According to an analysis published by Spider’s Web, the US presence in Poland is currently mixed in nature—partly permanent and partly rotational. The material emphasizes that rotational US forces are deployed, among other places, in western Poland, in locations such as Żagań, Świętoszów, Bolesławiec and Skwierzyna, clearly demonstrating the scale and dispersion of the existing military presence system.

The Armored Base in Świętoszów

At the same time, this model is beginning to change. Świętoszów is currently undergoing the greatest transformation and, according to available information and investment analyses, is to become one of the most important military investments in the region. Ultimately, the base in this town is expected to accommodate 4,800 American soldiers, together with full logistical, barracks and operational facilities.

In practice, this means the construction of a large, centralized military complex. Infrastructure is being developed in Świętoszów including new barracks, equipment and fuel storage facilities, a command center and a railway siding enabling the transport of heavy weaponry. Perhaps a permanent base, with infrastructure for soldiers’ families as well, will be built there someday.

What About Camp Boles and Bolesławiec?

These changes have direct consequences for Bolesławiec. Camp Boles, where elements of the US Army command have been operating since 2022, remains an important point on the map of the American military presence in Poland, but its role is changing. Until now, several hundred American military personnel had been stationed rotationally in Bolesławiec. According to Bolesławiec Mayor Piotr Roman, speaking at the June session of the City Council, soldiers from Kansas were expected to arrive in Bolesławiec as part of the next rotation. And indeed. On Thursday (June 25), the Bolesławiec garrison saw the handover of command to a new US Army rotation.

After the handover ceremony, the American commanders visited the barracks’ dining hall, where they expressed their sincere thanks for the hospitality. The 43rd Military Economic Division prepared appetizers, refreshments and desserts for the soldiers and commanders, making a strong impression. The Americans did not hide their admiration. Maj. Gen. Monte L. Rone expressed particular appreciation for the hand-carved watermelon decoration, praising the ingenuity and precise execution of the details.

As forces are concentrated in Świętoszów, Bolesławiec is increasingly serving as a support and logistical base, as well as a location for command elements supporting the broader military system in the region. Until now, Camp Boles has housed, in addition to the division command, engineering troops (sappers) and communications personnel.

As a result, something that can be described as a Lower Silesian “military area” is taking shape, comprising Świętoszów as the operational center, Żagań and Trzebień as training and exercise-area support facilities, and Bolesławiec as a command and support element. Wrocław complements the system by serving as a hub for air transport and the movement of forces.

This arrangement enables the rapid movement of troops and equipment within NATO’s eastern flank, while also changing the character of the entire region. Bolesławiec County and the area around Świętoszów are increasingly becoming part of a larger military-logistical system in which civilian and military infrastructure are beginning to overlap.

Economic Benefits for Our Region

For the local economy, this means a growing presence of infrastructure investments, modernization of roads and railway lines, and increased demand for services, including catering, accommodation and transport. Unfortunately, there is also a downside. Large amounts of money are flowing into the region as a whole and to some businesses, but residents are feeling price increases in various sectors, especially in the restaurant industry in the city center.

The changes in Świętoszów and Bolesławiec are therefore not merely local military investments, but part of a broader restructuring of the US presence in Poland—from a dispersed model toward integrated, permanent military infrastructure.

Where Will the Permanent US Army Base Be Built?

The Polish government has begun formal steps aimed at establishing a permanent US military base in Poland, but its final location has not yet been officially announced. Prime Minister Donald Tusk reported that a draft resolution had been adopted to prepare the logistical, organizational and financial conditions for such an investment.

Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz revealed that several locations are being analyzed and have already undergone preliminary verification, but the details remain the subject of talks with the American side.

Experts point to locations in western Poland as having the greatest prospects, where extensive US military infrastructure already exists, including the areas around Poznań, Szczecin and Wrocław. Information has also emerged that such a permanent base could potentially be established in Bolesławiec.

This was mentioned by the BBC:

(…) One potential location mentioned in the media is the expansion of Camp Boles in Bolesławiec—a small base housing the command of an American division.

This Lower Silesian city of 36,000 residents, known for its colorful ceramics, had already felt the impact of the American soldiers’ presence after their arrival in 2017. At the time, there were three restaurants operating there; today there are 20.

Legnica is seeking to host a permanent US Army base. Legnica Mayor Maciej Kupaj recently posted the following statement on social media:

(...) Several months ago, we submitted an offer to the Ministry of National Defence to locate Polish and allied troops in Legnica, proposing to transfer nearly 40 hectares. Legnica is an excellent city with the potential to strengthen the country’s defense. It would be symbolic if, after all these years, Americans appeared in “Little Moscow”...

For now, it can be said that the decision to build the base is drawing closer, but the location has not yet been officially announced. Unofficially, however, the most likely locations for a permanent base are the area around Poznań or Wrocław. The government says talks with the US are expected to conclude in the coming months, and construction preparations could begin as early as 2026.