During the first days of training, the soldiers traditionally familiarize themselves with the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade and undergo administrative and logistical procedures related, among other things, to registration, receiving uniforms, learning about the structure of subunits and the training plan. Once the formalities have been completed and the candidates have undergone initial training, they face a physical fitness test. The test consists of four disciplines assessing the candidate’s overall fitness and motor skills.
The first discipline is a 3,000-meter cross-country run for men and a 1,000-meter run for women. To receive the top grade in this stage, men must complete the course in 13 minutes 50 seconds, and women in 4 minutes 45 seconds. This discipline often poses a challenge to candidates for professional military service. Meanwhile, every armored soldier in Świętoszów covers this distance several times a week during morning physical exercises. Therefore, managing it is absolutely essential.
The next discipline is pull-ups on a high bar for men. Ten repetitions are required for a very good grade, or six to pass. Women perform arm bends and extensions while supported face-down on a bench, as in push-ups; 28 repetitions are required for a very good grade, or 18 to pass. This event requires good strength preparation. Once the discipline that caused the most problems, it is increasingly becoming a driving force for thorough training ahead of the fitness examination.
As part of the strength test, the volunteers also perform forward trunk bends, or sit-ups, of which men must complete 50 and women 37 within two minutes. This is the standard for the top grade. The average score of 4.5 achieved by the group of NSR soldiers currently being examined in this discipline clearly shows that achieving the highest mark is no problem for the young candidates.
The final event is a speed test. Men perform a 10 × 10-meter shuttle run, which they must complete in 31 seconds. Women, on the other hand, perform a zigzag run, known as the envelope run, with 27 seconds allowed to complete it.
More than 70% of those who reported for the training passed the test. The physical education grade is a partial grade which, together with grades for knowledge of standards and the shooting grade, will ultimately provide a complete picture of the soldier’s training.
Starting next week, the volunteers serving in the command company, supply company and repair company of the logistics battalion of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade will head to the training ground, where, together with professional soldiers, they will take classes on, among other things, achieving training standards, combat drill and other subjects.
More information on the website of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade in Świętoszów (tab: join us).
(information: Katarzyna Przepióra/ii)