Despite their apparent simplicity, improvised explosive devices represent a deadly danger and a sophisticated form of asymmetric combat, says Brig. Gen. Witold Bartoszek, commander of the 1st Pomeranian Logistics Brigade. His soldiers took part in intensive C-IED training, during which they had to face realistic simulations and pass a demanding exam.
For respective days C-IED (Counter-Improvised Explosive Device) training, soldiers of 1 BLog were assigned to work as part of the European Union's (EU's GB) combat groups and preparing to participate in subsequent changes of the National Logistics Support component (NSE) of Polish military quotas in Lebanon, Kosovo and Latvia. The course organized in the 1st Logistics Battalion in Bydgoszcz allowed participants to gain not only theoretical but besides applicable cognition of the dangers associated with mines and improvised explosive devices (IED).
– C-IED, or countering improvised explosive devices, this is simply a key component of modern military operations in high-risk environments – says Brig-Gen Witold Bartoszzek, commander of the 1st Pomeranian Logistics Brigade. – Improvised explosive devices, despite their apparent simplicity, represent a deadly danger and a sophisticated form of asymmetric combat. Unlike high-tech IED combat systems, they are highly hard to detect and can be easy utilized by opponents to destabilise their actions," he adds.
For soldiers 1 Blog "awareness of these threats and ability to respond rapidly and appropriately is an absolute necessity". – C-IED training not only improves their theoretical knowledge, but besides prepares to respond to utmost situations, erstwhile it is crucial to keep cold blood and full precision of action – says Brig. Gen.
On the first day of training, soldiers learned the explanation and terms of C-IED in force in NATO. Instructors with experience gained on abroad missions passed on cognition about various types of IED, their construction and their method of operation. They showed videos and photos taken during the mission, making it clear that improvised devices could be hidden almost everywhere. – During this kind of training you must think like an opponent – said 1 of the instructors. "Intention may consequence in tragic events, and our occupation is to identify threats before it is besides late," he said.
After learning the theory, soldiers 1 BLog practiced applicable aspects of C-IED for respective days. The students learned how to identify and respond to identified threats. They adopted procedures for action in the event of suspicion of the presence of IED, protecting themselves and their companions, or evacuations from the endangered area. Part of the applicable activities was moving in convoys – on ft and vehicles. Each step could have been the latter, so the velocity of decision-making was crucial, but besides the carefulness and precision of action.
Interestingly, students were trained with rubber training weapons. This was an intentional procedure for instructors to make them aware that “not weapons are key to combating improvised explosive devices, but appropriate procedures, tactics and techniques.” Individual shooting weapons will be an indispensable component of equipping soldiers on a abroad mission, but training with an atrape is to aid them remember that effective protection against IED depends on knowledge, experience, skills and teamwork alternatively than firepower.
– Each specified training is simply a step towards greater safety on missions, not only for our soldiers, but besides for their allies. cognition gained here can be decisive in emergency situations – concludes Captain Justyna Kwiatkowska, press officer 1 BLog.
After intensive training of students there was a theoretical and applicable examination. respective soldiers successfully completed the course, which means they are on the last consecutive ahead of the mission and to participate in the EU GB duty.
To the main tasks of the 1st Pomeranian Logistics Brigade King Casimir the large should be kept strong and ready to usage within the NATO consequence Force (SON). The soldiers of the Pomeranian brigade on work are ready to usage along with the land component of the Joint Task Force of the Very advanced Preparedness (VJTF), or alleged NATO poles. 1BLog is besides liable for the formation, preparation and separation of military personnel to the National Logistics Support Element. The main task of the component is to safe the logistical functioning of PKW in Iraq, Lebanon, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Latvia.
