Anti-aircraft soldiers have been cooperating with the riflemen for years, organizing classes attended by military trainees from Nowa Sól. The latest session took place last Friday (9 December). Senior squad leader Arkadiusz Śliwiński describes this cooperation as follows: “Today we are conducting another training session resulting from the cooperation plan with 10BKPanc. Over the past three years, we have already had the opportunity to acquire knowledge under the supervision of instructors from the anti-aircraft squadron in Świętoszów more than a dozen times. From the very beginning, our cooperation has been carried out at a very high level, which has been maintained throughout this period. Most importantly, the training is substantive, highly specific and professionally prepared.
Classes of this kind allow the riflemen to become familiar with equipment currently used by the military and with the basics of operating it. The recruits undergo live-fire training—most recently, combat firing. They have the opportunity to see the military up close and take part in the life of an armored brigade.
“Exercises of this kind, the opportunity to visit the unit and participate in training led by excellent instructors, who also set an example through their personal conduct, are extremely motivating for us and give us a great deal. It is the ‘carrot’ that drives us to continue working and also completes the training and development of young people,” Śliwiński adds.
During the latest classes, soldiers from the special forces also served as instructors: Andrzej K. Kisiel, a former soldier of the GROM military unit and author of the book “My Thirteen Years in JW GROM,” and Ernest Wójtowicz, a former soldier of the commando unit from Lubliniec. The trainees learned the manual handling of weapons and how to break contact with an adversary. Andrzej K. Kisiel describes the classes: “Weapon handling and manual training represent an entry into a higher level of shooting skills, which in the future will allow the introduction of more complex tactical elements. The ability to break contact with an adversary is essential in operations. Members of Strzelec learn the procedures and how to do it in an organized and efficient manner. We also place great emphasis on the safe handling of weapons.
As senior squad leader Arkadiusz Śliwiński assures us: “Everyone in SJS 3006 is united not only by the organization, but also by the uniform, love of the Homeland and patriotism.”
Instructor Ernest Wójtowicz confirms these words: “The young military trainees behave impeccably and demonstrate hard work and commitment. It is clear that acquiring knowledge matters greatly to them, that Poland’s defense is their top priority and that patriotism is not merely a word to them. For our part, we try to give them the strongest possible foundations so that they have a solid basis for the future and can form the foundation of the Territorial Defense Forces.