Training Command – Military Academy

Special Preparation Course for Crisis Situations completed successfully

On Thursday the 8^th October 2009 a one-week Special Preparation Course for the employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and students of Diplomatic Academy was completed. It was organized by Peace Support Operations Pre-Deployment Training Department at the Institute of Development of Training Command – Military Academy (TC – MA).

Sixteen out of eighteen diplomatic staff, who are supposed to be deployed abroad, were given a Certificate of Attendance proving their successful completion of the course. Among people participating in the ceremony were Alena Prouzová, Deputy Headmistress of Diplomatic Academy MFA in Prague, Josef Kopecký, TC – MA Chief of Staff Colonel GS, Colonel GS Karel Klínovský, Development Institute Chief and other guests.

This course has been already organized in Vyškov several times because of an interdepartmental agreement between the MFA and Ministry of Defence. Irena Kvasnická, a headmistress of Diplomatic Academy, visited TC – MA in June 2009 to discuss further cooperation regarding an organization of the Special Preparation Course. She also had an opportunity to see the final stage of field training of the participants of a NATO Civilians Pre-Deployment Course which is organized regularly by Peace Support Operations Pre-Deployment Training Department.

Experienced instructors tried to teach trainees basic skills required during their stay in dangerous areas concerning war conflicts, terrorist activities, natural disasters and many others. Basic principles of the survival in unknown terrain and ways of orientations in difficult conditions were stressed during this training. The participants also learnt importance of teamwork. In addition the following issues were emphasized in both theoretical and practical part of the training: mine danger, improvised explosive systems, topography, basic first-aid knowledge and skills, psychological aspects of captivity and negotiating, protection against chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear danger etc.

Text: Capt. Monika Nováková, TC – MA humanistic service officer
Photo: Olga Karaffová
English translation: Mgr. Katarína Murínová