First the theoretical examination of the construction and operating rules of the ppk Spike set, then the test on the trainers and yet the combat shooting for a moving mark on the ground in Toruń. This is what the use-and-death competitions were like for the service of this weapon. 8 teams from the ground troops competed, but the best turned out to be soldiers from the 12th Mechanized Brigade from Szczecin.
Utility-fighting competitions for the handling of guided anti-tank missiles (PPKs) Spike's been going on for respective years. erstwhile a year, the best teams from the ground troops arrive to compete. The competition is organised by the Board of Rocket Forces and the Artillery of the Inspectorate of Land Army Command General Types of Armed Forces.
– This year for the best ppk Spike support The teams from all WP divisions competed, and additionally: 14th Anti-tank Regiment, 6th Airborne Brigade, 25th Air Cavalry Brigade, and Toruń Artillery and Armed Forces Training Centre – said Colonel Andrzej Kubis from DGRSZ.
The struggles took place in CSAiU in Toruń. First, all soldiers had to pass the theoretical test. During the exam, the cognition of construction and operating rules of ppk Spike, as well as the explanation of shooting, was examined. After that, the applicable skills of service were tested. – First on the trainers – says Fr Arnold Bedykowski, the commander of the operation of ppk Spike from the 12th Mechanicalised Brigade. “For example, a series of actions was assessed, i.e. all that needs to be done from the minute of taking up the fire station to the launch of the missile”, says the general Bartosz Studenna, the operator of Spike with 12 BZ. Soldiers explain that each squad besides had to carry out 20 shootings on the trainer: 10 in conditions of good visibility day and 10 at night.
The highest points could be earned for shooting with combat ammunition. This phase took place at the Toruń police station. The anti-tankers were expected to do Fire Task No. 4, which is to shoot at the mobile target. “We had to launch the rocket in “shoot and forget” mode, which means that after pressing the “fire” button we could no longer steer the missile’s flight in any way. A justice standing next to him took control of the handle. We had to believe that we had done all the erstwhile actions decently and correctly captured the goal – says St. Wier. A student for whom it was the first start in a competition of this kind. – Since 2021 I wanted to participate in this competition, but due to another duties it was not possible – the soldier admits.
As Colonel Andrzej Kupis of the Inspectorate of Land Forces DGRSZ explained at 1 point in the shooting led 2 teams. Soldiers measured to the combat figure—a combat car which was towed towards the firing operator. – The mark competed at a distance of about 2200 m and moved in our direction at a velocity of 15–30 km/h. Our task was to hit the target, before this 1 gets closer to us at little than 1400 m – Mr Bedykowski explains. – This was not easy, due to the fact that the mark moved in uneven, hilly terrain and frequently hid behind various kinds of bushes. I had to focus, control my nerves and at the right time fire the bullet," says St. Wire. Student.
Spike ppk Support from Szczecin hit the mark at a distance of 1,700 m. The operator did great. You could see his assurance and self-control. He worked very well with the launcher and made logical decisions, and we worked well together – says Mr Bedykowski. Petty Officer's only been in charge of ppk Spike for a fewer months, but he was Spike's operator for six years earlier. He besides participated respective times in utility and combat competitions and always gained a place on the podium. And this time, he got lucky. Support ppk Spike with 12 Mechanized Brigade She took first place. The second and 3rd place were won by soldiers from the Artillery and Armed Forces Training Centre and the 6th Airborne Brigade.
