Logisticians learn to protect convoys at TC Lešť
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- Date: 16.02.2019
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A three-week logistics convoy security course has been underway in February at the Training Centre Lešť, aimed at members of the Transport Company, Hlohovec-based Logistics Battalion, and components of the Trenčín-based Combat Service Support (CSS) Brigade, including Repair Battalion Martin, Logistics Battalion Topoľčany, and CSS Battalion Prešov.
Explaining that this yearʼs exercise builds on the previous three exercises, Capt Andrej Hazák, Commander of the Transport Company, Hlohovec-based Logistics Battalion, said: “We have focused our efforts on meeting a capability target – the stand-up of the V4 EU BG Transport Company. Our main goal is to gain, sustain and develop capabilities for protecting logistics convoys. We want our new soldiers to learn more about different incidents and situations they may encounter on operations. Our experienced Military Police instructor, Sgt 1st Class Peter Toscano, has provided us with the latest expertise on convoy security arrangements.”
The logisticians are now practising tasks in winter conditions at Lešť. They have had to adjust themselves to low temperatures and snow. The company commander is satisfied with their attitude very much. Soldiers are operating advanced vehicles in service with the SVK Armed Forces, for example, Tatra 815-7 8x8 armoured trucks or Tatra multilift container carriers. Driving in winter conditions is very challenging for drivers. When it comes to soldiers’ performance, Capt Hazák praises the work of Company Sergeant Major (CSM) MSgt Martina Šika and 1st Transport Platoon Sergeant (PS) Sgt 1st Class Michal Hetteš, who have not missed a single practical course at Lešť. Also, he appreciates the work of drivers/specialists Cpl Tomáš Michal and Cpl Marián Hajžin.
Sgt 1st Class Peter Toscano, Military Police instructor of the Training and Cynology Branch, Military Police Department Vlkanová – Hronsek, closely followed the logisticians as their convoy conducted a road move from one base to another. While en route to the base, the convoy came under a multiple IED and small firearms attack. IEDs went off by the side of the road. The command vehicle, with the convoy commander inside, got hit and immobilized, leaving the driver seriously injured and the commander dead. Also hit were some other vehicles of the convoy, with crews sustaining different levels of wounds and injuries. 2IC Lt Mário Kavčák, who faced a similar situation on operations in ISAF, Afghanistan, took over and directed his fellow soldiers to defend the convoy effectively and eliminate the attackers. Only then did those wounded and injured receive first aid. This was just one of many incidents the participants encountered during the course.
According to Sgt 1st Class Peter Toscano, they have progressed from handling easier tasks to more difficult ones. Troops must learn to respond to convoy ambushes, where they may sustain wounds and injuries, so that they learn to react adequately and promptly to situations as they occur. The highlight of the course was an ambush on the convoy. This was the culmination of the entire training preparation, because members of the units from the CSS Bde Trenčín had to apply everything they had learned on the course. Capt Andrej Hazák concluded with satisfaction that the course helps soldiers improve their readiness. “This was best demonstrated in practice during last year’s Exercise Slovak Shield,” he said.
Explaining that this yearʼs exercise builds on the previous three exercises, Capt Andrej Hazák, Commander of the Transport Company, Hlohovec-based Logistics Battalion, said: “We have focused our efforts on meeting a capability target – the stand-up of the V4 EU BG Transport Company. Our main goal is to gain, sustain and develop capabilities for protecting logistics convoys. We want our new soldiers to learn more about different incidents and situations they may encounter on operations. Our experienced Military Police instructor, Sgt 1st Class Peter Toscano, has provided us with the latest expertise on convoy security arrangements.”
The logisticians are now practising tasks in winter conditions at Lešť. They have had to adjust themselves to low temperatures and snow. The company commander is satisfied with their attitude very much. Soldiers are operating advanced vehicles in service with the SVK Armed Forces, for example, Tatra 815-7 8x8 armoured trucks or Tatra multilift container carriers. Driving in winter conditions is very challenging for drivers. When it comes to soldiers’ performance, Capt Hazák praises the work of Company Sergeant Major (CSM) MSgt Martina Šika and 1st Transport Platoon Sergeant (PS) Sgt 1st Class Michal Hetteš, who have not missed a single practical course at Lešť. Also, he appreciates the work of drivers/specialists Cpl Tomáš Michal and Cpl Marián Hajžin.
Sgt 1st Class Peter Toscano, Military Police instructor of the Training and Cynology Branch, Military Police Department Vlkanová – Hronsek, closely followed the logisticians as their convoy conducted a road move from one base to another. While en route to the base, the convoy came under a multiple IED and small firearms attack. IEDs went off by the side of the road. The command vehicle, with the convoy commander inside, got hit and immobilized, leaving the driver seriously injured and the commander dead. Also hit were some other vehicles of the convoy, with crews sustaining different levels of wounds and injuries. 2IC Lt Mário Kavčák, who faced a similar situation on operations in ISAF, Afghanistan, took over and directed his fellow soldiers to defend the convoy effectively and eliminate the attackers. Only then did those wounded and injured receive first aid. This was just one of many incidents the participants encountered during the course.
According to Sgt 1st Class Peter Toscano, they have progressed from handling easier tasks to more difficult ones. Troops must learn to respond to convoy ambushes, where they may sustain wounds and injuries, so that they learn to react adequately and promptly to situations as they occur. The highlight of the course was an ambush on the convoy. This was the culmination of the entire training preparation, because members of the units from the CSS Bde Trenčín had to apply everything they had learned on the course. Capt Andrej Hazák concluded with satisfaction that the course helps soldiers improve their readiness. “This was best demonstrated in practice during last year’s Exercise Slovak Shield,” he said.
