Bart "Sergei" Norman

I would like to start off this new series of articles on Europe’s Finest SOF Units that usually escape the limelight – but whose responsibilities, actions and sacrifice are not inferior to those of the big names like SAS, GROM or KSK. In each episode, I will concentrate on one SOF unit, provide some background […]

It would seem that the Polish MoD has a well thought through strategy in regards to the development of the Armed Forces. Unfortunately I start to doubt that is the case. Not that long ago, I reported about the changes to Polish Special Operations Forces Command (POLSOFCOMM), which involved a division of responsibilities between the […]

Amidst the largest reorganisation of the Command structure in the Polish Armed forces in recent years, the Special Operation Forces Command also went through some changes. With the new year, the Branch Commands have been disbanded and substituted by the General Command of the Armed Forces. A new Special Operation Forces Command went operational on […]

A time comes in every person’s life that he may no longer do his job to a degree that would satisfy him or his superiors. Special Operations Force (SOF) units are no different and eventually all posts need new men to fill in and keep up the fight. It’s no secret that finding the right […]

The last quarter of this year was busy for all EUR SOF units. A major joint training operation was conducted in Europe. This is why this Episode of Europe’s Finest will be dedicated to the Cobra-13 Multinational SOF Exercise. The exercise was started on November 20 and lasted through November 30 at various proving grounds […]

During his stay in Poland, US Secretary of State John Kerry paid a visit to the Łask Polish Airforce Base on Nov 5, 2013. There he had the chance to inspect the F16 squadron that is stationed at the base but also had a chance to honour one of the best Polish soldiers. For his […]

Vice Admiral Sean A. Pybus commander of NATO SOF finished his visit to the Polish Special Operations Forces Command (DWS) based in Krakow. It was his first trip to Poland since he assumed the duties as Commander of NATO Special Forces (NATO Special Operations Forces Headquarters – NS HQ ) in June this year. On […]

Early morning on August 28th, Camp White Eagle of the Polish Contingent in Ghazni Province Afghanistan received an early wake-up call when a suicide bomber detonated his car outside the base entrance. Following the explosion, Taliban fighters stormed the base attacking from three directions at the same time. Taking advantage of the carnage caused by […]

Every day I see that the stage on which we each play our roles is changing the repertoire. I mean comedies are fine but this is starting to turn into a tragicomedy… and a very poor one for that matter. When we speak of this comedy it instantly reminds me of a quote from a […]

For the past 22 years Poland has been celebrating Święto Wojska Polskiego (Polish Army Day) on August 15th. Same as each year, celebrations reach even the furthest contingents that the Polish Army has worldwide. The main celebrations are traditionally held in the capital, Warsaw. But there is more than just Warsaw being the capital to […]

In the last few days, operators from the Polish JW Komandosów (former 1st Special Commando Regiment) conducted operations that resulted in dismantling a terrorist ring in Ghazni province, Afghanistan. The operations conducted with elements of Afghan Police succeeded in uncovering several secret ammunition caches and IED making equipment. During one of the raids operators came […]

I would like to start off this new series of articles on Europe’s Finest SOF Units that usually escape the limelight – but whose responsibilities, actions and sacrifice are not inferior to those of the big names like SAS, GROM or KSK. In each episode, I will concentrate on one SOF unit, provide some background […]