Rescue and Recovery Group tested on water training range

A successful Rescue and Recovery Group (RRG) control exercise was conducted on the Water Training Range at the Training Centre Lešť on 23 May 2019. According to Commander of the Engineer Battalion Sereď Lt Col František Mihalovič, the aim of the assignment was to respond to the loss of communications with an IFV and an evacuation request for a vehicle crew member during a fording operation.

Lt Col František Mihalovič, Commander of the Engineer Battalion Sereď, said: “Such assignment is preceded by the Theory Phase, preparatory works, and preparation of vehicles for fording. This is followed by the Field Phase, where soldiers first practise on Sereď Garrison’s training ground before exercising at Lešť. A successful RRG control exercise is a pre-requisite for execution of swimming and fording operations with vehicles from individual military units.”

Commander of the RRG control exercise was 1Lt Juraj Kopček, member of the Logistics Battalion Sereď. According to his words, this is the seventh time he has led such assignment for the past three years. In doing so, the greatest emphasis is placed on safety, as they work with ropes and heavy equipment. This time, the rescue of an IFV on the Water Training Range was a success also thanks to the RRG team, including divers, and good coordination. The Rescue and Recovery Group consists of members from the Engineer Battalion Sereď and other units of the Slovak Armed Forces.