31.01.2025.
With modern tank simulators to full combat readiness
As part of a comprehensive process for strengthening the Serbian Armed Forces, which focuses primarily on acquiring modern combat assets and improving the training system, simulators and trainers that are necessary for reaching the required training standards with the minimum amount of resources are also being procured.
One of such assets is the M-84 - TOPoT tank simulator, used at the Army Training Centre in Požarevac to train military service volunteers and professional armoured unit members.The simulator was designed by the Military Technical Institute and was first presented to the Serbian public in 2021. As a state-of-the-art training and conditioning tool for soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers, with the help of computer simulation, it offers end users the entire training process, from familiarization with the combat vehicle’s hardware to solving complex tactical scenarios.
Captain 1st Class Milan Živančević, Commander of the Armoured Training Company, says that the TOPoT was developed on the basis of the existing simulators that were used to develop tank drivers’ individual skills and that the main difference lies in the instructor's station, which allows the instructor to be actively involved in the training, coordinating activities with the aim of accomplishing the mission, considering that the instructor has a clear picture of the activities of all crew members.
— The simulator consists of a command and a fighting compartments that replicate the driver’s, commander’s and gunner’s stations, and are connected with the original parts of the tank, thus ensuring that the simulation mirrors real-world conditions — said Captain Živančević, stressing that this tool is primarily used in the initial training phase, when the trainees are preparing for firing, providing a clear indication of each individual’s success, on the basis of which their level of proficiency can be determined.
Soldiers and leaders use the simulator to familiarize themselves with the proper use of devices located in the tank compartments, driving in combat and marching modes, certain procedures for detecting and identifying targets, and especially with the rules for operating the fire control system.
Once they complete their simulator training, the tank crews conduct tactical drills and exercises, and live fire drills in order to achieve full combat readiness to perform specific tasks on operations conducted by the Serbian Armed Forces.
Young men and women who would like to become tankmen of the Serbian Armed Forces can apply to competitions for admission to tank, artillery and mechanized units of the Serbian Armed Forces until February 15. This way, they will get the chance to work with the Army’s most powerful and useful combat systems, get a secure job, early retirement benefits, excellent military health insurance for themselves and their family members, and opportunities for continuous professional development and career advancement. Citizens of the Republic of Serbia under the age of 30 can apply for the competition, regardless of whether they have performed military service or not.
