The tank crew course conducted by the Świętoszów OSL is the first in a series planned for this year. Soldiers from the 10BKPanc and 34BKPanc are taking part. To streamline the training of a large number of armored vehicle soldiers, a training company consisting of four training platoons was established. “The first two platoons train specialists: commanders, gunners and loaders. Drivers train in the next two platoons,” said senior warrant officer Artur Głos, an OSL instructor responsible for planning the course. “Due to the very large number of trainees, the training was extended to three months.”
So far, the soldiers have completed, among other activities, live-fire training using simulators and training systems at the Leopard Training Centre. They carried out tasks including engaging moving and stationary targets using ASPT simulators; practicing the assembly and disassembly of MG3 and MG3A1 machine guns; and loading ammunition and operating the loader’s station before, during and after firing in manual-control, observation and full-stabilization modes. “During the next classes, the trainees will, among other things, improve their proficiency in firing at a higher level. The classes will be based on the ASPT simulator and will involve firing at targets at night and in limited visibility,” said Warrant Officer Głos.
Drivers train using other training systems. Senior Sergeant Bogusław Budasz conducted a class using the Leopard NJ training tank. “This tank is intended for learning how to drive a Leopard. Today, the soldiers are learning to reverse into a garage. This is done with one instructor standing in front of the tank and guiding the trainee, while another instructor behind the tank indicates to the guiding instructor how much distance remains between the driver and the wall,” Sergeant Budasz continued.
Several meters away, a group of armored vehicle soldiers prepares a tank for wading and deep wading under the supervision of Corporal Łukasz Strzałkowski, while at another training station, preparations are under way for the tank to cross a deep water obstacle. “The soldiers’ task is to prepare the pipe for mounting on the tank. This involves connecting three components, fitting the seals and installing all communication cables on the tank,” explains Corporal Paweł Ryś. “During the class, the soldiers learn how to properly install the air shaft, correctly seal and secure the interior of the vehicle and the space between the turret and hull. These procedures must be known and performed very carefully, as the crew’s safety depends on them.”
The young armored vehicle soldiers still have many days of training ahead, including learning about the tank’s construction and operation, handling its onboard armament and individual weapons, practicing the practical skills of crew members on the AAT simulator, a series of daytime and nighttime live-fire exercises on ASPT, training on a combat simulator and precision firing on the AGDUS simulator.
Katarzyna Przepióra