Continuous Training Imperative for Serbian Armed Forces’ Tank Units
Friday, 27.12.2024 | Training
Continuous and intensive training in the Serbian Armed Forces is one of the top priorities in the overall process of strengthening the defense system, along with continuous procurement, acquisitions and modernization of weapons and military equipment. Training is done constantly, in all weather conditions, with the introduction of new weapons to the Serbian Armed Forces’ units, involving equally the newly recruited members and existing professional staff.
Members of the 36th Tank Battalion, 3rd Army Brigade, are undergoing training with the use of M-84 tanks at training grounds and exercise areas. The aim is to achieve the ability and interchangeability of the component for the tactical use of the unit in different situations.
According to Major Petar Pančić from the 36th Tank Battalion, the training of professional staff, officers, NCOs and soldiers takes place throughout the year, being particularly intensive at times, whatsoever.
— Generally, it takes place a few weeks before the planned tactical live-fire exercises, during which our tank crews and units implement various tactical assignments and firing using tank weaponry, which is always the highlight of tank crews’ and units’ training. Training is individual and collective, of different intensity and always different content, depending on the training plan. The tank crews are currently practicing marching - undertaking certain actions and procedures almost routinely. All training activities are standardized in order to become automated and executed in the shortest possible time — said Major Pančić, stressing that training demonstrated the rising competence of the crews and units, which is a confirmation of high-quality theoretical and practical training.
Having completed voluntary military service in the previous months, the newly recruited members of the tank battalion are gaining new experience and becoming acquainted with tactical and technical potential of the tank and use of armored units in combat circumstances.
Sergeant Dejan Ničić’s first role was that of a tank gunner, and after completing the course, he was promoted to the first NCO rank and appointed as Commander of the M-84 tank.
— Regular training of tank crews, NCOs and professional soldiers is in progress; they acquire new expertise and practice what they have already mastered on a daily basis. It is worth mentioning that the Battalion conducts continuous training with different contents ensuring harmonization and coordination of teamwork. As for the work of the tank crew, this is very important for increasing the efficiency and competence of the tank squad, platoon and company. We all love the tank, we love our jobs and we feel like family. The tank crew is actually a family that shares the same problems and same pleasures - said Sergeant Ničić.
He has pointed out that his friends are very much interested in the tank crewman’s profession.
— Everyone is quite interested in our talking about how to work with a tank, everyone would like to approach the tank, to see it; they always have different questions as to the tank itself and working with it. Since the beginning of my service, I have been working at the 36th Tank Battalion and I would never change it. If I were to start working for the military again, I would apply for the same battalion, because I think that the vocation of a tank crewman is among the best ones in the Serbian Armed Forces - said Sergeant Ničić.
Lance Corporal Mihajlo Pešić used to be a cook at the 39th Logistics Battalion, and when a job advertisement for the 36th Tank Battalion appeared, he decided to learn something new, to try out as a tank crewman.
— I did not make a mistake. For me, being a tank crewman is a proof of power, strength and success both as a man and soldier. It is a great pleasure to be part of a highly trained crew. That is why tank operators and tank crews train continuously throughout the year. The training process is gradual, individual and collective, firing with tank weaponry being definitely its highlight. No tank operator forgets his baptism of fire being so delighted with the power and strength of the tank after the first shot - said Lance Corporal Pešić.
As he has pointed out, he applied for the driver’s position because of the adrenaline this profession makes him feel.
— I opted for this job because of the adrenaline rush and desire to become a tank driver. I heard that the 36th Tank Battalion had announced a competition and I applied for the position of a driver. I did not regret. I am very satisfied. In my opinion, the best thing in the unit is our teamwork and the experience of driving a tank, when we participate in an exercise. And the firing moment is also a special feeling - said Lance Corporal Pešić.
The task of M-84 tank crews is to master all firearms and tactical training actions and procedures so as to be trained to perform defensive and offensive combat operations, which implies driving a tank in different weather and terrain, using weapons and maintaining the assemblies and subsystems of that complex combat asset.
In the next training stages, tank operators will be firing with armored units’ weapons, conducting tactical exercises and live firing, which will be a test of their tactical and firearms skills, as well as training quality and unit’s proficiency.
