The Świętoszów OSL is the only training centre in the Polish Armed Forces providing training for technical specialists working on equipment from the Leopard family. It trains repair specialists in tank armament and chassis for the two armoured brigades belonging to the Black Division: 10BKPanc and 34BKPanc. In addition, the centre prepares mechanics for other repair units, such as the 11th Repair Battalion in Żagań and the Regional Technical Workshops.
The scope of knowledge and skills taught to course participants enables them to carry out advanced repairs on Leopard 2 tanks. “At present, the logistics specialists’ course is conducting two specialist mechanic training programmes,” said Captain Waldemar Smętek, head of the logistics specialists’ course. “Since 8 February, we have been running a course for Leopard 2A4 chassis mechanics, during which the trainees have become familiar with the construction and operation of the tank’s chassis. They are currently learning how to service and repair the tank chassis.”
The trainees perform servicing under the supervision of the centre’s instructors: Senior Sergeant Karol Madej and Senior Corporal Mariusz Nikifur, working together with mechanics from the repair company of 10BKPanc, commanded by Senior Sergeant Witold Szpunar and Senior Sergeant Tomasz Sokół.
The opportunity to work together while servicing and repairing vehicles at repair stations in the maintenance hall helps improve the skills of the soldiers being trained. Thanks to the joint efforts of the centre and the repair subunit, combat vehicles are serviced and repaired to a high standard, which positively affects the operational readiness of the 10BKPanc tanks.
“During the Leopard 2A4 tank chassis mechanics course, I sometimes carry out very complex repairs. Such tasks include, for example, separating the powerpack assembly or replacing solenoids. It is inspiring work and gives me a great deal of satisfaction. At the same time, it forces me to continually expand my knowledge and improve my skills,” said course participant Senior Corporal Paweł Guzik of 10BKPanc.
The second technical course currently under way is a course for tank armament mechanics. Following a series of lectures, practical training in the construction and operation of Leopard tank armament has begun. After becoming familiar with this subject, the trainees will learn how to service and repair the tank’s armament.
Periodic tests are one of the elements of the course. On 21 April, a theoretical and practical test was held after the first stage of training. After passing the written test, each trainee randomly selected questions for the practical part. “I drew a task for which I was very well prepared. It involved installing and replacing the reservoir in an HKV pump,” said Private First Class Jarosław Piękoś of 34BKPanc.
After the entire training programme ends, in about two months, the course participants will still have final examinations ahead of them. “Our graduates join the ranks of the combat and logistics subunits of 11DKPanc. Despite the three-and-a-half-month training programme, they often still contact us after it has ended about complicated faults. We then consult on malfunctions they cannot resolve,” said Warrant Officer Arkadiusz Kumaszka, head of the logistics specialists’ training section. “It should be emphasised that the subjects related to chassis mechanics and armament are very extensive. To master them, it is necessary to exchange experience with colleagues during free time. We are pleased when a graduate contacts us and tells us about achievements gained while carrying out complex repair operations independently.”
“The instructional staff of the Leopard Training Centre consists of former battalion soldiers with extensive experience in carrying out tank repairs and servicing,” summed up the centre’s commandant, Major Krzysztof Kacperek. “We supplement our knowledge and skills in the construction of the Leopard 2 tank through courses in Germany, including at the Bundeswehr School of Technical Troops in Aachen. We implement all qualifications, as well as methodological solutions encountered by our instructors abroad, in our day-to-day training activities.”
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