In the coming months, the first K2 tanks should scope us. Crew training will begin early next year. For now, we are preparing instructors who will lead courses for crews," says Colonel Maciej Łukarski, commander of a battalion of combat vehicles at the Poznań Center for the Training of Land Forces.
Is everything on the last button?
Almost. As for the K2 reception, we are in the final phase of preparation.
Which is?
Our instructors go to crew training 16th Mechanized Division. They get to know the equipment and at the same time absorb the program, according to which they will shortly train themselves. In a word: they grow cognition and get further competences. The work besides continues in CSWL itself. We are preparing a base for fresh tanks – a place in garages and workshops. In the long term, infrastructure improvement will surely be necessary.
Big?
That's a lot. delight note, however, that investments do not only affect acquisition K2. Already in CSWL there is training of crews and technicians who support Abrams tanks. I'm certain we'll be working shortly to prepare the crews of the Badger infantry. The Polish army changes, fresh platforms appear in the ground troops, and our duties gradually increase. This means creating fresh classrooms, accommodation places for soldiers who will come for further courses, as well as fresh garages and workshops and space for simulators and trainers. The changes will mostly cover the Biedrusk ground, due to the fact that that is where we conduct applicable training.
Is that what the fresh staff is gonna do?
I'm sure. This applies to both training staff and teacher staff. This process was already started any time ago. As I mentioned, fresh equipment is coming, but there are also courses of training. We're expanding.
But let's go back to K2 – whether you intend to make another academy at the CSWL, a bit like yours since August 2022 Abrams Academy?
Not really. We're not going to build a separate facility. To a large extent, this training will affect instructors, who will besides deal with Abrams.
Can South Korean instructors aid you?
Neither. They straight supported the 16th Division in the teaching process. Our instructors were besides partially taught by the Koreans – they were the first to participate in the K2 tank crew course straight in South Korea. The exclusive hosts of future courses in CSWL will be us. It's a somewhat different concept than it was in the case. Abrams. That's where the first violin plays so far. United States instructorsWith whom our specialists are besides slow learning. In the case of K2 tanks, training autonomy is achieved a small faster. Not without meaning, however, is already acquired Abrams tank experience. We will successfully transfer any schematics to further courses of training.
What about the training program? Or akin to what happens in Abrams AcademyWill there be separate courses for crews and method personnel?
In case of K2 tanks These courses will be distributed between 2 units of military education. According to today's training concept, we will prepare for the service of the crews themselves, while method staff will receive training in Logistics Training Centerwhich is located in Grudziądz.
How many will be prepared for training on K2?
I don't want to operate with circumstantial numbers. Let me just remind you that not only instructors are liable for the course. For this, there are besides a number of people who will deal with purely organisational and operational issues concerning the equipment itself. For sure, at least a twelve CSWL specialists will be active in each edition of the training.
I'm certain you've had a chance to meet fresh tanks. What impressions?
The best. K2 is simply a perfect tank. It has effective combat field management systems and fire control, high-quality armor, while being very mobile. Provides the crew with comfort and safety. I even find it hard to compare them with the PT-91 and T-72 tanks, for which I was liable until now as battalion commander. K2 and Abrams is an absolute planet top. The only regulation of an army that has this class of tanks can become... limited soldier skills. Therefore, as CSWL we must do everything to make them as advanced as possible.
Yeah, erstwhile are the first K2 courses gonna start?
We're waiting for fresh tanks. First K2 They're coming to us this year. We are already after talks with Koreans who will supply us with logistical and service support on site in Poznań. We will inactive gotta complete the formalities for introducing fresh equipment into the unit. The first edition of the course should start early next year.
K2 are tanks manufactured in South Korea, besides called ‘black panthers’. They weigh 55 tons, equipped with a 120-millimeter cannon, and can overcome water obstacles up to a depth of 4 metres. In August 2022, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract for the transportation of 180 specified wagons. So far, the Polish army has received dozens of these vehicles.
