with reason his death.11
In day 25 August 1997 r. the colonel Marian Sowiński he received the appointment on degree of brigadier.12
6 December 1997 r. colonel Sławomir Petelicki he hugged again commander's position 2305, and 15 August 1998 r. received on degree of brigadier promotion.13
The next example of effectiveness GROM - at the organizing on terrain of Europy of secret practices of leadership of special operations under cryptonym will be "Elipse Bravo 98". During these the practices the general Sławomir Petelicki he as first foreigner proved by two days the whole special strengths of United States, finding oneself on terrain Polski, in this the elitist individual Delta. Practically in the same time the soldiers GROM - at they conducted oneself true the workings - rearwards effectively, that the deputy of commander and chief of staff of individual the Lieutenant Colonel Sławomir Górka as well as two different officers GROM - at become honoured 15 October by president with Krzyżami of Zasługi for Dzielność.14
In June 1998 r. the commandos partook in practices "Dagger One" along with commandos of 10. Grupy of Sił of United Specjalnych States as well as the "Komandosów"'s 1. Specjalnego Pułku.15
The commandos of Grupy of Reagowania Operacyjno - Manewrowego they returned on Bałkany. Day he 7 May 1999 r. the spokesman of department of domectic affairs and administration passed to knowledge, that from several weeks the group 27 soldiers from special individual the GAMES protects in Kosowie the boss of mission of verifying organization safety and co-operation in Europie, Williama G. Walkera. Soldiers GROM - at they protected oneself on his clear request ambassador and it was then them only task. - The ambassador's Protection Walkera it is our soldiers' only task he - underlined the spokesmen of MSWiA, denying, as to he had in any way the GAMES to engage oneself in conflict in Kosowie. The commandos protected also Johna's, British general deputy of military boss of mission Drewienkiewicza. The terrain of working of soldiers GROM - at he will be extensive. He hugged Kosowo, and after evacuation mission OBWE also Macedonię and Albanię. In time of exercise of this mission sure radio station passed, that the commandos GROM - at they direct in view and fight with Serbami. For jednej on the part of both LIGHTENING how and whole Polish military quota became enemy, which exposed our soldiers and citizens on unnecessary niebazpieczeństwo.16
Team this both in Kosowie, as and he later in Macedonii never did not it disappoint my expectations. They executed magnificently their task in the most the most difficult and the most dangerous circumstances. Their activity, embracing m.in. the analysis of questions the safety as well as recognition of unfriendly terrain before planned visits, she permitted me to concentrate on work and to leave in them the matters of safety and protection the professional hands. [...] She Was then the operation about large meaning and of hazard high degree. Your ministry, GAMES as well as whole Polska can be proud with professionalism, commitment and impeccable exercise by their representatives duties [...]
He in this way komplementował the GAMES in special directed to boss of MSWiA the ambassador letter Walker, consummative his work the boss of verifying mission OBWE.17
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Kosowo
6 August 2001 r. the Minister of Narodowej Obrony Bronisław Komorowski informed, that LIGHTENING participates in workings in Kosowie and it executes there the secret tasks. Lieutenant colonel Roman Polko, commander GROM - at, for the first time admitted: Is LIGHTENING in Kosowie and it realizes tasks these which were put. I it will not come out these tasks obviously.31- Są hereinafter not only there to be, but in order to to execute concrete tasks - colonel told then Roman Polko.32
It about this it, that LIGHTENING operates on Bałkanach was told was from longer time however the Ministry of Defence denied every time information these. Soldiers operated in this region since May till September 2001 r.
It on Bałkanach acted a dozen or so soldiers GROM - at. They were subject to under command Polsko - the Ukraińskiego Batalionu of Pokojowych Sił in Kosowie, which commander was the colonel lieutenant Bogdan Tworkowski. Commandos they acted in Polish and in American zone. They led a fewdays' patrols, they searched dangerous regions, they made some thorough study the venue plotting Albańczyków. They co-operated from special individuals of American army.
Commandos usually operated with night. Workings in track which sharpshooter and observer lay over two days on open position happened. Field conditions, there in this was Kosowa part difficult because mountains had after ok. 2 tys. of metres of height here. Soldiers stopped at foot jednej of such mountains gun-runner transporting transporting smuggled goods on donkeys. They made some thorough study hamlet guerrillas in which met also, store-house in jednym of houses was it protects and equipment.33
Enduring Freedom - Afganistan 2002
9 November 2001 r. in barracks GROM - at Prime Minister Leszek Miller he met oneself with soldiers this individual. LIGHTENING it will not be complicated in no political rows - Leszek assured the soldiers of individual, Prime Minister Miller.They 34 prime minister with minister of defence visited the individual in barracks together. Inspecting the individual of premieres the and minister of defence m.in. saw how it be reflects from railway car the hostages as helicopter be won. After practices Prime Minister named GAMES our with export the best article and underlined that it will not it be already round individual political storms: - Our predecessors made something what for this individual it was very difficult and what GROM undermined good reputation - at. This it will not repeat oneself. It interested journalists or and when LIGHTENING will fly to Afganistanu. Both premieres how and they it had not minister to saying thereon subject a lot of.35
The prime minister of RP Leszek Miller, the minister of Narodowej Obrony Jerzy Szmajdziński, the Szef SG of WP gen. Czesław Piątas as well as the commander and officers GROM - at during visit in individual. The prime minister of RP Leszek Miller, the minister of Narodowej Obrony Jerzy Szmajdziński, the Szef SG of WP gen. Czesław Piątas as well as the commander and officers GROM - at during visit in individual.
Spring 2002 r. commandos GROM - at they flew to Afganistanu. They before departure followed the a course of instruction exceptionally intensely, especially in mountain regions. Soldiers GROM - at they happened with experts of Środowej Azji also as well as they would get to know climbing in Afganistanie Alpine climbers better local culture, turns in local dialects. They Poles had for task to protect Polish base in Bagram, commander's personnel NATO and diplomatists spending in Afganistanie as well as king-pin visitor this region.It it 36 Afghan Operację was named was "Enduring Freedom". The GAMES became it passed the number the sended soldiers of individual. Different information at medias appeared. "Sprawiedliwość without borders" led in a great way antyterrorystyczna begun after attempts with 11 September operation was named ("Infinite Justice").
American commanders would exert oneself all the time LIGHTENING he could execute typically military tasks also. What they reached result, I do not it know this unfortunately.37
Radio RMF FM passed 27 June 2002 r., wounded jeden of soldiers GROM became - at. It to incident came during patrol round base Bagram. Commandos accompanied in him Polish sappers. Commando stood up on rocky splinter, under which antipersonnel face was. Nothing threatens soldier's life fortunately. Information, that wounded GROM is officer - at, department confirmed unofficially defence and General Staff. The Wiceszef of MON - at Janusz Zemke he did not it want this however to to comment on.38 25 June folded with six soldiers patrol had for task to recognize calculating 3 the tys. of metres the mountain K -6, it from which of top it is possible will control the whole valley Panszir. She mountain be classified as recognized and it menaced with faces. Task had jednego day to be executed in draught. Temperature achieved 50centigrade's. In time of patrol the soldiers found ammunition and traces of the men's presence quite a the lot. They apeak reached in noon. They marched after small rocks. Five commandos on unlucky stone stood up. When sixth stone stood up on him he slumped starting detonator. Commando flew to mountain, he turned somersaults. He was lucky large because if would throwed aside him in trick or right, he would fall in precipice. Colleagues' Jeden from him had reflex and caught him. Commando fell on stones, blood gushed from leg with large stream leg looked how jelly. Palm be massacred, and holey in tens places with rocky splinters body. Explosion was so strong that she torn out soldier shoe and dropped him rucksack. Wounded they gave help two paramedycy entering in composition of section immediately. Commandos stayed they covered between rocks and insured wounded and eachother's because explosion could be the element of ambush. It wounded it was passed was antalgic immediately and dress wound professionally - thanks soldier did not it lose leg ago. Tens minutes he from explosion commando was transported to field hospital in Bagram. On the next day hereinafter was transported event from Amerykanów's group to military base together in Ramstein. After arrival flew away with special airplane to hospital near ul. immediately he Szaserów in Warszawie. Turned out it, that the soldier had the plurilocular fracture of bone of shin, plurilocular fracture of bone of heels as well as deep decreases the skórno the muscular shins and heel, then in left leg. Splinters the off legs and palm were shredded also. The minister of defence visited second day after arrival to Polski in soldier's hospital Jerzy Szmajdziński. Treatment has to occupy year, next year will fall on rehabilitation. The thanks of professionally given help by colleagues from team as well as the quick metastasis home, organized guided by Amerykanów the commando he did not it lose the leg.39
Persian Gulf 2002-2003
However from spring 2002 r. till autumn 2003 r. 24 commandos GROM - at it operated afloat Persian Gulf. The commandos served in Kuwejcie in frames of Polskiego Wojskowego Kontyngentu. Soldiers GROM - at they acted from platoon of American special individual together Navy SEAL in situation direct it risk life. He informed about this the commander of aircraft carrier USS "George Washington" - the admiral Joseph Sestak - aboard, which the commandos were the stacioned GROM - at. Supervising on trade embargo was their task oil, put on on Irak by ONZ. Mission this was difficult and dangerous because all the time soldiers had be subject on attacks on the part of armed crews controlled ships. To protection of ships controlled by Polaków, organized guided the mafias (because these the most often deal with with smuggling of oil) they rent the mercenaries often. Administer they armed minisubs, which are able to destroy used by inspectors ships. Only Amerykanie, Brytyjczycy and Kanadyjczycy except Polish soldiers afloat Persian Gulf operate. American commanders stepped out with conclusion about distinction all operators GROM - at distinction "Medal handicap Military Merit", the same has to get individual GAMES.40
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Operacja in Iraku
12 March 2003 r. the spokesman of ministry of national defence the colonel Eugeniusz Mleczak confirmed that tens had left the soldiers of special individual GAMES in region of Perskiej Zatoki. Soldiers will participate in international action GAMES against terrorists " Wolność Trwała" in Kuwejcie. " The Operation this have no concern with the preparation of attack on Irak" - Eugeniusz marked Mleczak. It earlier afloat Persian Gulf operated 24 soldiers GROM - at they - supervised put on they warnings embargo by ONZ on Irak. They were exchanged by their colleagues now.45
18 March 2003 r. spokesman of the Col's MON Eugeniusz Mleczak informed that chemists, commandos in composition of Polish quota of international strengths in Iraku would enter the GAMES and the ship of support of logistic ORP " the Kontradmirał Xawery Czernicki" - on ship to serve the commandos have also the Grupy of naval Specjalnej "Formoza". Spokesman passed the exact composition of Polish military quota: the subunit of individual the GAMES in quantity 56 soldiers. He explained that this strengthener 24 marked practically - the personal participating in operation subunit "Enduring Freedom" in region Afganistanu about 32 soldiers as well as change of character of their commitment. Soldiers belong to water squad LIGHTENING. 74 in composition of quota has to enter also - the personal platoon of liquidation of contaminations as well as ORP " the Kontradmirał Xawery Czernicki" with 53 soldiers, which it spends at present already in Persian Gulf, participating in operation "Enduring Freedom".46
The platoon of liquidation of contaminations be becomes disposed beyond area of Iraku. Ship "Czernicki" it will execute logistic tasks. Soldiers GAMES peaceably from their destination, training and equipment will be used to workings special - Mleczak said.47
LIGHTENING fights in Iraku
Polish commandos from GROM - at they get in direct fights part in Iraku. Are proud, that the secretary of defence of USA estimated their working high Donald Rumsfeld - minister said national defence Jerzy Szmajdziński.48
Information about commandos' part GROM - at the secretary of defence of USA in direct fights passed Donald Rumsfeld. She was then the praise after action of reflection from hands of Iraqi oil terminals in harbour Um Kasr (Umm Quasr), the operators of ending of pipelines leaders from deposits to Persian Gulf. LIGHTENING in track of operation in Iraku is subject to the command of operation directly, but orders be given professional advice from General Polish Staff. In case the command of individual if would recognised that it it was not able to execute tasks, it has the right to refuse the realization of order. Subunit GROM - at it co-operates in Iraku from American squads Navy SEAL. The action of reflection of oil terminals was conducted in night 20 March 2003 r. commandos returned near peninsula the intermediate pumping stations of petroleum, station of processing of oil Fao and two sea mining platforms. Exactly about 22:25 commandos be gave on platform and searched room in search guards as well as different members of crew. And rifles gładkolufowych crowbars metal doors were broken with the help of. Two minutes after presumption boarding, objects were fully controlled by commandos. It the prisoners (after about 20 on every of platforms) it was has passed on was hampered in American hands with plastic handcuffs.49
Polish commandos swam on two gunboats who patrolled in neighbourhoods of outlet of Tygrysu the Northern coast of Persian Gulf also. They had for task to seek trying to escape the commanders, representatives of higher powers of regime Saddama Husajna, to mine the as well as saboteurs liable snipers the finding objects oneself afloat how and the water of gulf. They controlled ships in search also it protects, explosive and suspicious persons. Lasting patrols even after 12 hours, the most often night they had to prevent the tests of sabotage and it protected transporting.50
Press conference 23 March took place in track which Polish side confirmed commandos' part GROM - at in fights in Iraku. This bright became after application of information by agency "*******" about part the commandos GROM - at and it release the pictures of individual.
I confirm in name of MON and General Staff which co-ordinates in operation part of our quota disarming Iraku that LIGHTENING takes part in operation, but in region of gulf afloat coastal - press spokesman of the Col's MON Eugeniusz Mleczak, 23 March 2003 r. 51
We have on the part of the splendid support the Polish armies - gen. Victor Renuart, the commander of operation USCENTCOM, armed service of USA in Iraku. He expressed for Polish soldiers these words of acknowledgement during press conference in centre argumentation in Katarze 25 March 2003 r. Dodał, that squads GROM - at they are in Iraku "very seen miles". According to Polish ministry of defence, LIGHTENING participates in safing in neighbourhood of harbour the coastal region Umm Kasr.53
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GROM becomes in Iraku
17 September 2003 r. spokesman of the Col's MON Eugeniusz Mleczak informed that soldiers GROM - at at present do not it lead no workings on terrain of Iraku. Soldiers do not it lead GAMES the workings on territory of Iraku at present, it was regrouped, they co-operate with soldiers different countries, mainly United State, tasks will execute in our zone - Mleczak said. 66
This does not it mark obviously that individual soldiers will be GAMES still to spend over Persian Gulf we - at the beginning October will execute rotation - spokesman marked.67
Soldiers are in Iraku on the ground president's decisions relating whole Polish quota - spokesman of Col's MON informed Eugeniusz Mleczak. Explained, that to 15 September commandos GROM - at they acted on the ground president's embracing the Gulf States previous decision Perskiej. Their decision from half of September is in force with 6 June, in thought which Polish military calculating to 2,5 men's tys. quota on territory of Iraku can be.68
However 19 September during visit in Polsce of boss of Połączonego Komitetu of chief of staff Richarda's gen. Myersa, the chief of staff gen. Czesław Piątas told, that catching all the leaders of regime Husajna it is extremely important. In this SCOLD operation soldiers of our they take part - general said Piątas.69
In interview for " Zbrojnej Polski" the minister of defence Jerzy Szmajdziński 60 said that LIGHTENING had conducted in Iraku the complicated operations. Asked about then Col Polko, commander GROM - at he answered I - have Nie in this matter anything addible. The colonel gave the similar answer, when Jarosław the Rybak asked about statement Czesława's gen. Piątasa, the chief of staff Generalnego, on the present tasks of individual in Iraku ( the gene walks about statement with 19 September). I - in this matter it have not anything more to saying Also - Col answered Polko.It 70 O workings GROM - at in Iraku as yet little was it is knowed was. The takes over the oil terminals was Jedną of them ( the described action earlier), and also frustration of destruction on jednej of rivers the dam near Bagdadu, next the Col disclosed what the Polko, clearing of mines the ships.71
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