Outstanding Combat Skills of 4th Brigade Tank Crewmen
Tuesday, 21.1.2025 | Training
Routine training of members of the tank battalion, 4th Army Brigade, in using the M-84 tank in combat is ongoing at their peacetime location’s training grounds and exercise areas.
The tank crews are in the middle of their tactical and firearms training, aiming to maintain and improve their ability to perform tasks in the offensive and defensive Army operations and are preparing for the live firing.
— Today, you had the opportunity to see the tank units undergoing training, covering topics such as working with personal and collective weapons, the crews carrying out the ‘ready to march’ and ‘ready to fire’ commands, and forming a marching column to brush upon the already familiar contents — underlined Lieutenant Vladimir Vozarević, platoon commander of the tank company.
He states that tank units training takes place on a daily basis, not only at their peacetime location but also at the Pasuljanske Livade and Orešac training grounds, which are intended for more complex tactical drills and different forms of firing.
The three-member tank crew consists of the commander, gunner and driver, each of their roles being irreplaceable. Lance Corporal Miloš Filipović, the M-84 tank driver, describes his duties:
— The tank driver is in charge of driving the tank and maintaining the undercarriage properly. His duties include properly handling all devices and engines, taking care of fuel and lubricant consumption, assisting the commander and gunner in filling the tank with ammunition and carrying out all orders the commander issued.
One of the members of the tank crew is Lance Corporal Marko Ljubić, the M-84 tank gunner. He operates the 125 mm gun and the 12.7 and 7.6 mm coupled machine guns.
— I had a lot of experience and a lot of firing at Pasuljanske Livade. We are firing using an instantaneous-explosive projectile at distances of 1,500m and over 3,000m. Being a tank gunner is a very challenging and responsible job, but it is incredibly satisfying at the same time because you have the tank’s massive firepower practically in your own hands.
Young men and women interested in working not only in this unit but also in other Army brigades can apply to the competition for joining SAF tank, mechanized and artillery units as professional soldiers, which is open for applications until February 15. Pursuing a military career offers them not only a secure job, retirement benefits, and quality military health insurance for themselves and their family members, but also the prospect of continuous advancement and career development during the service.
