27.12.2024.
Continuous training imperative for SAF tank units
Continuous, intensive training is one of the Serbian Armed Forces’ top priorities in strengthening the defence system, along with the continuous procurement and modernization of weapons and military equipment. Training is conducted continuously in all weather conditions in parallel with the introduction of new weapons in SAF units. Both newly recruited members and existing professional staff are subjected to training.
Members of the 36th Tank Battalion, Third Army Brigade, conduct training on M-84 tanks on the training grounds and exercise areas. The training aims to enhance the personnel’s capability and interchangeability so that the unit is prepared for tactical use in different situations.Major Petar Pančić from the 36th Tank Battalion says that professional members, officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers train throughout the year, and notes that in certain periods, training is particularly intensive.
— The training usually starts several weeks before a planned tactical live-fire exercise, where our tank crews and units carry out various tactical tasks and fire tank guns, which is the pinnacle of tank crew training. We do both individual and collective training of different intensity levels and content, depending on the training programme. Tank crews are currently practicing marching, which entails carrying out certain actions and procedures almost routinely. All actions during the training are standardized so that their execution is automated and done in the shortest possible time - says Major Pančić and emphasizes that during the training, the crews and units display a higher level of proficiency, which testifies to the quality of theoretical and practical training.
The new recruits, who joined the tank battalion after completing their voluntary military service in the past several months, gain new experience and become familiar with the tank’s characteristics and the employment of armoured units in combat.Sergeant Dejan Ničić's first job assignment was as a tank gunner and after completing the course, he was promoted to non-commissioned officer and appointed as the M-84 tank commander.
— Regular training for tank crews, non-commissioned officers and professional soldiers is underway, and every day they acquire new professional knowledge and practice the skills they have already acquired. It is important to say that the battalion conducts training continuously, focusing on different contents, which ensures teamwork unity and coordination. This is very important for tank crews, because it helps squads, tank platoons and companies increase their efficiency and competence. We all love the tank, we love our jobs and we are like family. A tank crew is actually a family that shares the same problems and joys - says Sergeant Ničić.
He says that his friends show great interest in the tank driver job.
— When we start talking about working on a tank, everyone is interested to her about it, everyone wants to get to the tank, to see it, they always ask various questions about the tank itself and the way it is operated. I have been serving with the 36th Tank Battalion since the beginning and I would never change it. If I were to start working in the military all over again, I would apply for the same battalion, because I think that being a tanker is one of the best jobs in the Serbian Armed Forces - says Sergeant Ničić.Corporal Mihajlo Pešić was a cook in the 39th Logistics Battalion, and when he saw the 36th Tank Battalion’s job openings, he decided to learn something new, to try his hand at becoming a tank driver.
— I haven’t made the wrong decision. For me, being a tank driver is a proof of power, strength, and success both as a man and as a soldier. It gives me great pleasure to be part of a highly trained crew. That is why tank drivers and tank crews train continuously, throughout the year. The training is gradual, individual and collective, and the pinnacle of the training is definitely firing a tank gun. A tanker never forgets their baptism of fire because after firing for the first time, they are fascinated with the power and strength that the tank possesses - says Corporal Pešić.
As he noted, he applied for the job of a tank driver because the job gives him adrenaline.
— I have chosen this profession because of the adrenaline rush and the desire to become a tank driver. I heard that the 36th Tank Battalion had advertised its job openings and I applied for a driver position. I have no regrets, I am very happy. For me, the best thing in the unit is the team and the feeling I get when I drive a tank, or when we participate in an exercise. And the most special feeling I experience is definitely when I fire - said Corporal Pešić.The task of M-84 tank crews is to master all actions and procedures taught during the weapons and tactical training in order to prepare for both defensive and offensive warfare, which includes driving the tank in different weather conditions and on different terrains, using weapons and maintaining this complex combat vehicle’s assemblies and subsystems.
In the next stages of the training, the tank drivers will practice firing armoured units’ weapons, and then conduct tactical and live-fire exercises, where their tactical and gunnery skills will be tested and the quality of the training will be evaluated.
PHOTOGALLERY
VIDEOGALLERY
mp4 