The support company of the mechanized battalion (bz) is commanded by Captain Adam Andryszczak. At the garages in the technical equipment park, he supervises repair and maintenance work on the equipment assigned to the subunit.
The bz support company has six M120 mortars. They are operated by soldiers from two mortar platoons. “As part of classes on the construction and operation of the equipment, the soldiers inspect the 120 mm mortar. This involves dismantling all the mechanisms, carrying out an external inspection, checking its operation, examining the barrel bore, cleaning it, and then lubricating and properly preserving it. The cart’s electrical system and the completeness of the individual equipment sets are also checked,” Captain Andryszczak said.
The company also includes an anti-tank platoon that uses Spike ATGM launchers. “There are six of them in the platoon. This is very modern equipment, currently classified as some of the best in the world. It can be described as an ‘intelligent weapon’ because the launcher operator can maneuver the fired missile, changing its flight trajectory and selecting the target’s most vulnerable point as the point of impact,” Captain Andryszczak said.
Unlike mortars, the launcher’s technical inspection is carried out in the subunit because it cannot be transported. Due to its complex electronics and the manufacturer’s recommendations, the launcher should be serviced in rooms with low humidity and an appropriate temperature. Corporal Łukasz Czupryś takes care of this; the equipment holds no secrets from him. After every use of the Spike, he cleans it, and once a week he performs a BIT test. “During this test, the external components of the CLU (command launch unit) and TS (thermal sight), as well as their switches, are checked. In accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, this test is carried out 24 hours before firing a live missile, before and after use, and periodically once a week,” Corporal Czupryś said.
The Star 266 trucks, of which the company has fourteen, are also inspected, along with other equipment, including a Mercedes Unimog, a ZWD-1 on an MTLB chassis, and optoelectronic equipment: laser rangefinders, PAB azimuth compasses, and communications equipment. Finally, the soldiers check the technical condition of the weapons with which each of them is equipped.
“Preparing the equipment for the intensive training that will begin soon is extremely important. In November and December, the ‘winter school of fire’ awaits us. Proper protection and maintenance will safeguard the equipment and weapons against malfunctions and excessive wear of certain components, and above all will guarantee the trouble-free completion of the tasks ahead of us,” concluded the support company commander, Captain Andryszczak.
Katarzyna Przepióra/ii; consultation: Capt. Adam Andryszczak