The first field training exercise of the year is an opportunity to improve the level of training achieved and test teamwork using the capabilities of combat equipment.
The training conducted so far has included specialist classes attended by soldiers from all specialties: gun and launcher crews, radio operators, topographers, meteorologists, reconnaissance soldiers, drivers, mechanics and cooks. All soldiers were able to test themselves in difficult field-training conditions, changing weather conditions, and during the day and at night.
Tactics is the leading subject of training at the training area, but general military training was also conducted. As part of it, regiment soldiers honed their skills in throwing live grenades, carrying out engineering tasks using explosives, and training in defense against weapons of mass destruction while operating in a contaminated environment.
For artillery soldiers, live-fire artillery exercises are a key element of training. The Fire Control Training (TKO) is where the coordination of all elements involved in developing firing data, entering it into the guns and firing is tested—from detecting a target to neutralizing it. It is a complicated process requiring knowledge, skill and commitment, none of which was lacking among the soldiers of the 3rd Rocket Artillery Squadron.
The subordinates of Major Piotr Kobyłecki, acting commander of the 3rd Squadron (WR-40 Langusta), carried out live-fire missions in daylight and at night as part of the “Zamieć–15” Fire Control Training exercise. Battery commanders were assessed on planning and organizing combat operations, as well as their ability to command a subunit in combat, while the subunits were assessed on carrying out assigned tasks.
The combat-training test for the three rocket artillery batteries was the Langusta–15 tactical-special exercise, held from 11 to 13 February. For three days, the subordinates of Captain Łukasz Sołtyszewski carried out activities involving reaching readiness to undertake operations, operating in the initial area, providing fire support and operating as a subunit in various battlefield situations. These forms of training enabled the squadron commander to check the command system, the squadron fire-control system, and the combat and logistical support elements of the subordinate subunits.
Based on the Langusta-15 tactical-special exercise, the commander of the 23rd Artillery Regiment, Colonel Paweł Świtalski, conducted an instructional and methodological exercise for squadron commanders and independent subunits. Its aim was to guide the subordinates in preparing and conducting tactical exercises with batteries and companies, as well as to improve their methodological and organizational skills in the role of class leaders. The instructional and methodological exercise concluded with the regiment commander assigning tasks concerning training and methodological activities and the preparation of tactical exercises.
At the same time, the subordinates of Major Dariusz Kramarski, commander of the 1st Self-Propelled Artillery Squadron (DANA), are conducting training activities. During tactical-special classes held by the squadron commander with the command battery and the 1st self-propelled artillery battery, they coordinated the information-flow system, combat-support activities, and activities involved in preparing and controlling fire. The training culminated in live-fire missions conducted during the day and at night using the Topaz automated fire-control system. The completed tasks received a very good rating.
The logistics battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Pochodaj, is coordinating the subordinate companies for tactical and logistical operations. During the training, he is improving platoon and squad commanders’ skills in planning and organizing combat operations, as well as in the practical implementation of logistical support under various battlefield conditions.
The authorized personnel rosters of the subunits are being supplemented by soldiers of the National Reserve Forces called up for rotational military exercises. In the artillery squadrons and support subunits, they are improving their skills. Participation in field training is a specific test of their suitability for their assigned positions, because after completing the exercises, every NRF soldier will receive an assessment and service opinion from their commander that will affect their future.
Each field-training day means ten arduous, demanding hours of training six days a week, often involving continuous training lasting several days. But where, if not here at the training area, can training be conducted on such a large scale, with artillery firing ranges, kilometers of trackless terrain and varied landscapes at one’s disposal? Especially since difficult tests await the Bolesławiec artillery soldiers this year—their participation in exercises conducted by their superiors.
The field training of the 23rd Artillery Regiment’s subunits will end on 19 February with a movement—a road march to the garrison.
Capt. Remigiusz Kwieciński/ii