Training Command – Military Academy

The first Commando Course, which used to be organized by the 4^th Rapid Deployment Brigade (RDB), will take place in Vyškov from the 1^st to 21^st November 2010. The Peace Support Operations Pre-Deployment Training Department, Training Command – Military Academy, will hold this course according to the ACR accreditation.

The Commando Comes to Vyškov

The idea to move this course to Vyškov and execute the whole-army training in its Training Centre originated early in 2010. Its aim was to unify training of commanders on the lowest levels as well as coordinate basic tactical skills and drill. In February 2010 the working team led by COL Zbyněk Janečka, TC – MA Commander, left for the Žatec 4^th RDB where the current commander of the course, MAJ Líbal, shared the information about the course, its structure and difficulty. It was agreed there that 12 TC – MA instructors would attend a course held by the 4^th RDB in May 2010 and later they would become a team of instructors for the courses organized in Vyškov. MAJ Hynek Pavlačka, the Chief of the Specialized Training Department, who will be the commander of the course in Vyškov next autumn, says:
“Unfortunately during a selection procedure and in the May`s course this idea turned up to be completely unrealistic and it was dismissed. The biggest problem was ability and readiness of people from Vyškov who attended the Commando Course. The course was started off by some of the 4^th RDB personnel four years ago and its aim was to test the trainees up to the verge of their physical and mental strength. Its current goal is to test the future commanders of squads, sections and platoons in their ability to command under pressure and to acquaint them with new tactical skills and drill which reflects the latest knowledge gained from the combat operations abroad.”

The whole course was held at high pace regarding both the amount of information that the participants had to learn as well as excessive physical strain they had to cope with. Also due to this reason a three-day selection procedure preceded this course during which 36 best and most suitable candidates were chosen to attend a three-week course. This course is led very professionally by the 4^th RDB instructors and according to MAJ Pavlačka they do a great job. “That is because instructors can become only people who often attended the course themselves as trainees and use habits and knowledge gained there in practice. They experienced and tried themselves whether the things they had learned really worked while being deployed abroad. They hand down their skills which they believe in.”

After a selection procedure only eight Vyškov`s instructors were enrolled for the Commando Course, but only WOs Hušek and Šmerda remained after the first week. Both of them graduated from the course and WO Hušek became the best trainee thanks to his excellent skills and abilities and obtained not only a certificate, but also a right to wear the Commando`s Badge. MAJ Pavlačka said: “It is not exaggerated if I say that WO Hušek gained it by his blood and sweat and demonstrated incredible will and motivation, when he stayed in the course despite his injury which handicapped him a lot. He also proved his experience which he had acquired during his service in a combat unit and while being deployed abroad. Most of the Vyškov`s instructors lack these qualities as they lack endurance and ability to cope with a long-lasting physical strain such as a movement on foot while carrying their weapon and material.”

WO Přichystal, who graduated from the last Commando Course organized by the 4th RDB as well as MAJ Pavlačka, will be in charge of a selection of the suitable instructors. WO Přichystal said: “A selection procedure for our first course will be held from 20^th to 24^th September 2010. Only few military personnel attended this demanding course, but I think that all basic training instructors and, in particular, tactical training instructors should pass this course.” According to MAJ Pavlačka it would be beneficial to hold this course also as a part of the commander training at University of Defence: “Personally I am convinced that it is one of the top courses regarding real combat situation training which you can attend in the ACR. It also has got some very interesting features. For instance, during the course it can be predicted who is fit to get a commander position and who is not ready for it yet. I hope that this course will become also the most prestigious one in a short time. We would be glad if the graduates, who have reached for the top and had the right to wear the Commando Badge, were considered the military elite and were proud of their achievements during their service. It`s up to everyone whether they decide to join the elite.”

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Text: Capt Pavel Kočvara, TC – MA Press and Information Officer
Photo: Jiří Hušek