Vyskov, particularly the garrison and Brezina military training area, turns into an interim "safe heaven" for University of Defence students in August and September. While the first-years-to-be work their way through the basic military training course, their older mates take the basic application course.
The latter is designed to get them ready to serve at Czech Army units or facilities, depending on their branch. Prepared and run by the Training Command – Military Academy Vyskov, the application course is attended by almost three hundreds of University of Defence students.
After two-week theoretical part the continuous field training comes. The second-years took it in log cabin camp from 24 to 27 August while the third-years had passed the course a week earlier. It consists of tactical training (at squad/team level), topographical training, medical training, communication psychology, information systems and physical training. Furthermore, after training hours finished, all the units lived the way like deployed in an overseas mission. The camp base was well guarded so that the sentry could not miss any intruder. A part of the training is also the inspection of persons entering the base that should be consistent, uncompromising and strict as we experience personally.
On that day, 26 August, work included tactical training held at three places. Training Command – Military Academy's SSgt Petr David from the Institute of Education who lead this part of training was happy about the work with the students: "At first, they were a bit reluctant to work but then we have found common language. They do a good job now, even though they have to put all their effort in. They are pushing hard and deserve approval." After the demanding drill of that week that included activities such as battlefield movement in sections and/or teams, squad manoeuvres after being shot at from various directions in model situations or disengaging by "screen" or "dislodging", the following week would bring them life fire training.
Despite of the extreme physical and mental demand, the trainees were in good spirit. Of course some were showing signs of fatigue increased by hot summer weather. Platoon leader Sgt. Jan Theuer (FEM National Defence Economy student) was in good mood: "It's my second time here so I know what I can expect. I think it is good that the trainers here are experts – specialists. We can learn a lot thanks to them. I personally find difficult the leading position, but I guess I learn some experience." His colleague Sgt Petra Kroupova appreciated the interconnection between the theory a practical training: "I like that we can try and practice what had been taught in the theoretical part, immediately in the field. Also, in the camp we are closer to each other, we help each other more, we communicate more. And living together in one community checks your interpersonal relations, too."
The application course for University of Defence students will end with a test that will verify their military leadership abilities in squad or platoon leader position as well as their capability in using the knowledge they had learnt during the entire course. Those who are to start their third year of studies will have to pass the theoretical and practical tests on 16 September 2009 to obtain their basic application course diploma. Those who are about to enter the second year shall do their tests on 23 September 2009 for sergeant course diploma.
Text and photo: Mgr. Zdenka Dubova