Since mid-January 2014, intensive training for subunits has been underway at the training-ground facilities of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade (10BKPanc). On Wednesday, January 22, platoons of the 4th Tank Company trained on the tactical training lane.
The “Platoon in Defense” exercise was intended to provide practical training in platoon operations during comprehensive combat actions. “The training was conducted using the AGDUS combat simulator, which makes it possible to precisely assess the fire effectiveness of individual tank crews,” said the commander of the 4th Tank Company, Captain Marek Kuczyński. “Moreover, two-sided combat using this simulator prompts commanders to develop unconventional, effective tactical solutions suited to the contemporary battlefield. An important benefit of using the simulator is the saving of live ammunition; during the company’s exercise, 94 shots were fired, and they cost nothing.”
Each tactical and firing task was preceded by a simulation of the operation. This is an essential requirement in the 4th Company. Before an operation begins, the commander must ensure that each platoon commander knows their task and that their intended course of action is accepted by the company commander. Therefore, before practical operations, a simulation is organized in the company on what is known as a sandbox—a terrain model.
A very important aspect of the training was preparing the platoons to practice fire control during mobile defense. If the exercise is approved, it will probably be the first exercise of this kind for tank platoons in the Polish Army.
For Captain Kuczyński, it was extremely important to continuously maintain the platoons’ capabilities and readiness to act, particularly before the assessment of their training level, which will take place in February. The result of the platoons’ tactical exercise will significantly determine the promotion of the 4th Company’s personnel. What is more, a high platoon assessment will open the way for the best privates to attend a non-commissioned officers’ school.
The training ended at night. During the final stage of the exercise, the platoons practiced operating in nighttime conditions, using only night vision and thermal imaging.
(information: Katarzyna Przepióra, assistant to the press officer of 10BKPanc in Świętoszów/ii)