Instead of skiing holidays or at home under a blanket, they chose a military ground. More than a 100 volunteers appeared on Saturday at the gates of the 11th Małopolska Territorial Defence Brigade to start “Ferie from WOT”. Students, students and teachers will learn tactics, shooting and first aid for respective days. For some, it is the first step towards professional military service.
At dawn, on the first day of winter holidays, as the frost pinched in the face, in front of the gate 11 The Malopolska Territorial Defence Brigade There was a long line of volunteers who decided to spend the holidays actively. Students, students, teachers, reservists are here. any of them planned to participate in ‘WOT Farms’ Much earlier, another decisions were made spontaneously. I saw information on social media. I found that I had nothing more interesting to do on spring break, and so I got here," admitted 18-year-old Marcel. “But he realizes that it will not be easy,” he adds. I'm certain there won't be a relief tariff. Despite the low temperatures and creaking under the snow's feet, it is mandatory to train for hours in the field. – Intensive and demanding, but who will pass it can handle it in all conditions – we hear from instructors.
First step to the ministry
Rita's a student, she graduated with a military profile. I've always been drawn in this direction. WOT is simply a natural phase for me before possible professional service – he admits. Many young “Ferie of WOT” consider it the first step in a military career. I'm in uniform. I want to test myself and see if the military is my way," says 18-year-old Maximilian. I know it's gonna be challenging, but I'm athletic. I like the woods, I'm not afraid of winter or effort. I think I can do it – he says.
The first day of training is formality and preparation for intense 2 weeks. - We start with records, identity confirmation. Then there's breakfast in the soldier's cafeteria, medical examinations, a gathering with a psychologist, and if necessary, a hairdresser. And here we go – says Captain Adam Trębacz, press officer 11 MBOT.
Before volunteers go to the field, doctors check their vital signs, heart rate, pressure, and possible contraindications to intense physical exercise. fewer know that, for example, hypertension or joint problems can disqualify a candidate, due to the fact that training is demanding and involves long-term march and field exercises. As the instructors point out, it is not about eliminating the willing, but about ensuring safety, both young and somewhat older participants.
For many volunteers, participation in the program is more than 2 weeks of training. This is an chance in practice to see what military everyday life looks like. Even if not everyone decides to stay in the WOT permanently, they come out of training the rich with valuable skills. – alternatively of sitting at home, spending holidays passively, I like to do something specific. This is the best time to try, and even if I do not choose to service in the military, the experience will stay with me," says Marcel.
Intense days and nights in the field
Classes include fire training, tactics, topography. Volunteers besides learn to give first aid in field conditions. They besides admit military discipline. Exercises last from morning to late night hours. We spend quite a few time in the field, regardless of the weather – explains Captain Trębacz. – We teach orientation in the field without electronics, with map and busola. We besides place quite a few emphasis on first aid, due to the fact that these are skills that are besides useful in civilians," the officer adds. The culmination of the training is the tactical loop. It's starting with an alarm. Instructors who have previously taught students take on the function of opponent. This is simply a real test of knowledge, resilience and cooperation," the press officer emphasizes.
Despite the demanding winter conditions, the interest in the "Ferie of WOT" programme does not weaken, as confirmed by the brigade's command. – The training is physically and mentally demanding, but the people I saw present are very well prepared and motivated – says Colonel Andrzej Sioła, deputy commander of 11 MBOT. “For 5 years we have been seeing quite a few interest in this project. We are glad that young people want to effort their strength. This raises morale – he adds.
“Ferie of WOT” is simply a territorial defence military task aimed at adult pupils, students, teachers and those working for the winter break want to usage for military training. The programme includes 16-day basic training (seventh) and 8-day compensatory training for reserveists. Training ends with a solemn military oath. For more than a 100 volunteers who started classes today, it is the beginning of the road, possibly besides for further service in territorial defense.