Defence Duels series puts students’ physical readiness and knowledge to test in Trenčín region

Secondary school students from the Trenčín region battled it out in the third round of the Students’ Defence Duels series, a  nation-wide competition combining physical readiness, civil defence skills and knowledge of Slovak military history, held at Secondary Sports School Trenčín today (26 April 2019). As part of individual disciplines overseen by service personnel, they put their civil defence skills and knowledge of military history to the test. Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš turned up to support the event in Trenčín. Through the Students’ Defence Duels series, the MOD wants to help raise young people’s awareness of and interest in Homeland Defence.

Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš said: “The attitude of young people towards the defence of our homeland is a pillar of our country’s security for the future. Thanks to the series, students become aware of their physical condition, learn to respond to a crisis situation, and review their knowledge of military history.” He underscored the importance of personal contact and interaction between soldiers and students, which allows soldiers to answer students’ questions and provide them with information on how to join the SVK Armed Forces and Voluntary Military Training (VMT). “In this way we are fulfilling the SNS Party Manifesto and the SVK Government Manifesto, because the Voluntary Military Training project is among our priorities, and candidates can submit their applications by 10 June 2019 for next year,” he emphasised.

As part of the 3rd edition of the event taking place in each of Slovakia’s self-governing regions, 3rd and 4th year secondary school students are also faced with a range of competitive disciplines such as CBRN, medical and topographical training activities, airsoft weapons firing, physical fitness activities, Slovak history, Slovak military history, and a general knowledge quiz on the SVK Armed Forces. Besides this, SVK Armed Forces and Military Police personnel provide static displays and dynamic demonstrations for students.

The Students’ Defence Duels series will continue throughout May 2019 in Nitra, Banská Bystrica, Kysucké Nové Mesto, Michalovce and Humenné. Winning teams of the self-governing regions will get a chance to participate in the 48-hour Military Training Camp 2019 at the Training Centre Lešť.