U.S. Army Garrison Poland leaders and university partners cut the ribbon on a new Army Education Center at Powidz on April 15, 2026, expanding academic and career development resources for soldiers and civilians serving overseas. (Stanford Toran/U.S. Army)
POWIDZ, Poland — As U.S. forces continue to expand their presence in Poland, garrison leaders say new support services are also making progress, including access to higher education for troops stationed in the country.
The effort was on display Wednesday as U.S. Army Garrison Poland officially opened its new education center in Powidz, marking the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“This is one step toward better supporting the soldiers, civilians and family members assigned to or deployed in Poland,” Col. Jeremy A. McHugh, commander of USAG Poland, said at the ceremony. “We haven’t been doing this long. It’s been incremental improvements, and the education center is part of that.”
The new facility expands access to academic resources for soldiers and civilians stationed at the forward site, supporting professional development during overseas assignments.
Col. Jeremy A. McHugh, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Poland, presents a graduation certificate to Marland Bowes during a ceremony in Powidz, Poland, on April 15, 2026. (Stanford Toran/U.S. Army)
After years of deploying rotational units to locations across Poland, the Army established a more permanent presence in 2022 with the opening of Camp Kosciuszko in Poznan.
As its footprint has grown, the Army has taken steps to add resources, including those aimed at supporting professional development during military assignments in Poland. The effort is part of a broader push to bring services more in line with those at long-established U.S. bases elsewhere in Europe.
Prior to the ribbon-cutting, seven soldiers who earned associate and bachelor’s degrees while serving overseas were recognized during a graduation ceremony.
“It is a rare and remarkable thing to balance the demands of military service with the rigors of higher education, and yet these soldiers have done just that,” Magella Lanham, education services officer for the garrison, said during the graduation ceremony.
Seven soldiers turn their tassels during a graduation ceremony at U.S. Army Garrison Poland on April 15, 2026, at Powidz, Poland, marking their achievements of earning associate’s and bachelor’s degrees while serving overseas. (Stanford Toran/U.S. Army)
The center will serve as a key hub for education and career development as U.S. forces continue rotations in the region, officials said.
“For our soldiers, this facility represents more than a place to study,” Lanham added. “It is a resource for guidance, growth and professional advancement — one that strengthens the entire Powidz community.”
McHugh also praised the graduates for their commitment.
“Earning a degree at any level is never easy, but doing so while serving your country takes discipline, grit and vision,” he said. “What you’ve achieved strengthens the entire force.”
In addition, advising centers opened for University of Maryland Global Campus and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.