– Presenting you with your weapons is not merely a matter of completing a soldier’s equipment. A weapon is a soldier’s attribute, a symbol of courage and a guarantee of safety for others. Remember to take care of it, learn through training to use it with the skill of a master, and, when necessary and in special circumstances, use it to ensure the safety of others – said the commander of the 23rd Artillery Regiment, Colonel Paweł Świtalski, addressing the 120 preparatory-service recruits after just a few days spent in the barracks.
During the symbolic presentation of weapons and military booklets to representatives of the four platoons of the training company, the regiment commander congratulated them on the distinction, while wishing them success in training and perseverance in acquiring knowledge.
During Monday’s formation, the newly promoted officers and non-commissioned officers of the 23rd Artillery Regiment also received congratulations from the commander. The group of senior officers was joined by Major Robert Oleś, appointed head of the regiment’s operations section, and Major Tomasz Nosewicz, deputy commander of the 3rd Rocket Artillery Squadron. The non-commissioned officer corps was joined by five corporals, who took up their first command positions in the self-propelled and rocket artillery squadrons.
– New challenges and responsibilities lie ahead of you. Command is a privilege, but also a responsibility, because your conduct and command skills will directly affect the performance of the subordinate squads and crews. In congratulating you on your promotions, I wish you satisfaction and the fulfilment of your professional ambitions in your new service positions – Colonel Świtalski told the newly promoted non-commissioned officers.
At the end, the athletes who achieved the best results in the regiment championships involving the Physical Fitness Course were honoured. This year, the cup for first place was received from the regiment commander by Lieutenant Andrzej Niedźwiecki, acting commander of the 3rd Rocket Artillery Battery of the 3rd Rocket Artillery Squadron. The command squadron received a certificate of recognition for second place, while third place went to the 1st Rocket Artillery Battery of the 3rd Rocket Artillery Squadron.
After the “Representative Song of the Polish Armed Forces” was played and the honour company was dismissed, the subunits began their scheduled training. The remaining soldiers undergoing preparatory training for the National Reserve Forces received their weapons from the company commander during formations held in the training subunits.
Captain Remigiusz Kwieciński/ii