1/2017 The military first, till the very last day 2

ACR in 2016 6

Field surgical team in Iraq 32 The 2nd Mechanized Company of Hranice completed three-week training at the shooting range Velká Střelná Live-firing exercise

The theme of the exercise was a response to the dominant enemy, deploying infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) BVP-2, factsheet infantry soldiers and anti-tank hand grenades. Hard drill and The BMP-2 is a combat amphibious unstable weather thus not only tested the old experienced armoured tracked vehicle, manufac­ soldiers of this company, but also trainees, for which it was tured in Czechoslovakia, under the licence of Soviet transporter BMP-2. often their first introduction to a live deployment of the IFVs. The vehicle is designed to increase the mobility and firepower of mechanized he 2nd Mechanized Company of Hra­ units to destroy armoured targets and enemy manpower. Its armament con­ nice completed three-week training Actual themes sists of automatic cannon 2A42, calibre Tat the firing range in the Libavá mili­ The organizers prepared attractive lessons, 30 mm, which is designed to destroy tary area. Its aim was to examine whether­ very close to a real combat, when the squad light armoured vehicles of the enemy, the soldiers were able to manage tactics sitting in the BMP-2 vehicle was “attacked” machine gun PKT, calibre 7.62 mm, and of platoon, as well as live firing from by the fire from a civilian car. In this situa­ launchers of antitank missiles Konkurs. the IFV BMP-2, with the best results in a given tion, the squad responded with the fire The BMP-2 has an installed device for time standard. Hranice soldiers destroyed­ from a main gun of fighting vehicle and protecting the crew from the pressure fleeting­ and moving targets, up to a dis­tance destroyed enemy. When the leader passed wave, penetrating radiation, radio­ of 2,300 meters, not only during the day, his report to superior, the squad was again active fallout and chemical weapons. but also at night. Members of the company attacked, this time by a mock terrorist It is also equipped with a 902V system for firing smoke grenades (6 pieces). capitalized their knowledge and skills from group, with small arms. According to the In Czecho­slovakia, infantry fighting specialized preparation and field exercises guidelines dealing with the use of “propor­ ve­hi­cles BMP-2 were serially pro­ of the previous year and the trainees acquir­­ tionate force”, as prescribed by doctrines duced from 1987 to 1989. A total of ed the necessary skills. A great emphasis­ on weapons deployment, the squad leader 344 pieces were pro­duced, of them was placed on the decision-making process ordered the fire team to dismount and 280 com­bat vehicles were introduced of platoon commanders and squad leaders, destroy infantry. The second part of a fire into the former Czechoslovak People’s who among other things practiced issuing exercise continued with small-arms shoot­ Army (ČSLA). combat orders. ing. The soldiers first beat the enemy off by a resolute action and then gradually three-week training tested the ability­ of disengaged themselves from the fight, and command­ and was able to make the most with the use of covering fire they moved of the previous exper­ i­cences.­ “This ex­er­cise contents out form a tactically unfavourable area. I evaluate very positively,” said the com­ mander of the 2nd Mech Coy Captain Michal Rožňovský. The Mili­tary Training Area Libavá Live-firing exercise 1 Cannon and also prepared for the soldiers its normal con­ ditions,­ i.e. totally unpredictable weather, The military first, till the very last day 2 a machine gun where snow alternated with rain and spring During the firing exercise, the soldiers ex­ sunshine­ with strong winds nearly in a hur­ ACR in 2016 6 ploited all weapons they had in the arse­ ricane force. For veteran soldiers, however, nal. Gunner-operators of the IFV were firing it was no problem and a quick adaptation The Giant Mountains 2017 15 both from the cannon and a machine gun. of novice trainees marked the succes­ sful­ During the attack, the infantry used BREN completion­ of the first phase of a three­- Paras with new types of bags 16 assault rifles, RPG-7 launches, machine guns week fire exercise in day and at night. Support for an Iron Wolf 18 and grenade launchers. “The level of train­ ing of commanders and gunner-operators Shield 21 of the IFVs went up noticeably. The intensive Text and photos by Michal Voska There was no time for fear 22

Women in the Czech Army 24

The Gripens over Iceland 26

Allied Spirit VI 28

Tábor’s patrol won the bronze 30

Field surgical team in Iraq 32

New units of the Active Reserve 35

Heavenly dogs 36

He tasted the atmosphere at the start, the next year he would like to smell the finish line 38

CZ Bren 2 40

TATRA trucks for the Armed Forces 42

The last of the heroes on parachutes 44

A mission in white 46

Command can′t do without a connection 48

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Published in June 2017 2 A review 1/2017

General Josef Bečvář: Modernisation of our armed forces is not a horse race; all projects have to be worked out dutifully. The military first, till the very last day The Chief of General Staff Afghanistan, Mali, Sinai, Iraq and other General Josef Bečvář has been locations. Over the whole last year, we only received positive news from our foreign in office for almost two years. deployments. Knock on wood, I trust it will So, the following interview stay that way and there will be no major marks the middle of his term. incident. On the home front, recruitment is clearly the greatest achievement.­ There General, you have been in office for almost two was a major shift upwards in manning levels, years, half of your term. What is your evaluation? although we still have units with relatively I would not like to speak about any sort low number of posts filled. The third domain of half. I am rather through the first com­ is the active reserve component.­ We have plete year in which we launched realisation finally made an important progress there of the Czech Armed Forces Development after several years of stagnation.­ I also highly ­Concept. After the Government authorised value that we managed to find answers to it in ­December 2015, we started the key re­ questions associated with major acquisition alisa­ tion­ process in 2016. We knew before­ projects and moved forward with them. hand what the year will look like, that we would have to work the legislation, its im­ There have recently been extensive changes plementation­ and preparation for all major in the legislation affecting the Czech Armed Forces. projects. I do not allude only to modernisa­ What do those processes entail, and does it make tion and arma­ments, but indeed to person­ any headway? nel management,­ changes in the command­ Absolutely. Otherwise we would not propose­ personnel involved in this effort. They are and control system, improvement of logis­ those processes. At 1 July 2016, amended­ the force driving the military forward to new tic support and defence infrastructure. Al­ defence legislation package came into force visions. though it may look nervously on the media and the whole MoD im­­medi­ate­ ly­ benefited. – that we still do not buy anything – it is not We have been able to use a differ­ent way There was news recently that you were quite the case. We are on schedule. of selecting personnel into active duty ser­ drowning in the paperwork, that it takes too much Let us look at it from the other end, from vice and into the reserve,­ we have been able time… the financial perspective. In 2014, we hit to promulgate new regula­ tions,­ develop But we have to count with that. There the rock bottom with the budget of mere new concept of building­ the active reserve are no general officers on the globe run­ CZK 42 billion. The 2015 MoD budget held component and so forth. The new legisla­ ning around with rifles in training areas. CZK 43.8 billion and there was 47.8 bil­lion in tion definitely takes us for­ward in devel­ op­­ Our mission here is to work on operation 2016. This year, the defence appro­priations ing capacities for crisis management. or indeed strategic level and that is where amounting to CZK 52.5 bil­lion practically we cannot do without administration and equal the sum we administered in 2009. You enjoyed a good cooperation on the defence policy development work. All armed forces The growth so far was primari­ly used to legislation, and you have been through the concept around the world have it that way. compensate underfunding in the previous development – was it a challenging process for you? years. But we will realistically have the It was definitely challenging, but the process­ There have been talks about building a new brigade capacity to realise major investments­ only is not over yet. We are faced with next tasks, in connection with the prepared increase of per­ in the years ahead. particularly in realising the concept. And son­nel strength. What should it look like, will it be I do not mean it personally.­ It is challenging light, heavy or special brigade? What resolutions of yours have you managed for the armed forces high com­mand, and I would not like to talk about a brigade; to turn into reality and what will you have to indeed for the whole General Staff. Every that is too early. I am pleased that concentrate on? soldier and airman wants to be in action the development­ of the defence strategy My best reward is to see that we are able to and work with some equipment. But the will involve an increase of the personnel perform our international commitments – in General Staff is the heart of the military and strength of the armed forces, indeed the international structures, readiness forces paperwork prevails here. But those are quite of the MoD at large. As a matter of fact, and particularly on foreign opera­ tions.­ We fundamental assignments­ we have to work we have the smallest military in NATO as have well managed to select, train and through. Using this occasion, I would like to compared to the number of economically deploy soldiers for operations, including thank all the Czech Armed Forces service active population at the moment. Only A review 1/2017 3

Luxembourg is be­hind us. Our neighbours not count just individuals and that we will Despite certain adjustments in the requirements are also better off in that regard. It gives progressively manage to reach that number. for medical and physical condition of the reservists, me a great pleasure that there are realistic The plan is very realistic and I appreciate the fallout rate is said to be three out of four. and intensive con­sid­erations­ that the the interest of the public. The biggest problem for them are psychological Czech Armed Forces must be larger tests. Are there any changes planned as well? in terms of strength. I will be hap­py if the An increased focus on active reserve represented The new medical regulation has been in ef­ security strategy mentions an in­crease by one of your visions right after you assumed office. fect since November last year, so it is prema­ five thousand person­nel. But the question Why active reserve, why does it have such a high ture to judge the effect it will make. But we is the composition of the five thousand priority? Do you see it as the most appropriate op­ do not want to alleviate the requirements­ for personnel. We all have to calmly and tion to build up the armed forces in the contingency mental fitness of applicants. Our demands without emotions go back to the year of crisis? are justified there. The new medical regula­ 2008 and 2009, when budgetary cuts took I would like to correct the perspective that tion is designed to respond to the current place and tables of establishment and came about as a result of an intensive me­ health status of the population­ and address units were cancelled and vacant positions dia campaign associated with the changes matters we were unable to diagnose some were not filled. First of all, we will therefore in the active reserve and the effort to attract years ago. We do not want to close the door return­ to normal organisational structures. the public’s attention. My goal is to achieve particularly for high demand specialists. The role of the Land Forces will definitely a balanced development of all of our armed We have already identified­ individual posts strengthen, that is for sure, but I would forces. But let us get back to the active re­ in the armed forces structure that would not like to say at this time how many serve. It is correct that the active reserve has potentially do with a lower medical classifi­ battalions will be formed. It is critical not been largely neglected in recent­ years and cation.­ I guess everybody would agree that to omit the command structures, the air it is undoubtedly­ an armed forces’ compo­ IT experts mostly serving in office environ­ force and units outside the Czech Armed nent that can provide a valuable assis­ ­tance ment could have certain medical alleviations. Forces. In the broader context, the Military in emergencies.­ Subject to government­ Contrarily, airborne soldiers will have to stay Intelligence, Castle Guard and perhaps authorisation, it can reinforce­ the standing­ in one hundred percent condition. also the Military Police will need to be reinforced.

People say that basing of our units is not really ideal. Do you have a vision, where the country should be mostly strengthened in territorial terms? Stationing should truly be even, across Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia as well. Today we are rather concentrated in the eastern part of the country. The military has completely­ abandoned some parts of northern and western Bohemia. But we will not do much about the basing. Many airfields­ and bases were unfortunately abandoned. In some cases, those processes were too fast, under pressure and not fully linked with territorial­ defence and operation plans. During my term, the process was launched for the mili­tary to return into the Rakovník garrison. And I am pleased with that. We have progressively renovated the facilities there and I am confident it will be a home station­ for a battalion type of unit forces. It can be deployed­ both in the home If I understand it right, the scope of medical in the years ahead. There is also the Květná territory and newly in foreign countries. problems recruits display is also determined by ammunition depot, which the armed forces We are building two types of active reserve the fact that medicine has made progress and clearly needs for ammunition­ resupply.­ units. The first type of units are assigned­ is able to diagnose a much broader spectrum Once the materiel presently stored there to the Regional Military Headquarters and of possible medical shortcomings… in connec­ tion­ with explosions in Vrbětice earmarked to provide­ assistance­ in crisis Absolutely. I can see myself how I was ex­ is removed, the armed forces will make use situations that may occur in their region. am­ined when I joined the military several of the depot. In addition, we have returned For instance, they may reinforce the Police decades ago and how medical diagnostics into two smaller installations in Moravia. of the Czech Republic and the Integrated moved forward in the meantime. Thanks to Emergency System. On the other hand it, doctors are able to go into much greater Shortly after you assumed the post, you expressed we have active reserve units formed with detail and provide better treatment for your conviction that we will manage to recruit combat units. Their mission is to take over many diseases. five thousand personnel for the active reserve some assignments­ and ease up operational component by 2025. Are you still so optimistic? tempo for the professional forces, which There are problems with the manning level of the ac­ I am still convinced about that. Including is relatively high today. So, I believe there tive reserve units that are newly built at the existing in relation with the amendment of defence is a great importance in strengthening the regular units. While the interest is relatively high legislation, we moved toward that target reserve component. We now have fifteen in some regions, the necessary personnel strength by about two hundred reservists. At present hundred active reservists, and when we will has not been reached elsewhere. Have you not we have almost fifteen hundred members manage to complement additional three considered to address the issue with a targeted in the active reserve. There is another run hundred this year, we would be close to two local campaign? of training for recruits currently underway thousand.­ That is definitely not an insig­ nifi­­ The situation is not new and we have in Vyškov. I trust that in the future we will cant number. monitored it for some time on sustained 4 A review 1/2017 basis. We seek to create the conditions economic growth will slack in the meantime and The acquisition process itself is done by for the interest to be vectored. But there defence spending will again be reduced? the MoD Armaments and Acquisition Divi­ will always more and less attractive units. I am confident that defence appropriations­ sion and determines the tendering method. Our task is to explain to the applicants why will not decrease. In the context of current It is completely unrealistic to think we could service with the other units is also needed global security development, we need skip this process and bring in a new piece and show its enticing aspects. to do everything for them to grow. Both of artillery, armoured personnel carrier or We have the same issue with the pro­fes­ de­fence personnel and technology are helicopter is completely unrealistic. Even sional force. In general, the manning levels hugely un­derfunded. We already dis­cussed if something like that would be possible, are at 80%. But some units have not reached per­son­nel management. The situation­ it would not help. Then we would probably that level yet. The most pressing priorities is similar in ar­ma­ments. We still use old realise it does not match our requirements. are three: artillery regiment in Jince, air Soviet equip­ment in many instances, which Follow-up solutions are always extremely defence missile regiment in Strakonice we need to replace. We have howitzers complicated and expensive. Not to speak and the building of a new logistic support or BMPs in the inventory,­ with which about the fact that a true progress as­so­ci­at­ battalion in Lipník nad Bečvou. Those are not our military trained in 1980. Those are ed with increased funding will only materi­ bases in the middle of nowhere. Strakonice pieces of equipment more than 35 years alise in this year and in the following years. is a district town, Jince community is close old, which simply does not meet today’s I do not think we should be reproached for to Příbram and also to Prague. Lipník is requirements. not having realised any major acquisitions a part of the Olomouc wider city area. There But acquisition processes are always last year. We accomplished many acquisi­ are certainly options to increase manning complex. When I assumed this post, I was tions we prepared and had funding for. levels in those and make them more aware that 2015 through 2017 would be attractive. We intend to create extra social complicated­ years with much tedious The role of the armed forces from the perspective support, such as sports fields and additional administration,­ but projects simply have to of acquisition processes is to define the require­ facilities for soldiers to feel truly well. be worked out in full. Specifications must be ments, it is in good shape there in your opinion, produced for all equipment first, fine-tune it runs operatively and relatively fast … Is it possible in those cases to differentiate in re- individual requirements and realise indi­ It seems to me occasionally as if we would cruitment bonuses, or possibly organise bigger vidual connections. The weapon systems be dragged by the media on a horse race. campaigns? have to be able to communicate mutually, But that is not the case and everything takes Recruitment allowances are differentiated­ be linked with the reconnaissance, surveil­ time. If we speak about a howitzer, it is not based on professions, but money is not lance and force protection systems, logistic a weapon just for Jince. It will serve the the only incentive. As you rightly said, it is support has to run efficiently and so forth. whole armed forces. It has to meet a range also about intensifying the campaign.­ All those pieces have to fit together. It is out of additional capabilities and parameters,­ We need to communicate those interest of reality to think that we would acquire because it can be assigned into a NATO areas as part of recruitment for the informa­ helicopters, artillery pieces or APCs in six task force. It must have the capability of tion to reach possible applicants. months. First we need to define the require­ integration into command, control­ and ment and do the deconfliction. Then we fire coordination systems and be equipped Acquisition processes are not really simple under define with the MoD Armaments and with relevant communications. It must be current legislation. Many acquisitions begin to fall Acquisition Division what the market has transportable, have relevant protection behind schedule. Are you not afraid that the major to offer and make final conclusions. and so forth. So we cannot buy a gun A review 1/2017 5

factsheet Josef Bečvář was born in Pilsen, Czech Republic, on 11 August 1958. After finishing Military Grammar School in Moravská Tře­ bová he completed studies in artillery program at the Army College in Vyškov. He started his career as missile corps platoon com­mand­ er and continued as a commander of fire battery. At the turn of 1980/90s, he served as senior officer of artillery staff in tank divi­ sion and then as senior officer of the Military Police Directorate. In 1993, he completed the French Gendarmerie information course in Melun. After returning to the Czech Republic, he became the deputy commander of the Military Police Command in Prague. From 1997 through 2004 he served as the Chief of Military Police. At that time, he also expanded his academic background with studies at the Joint Service Defence College in Paris. In ­2004-2007, he was the Czech defence attaché in France. From April 2008, he served as the Deputy Chief of General Staff – Chief of Staff. In 2011, he again returned to Paris to serve for three years at the Czech Republic’s defence attaché in France. At the beginning of August 2014, he became the First Deputy Chief of General Staff. In spring 2015, he assumed office as the Chief of General Staff.

and then figure out how to transport and So it will not affect you … All right, your service contract ends this year; use it. That is why the specifications are No, contrarily, it does relate to us. The cy­ber the minister granted you an exception and extend­­ so demanding. domain does not differ from other domains ed the contract by one year. Will you adjust your in principle. We expect the command plans accordingly? What would you still like to ac­ Because they relate with many other factors … and control system to be reorganised com­plish as the Chief of General Staff? Exactly. And this way we could speak about in 2018 and 2019 and it must be absolute­ I never thought whether I would leave or the helicopter and other major projects. ly clear how this domain will be reflected not. I always sought to work at full throttle. in the Czech Armed Forces structures. The military will be my highest priority till Soldiers of the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade Those are processes, command posts and the very last day. I do not admit the idea complain about having the same remuneration technology support going top-down and that I would leave something out or that as members of non-combat units. Are there any bottom-up between strategic and tactical­ I would give in because I am here the last considerations of an extra allowance for serving level. Presently we only have the CIRC cen­ year. It is indeed impossible after so many in such front line units? tre in Brno. Its mission is to identify security years I have been in the military. Every military professional is presently re­ threats and incidents, their monitoring and munerated in a transparent manner. Every­ analysis. The CIRC is in fact a watchdog of Efforts will slowly start to select your successor. Do you thing is clearly set and provable. A variety our communication channels. But that is have any personal preference, someone you would rec­ of allowances, many of them quite ques­ only the passive part. The Armed Forces has ommend?­ Will you be involved in that process? tion­able, were cancelled. I cannot­ imagine to protect its communication and data sys­ The acting Chief of General Staff is always how we would today dis­criminate com­ tems comprehensively. That applies both involved in that process, but first things bat and non-combat units. Combat units in peacetime and on foreign deployments. first. Moreover, the MoD proposal has ­never deploy on their own. We have to Today we have task forces built on the basis to be en­dorsed by the Government and complement with support and support of the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade and the Presi­dent naturally has the final say. service units, which also become combat the 7th Mechanised Brigade. Those forces It is prema­ ­ture to give any more comments units in that instant. So, they have to have also have to have incorporated components on that. the same training standards and be ready that will be active on realisation of cyber regardless of whether those will be comms security. Is there any message you would like to convey guys, medics, logistics or Military Police. We want to set the cyber domain compo­ to our soldiers and airmen? That is why we do not consider any dif­ nents with individual command and con­ I would like to thank them all, no matter ferentiation­ at the moment. In ad­di­tion, trol echelons and build real capabilities on whether they serve in the Czech Republic every soldier and airman has the possi­ them within five years. or on foreign operations. I was in Af­ bility to be remunerated based on their ghani­stan and Iraq last year, and in Mali annual appraisal or with an extraordinary Chiefly defensive missions are discussed in rela­ and on the Sinai before that. I visited disciplinary bonus. We naturally under­ tion with cyber, but are offensive missions also on practically all missions. Every time I return, stand some units perform highly challeng­ the table? I have a good feeling of a job well done. ing and tasks, but we do not want to seek You would surely agree that it is good to I thank them all for what they are doing division into “combat” and “non-combat” start with the defensive part. The other for the Czech Republic. Not for the armed units for the time being. question is how we get to offensive activities forces, I consistently distinguish that, – the kinetic part of defence. We will reach because the armed forces is just a form NATO adopted the cyber space as the fifth that point at some time, but it will be matter of service to our homeland. operational domain. Is there any realistic vision of the next stage already. what a conflict in cyber space would look like? First, this remit, according to the prepared You will reach the retirement age in this year. legislation currently deliberated in the Let us rather put it that my service contract Chamber of Deputies, will fall into the bas­ ends this year, because I surely do not feel by Vladimír Marek, ket of the Military Intelligence. like retiring. photos by Vladimír Marek and Michal Voska 6 A review 1/2017

ACR in 2016 CZECH SERVICE PERSONNEL NATO IN INTERNATIONAL MILITARY STRUCTURES In 2016, a total of 213 Czech Armed Forces service personnel OTAN were assigned and posted in NATO and EU international military staffs, NATO and EU agencies and national representations in international military staffs in the locations in fifteen NATO Permanent missions and workplaces in foreign countries Personnel nations and in Ukraine. Permanent mission in Mons: Belgium, Italy, Lithuania, Hungary, Germany, Netherlands, Czech Armed Forces General Petr Pavel has served his second 146 year as the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee. Rotation Norway, Poland, Romania, Greece, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, positions of Deputy Chief of Staff Joint Force Command (JFC) Ukraine and the United Kingdom in Brunssum, the Netherlands, and the Chief of Staff of the Joint Permanent mission in Brussels: 60 Force Training Centre (JFTC) Bydgoszcz, Poland, were newly filled Belgium in August 2016. The Czech Republic also filled the civilian position Permanent mission in Norfolk: 7 of the Dean of NATO Defense College (NADEFCOL) Rome, Italy. USA Another involvement was realised in the NATO Force Integration Total 213 Unit (NFIU), specifically in Bratislava, Slovakia. A review 1/2017 7

ENGAGEMENT IN READINESS FORCES, FOREIGN OPERATIONS In 2016, the MoD joined 12 foreign operations in the territory of INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iceland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, United Kingdom, Italy, Mali, Egypt, Iraq and the Golan Heights. In total, more AND OBSERVER MISSIONS IN 2016 than 860 service personnel were deployed for those operations.

NATO enhanced Response Force (eNRF) Operation Joint Enterprise (KFOR), Kosovo For eNRF 2016, the Czech Armed Forces assigned The Czech contribution comprised 13 Czech Armed 816 personnel from 1 January through 31 December Forces personnel including 3 members of the Deployable 2016. They formed an SOF task force (100 personnel), Communication Module (DCM), who served tours at Special Operations Air Task Unit (100 personnel), HQ KFOR in the Camp Film City in Pristina. airborne company (220 personnel), CBRN company (240 personnel), HUMINT team (6 personnel) and an engineer Resolute Support Mission, Afghanistan www.nato.int/kfor company (130 personnel). The forces were augmented with logistic The Czech Republic was involved in the Resolute Support24 KFOR CHRONICLE 12/2016 support. mission in the territory of Afghanistan in 2016 in the area of responsibility of two regional Train, Advise and EU Battle Group Assist Commands: TAAC-Capital (TAAC-C) and TAAC-East In support of V4 EUBG, the MoD assigned forces and (TAAC-E). assets totalling 850 personnel from 1 January through 30 June 2016. The Czech Republic assumed the lead TAAC-C – Kabul: the forces listed below operated at Hamid Karzai nation role in the domain of medical and logistic support. International Airport (HKIA): Further, the Czech Armed Forces assigned a helicopter unit with zz Czech Armed Forces HQ TF RSM comprising 35 personnel four Mi-171Sh helicopters, C-295M CASA transport aircraft, EOD charged with the provision of comprehensive support for all specialist team and the National Support Element (NSE). Over sixty Czech units in Afghanistan; Czech military professionals stood ready to serve in the Operation zz Air Advisory Team (AAT) of 40 personnel with the mission to sup­ Headquarters in Krakow, Poland, and the Force Headquarters. port training of flight and ground personnel of Afghan Air Force For the DEU EUBG, the MoD assigned forces and assets comprising on Mi-35 and Mi-17 helicopters; 250 personnel from 1 July through 31 December 2016. That primarily zz Field Surgical Team (FST) comprising 15 personnel as part of involved an infantry force protection company, CIMIC/PSYOPS team, U.S. medical facility; CBRN defence platoon, EOD team, MP team, additional specialists zz Representations in HQ RSM, HKIA and BAF comprising 17 per- and the National Support Team (NSE). ­sonnel; zz DCM (Deployable Communication Module) comprising 9 per­- son­nel.

TAAC-E: the Czech Armed Forces Bagram Airfield (BAF) Force Protection Company was deployed in Parwan province as part of TAAC-E. The FPC performed the assignment of providing security in their assigned area with total 169 personnel.

Further, a 20-strong detachment of the 601st Special Forces Group was stationed in Kabul with the mission to provide security to personnel and property of the Czech Embassy in Kabul including the Czech Ambassador’s residence.

ASICIPPN, Iceland The Czech Republic was involved in the provision of air policing coverage to Iceland by deploying four JAS-39 Gripen aircraft (plus one backup fighter) and a total of 66 personnel. Including the stand-up and stand- down phase, the Czech task force was deployed at Keflavik airbase from September 25 through November 7, 2016. The operational assignment was performed from October 5-31, 2016.

Operation EU ALTHEA (EUFOR), Bosnia and Herzegovina The Czech Republic participated with 2 officers who performed tasks associated with training the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina at operation headquarters at Camp Butmir in Sarajevo.

Operation EU NAVFOR ATALANTA, United Kingdom The Czech Republic engaged in the operation with 2 officers and one senior non-commissioned officer who served at the Operation Headquarters (OHQ) in Northwood, UK. 8 A review 1/2017

Operation EUNAVFOR MED, Italy MINUSMA, Mali The Czech Republic was involved in the operation with The Czech Republic engaged in the mission with 1 officer posted 2 officers posted in the Operation Headquarters (OHQ) at the headquarters in Bamako and by deploying a special in Rome, and 1 officer at the Force Headquarters (FHQ) operations forces unit comprising 25 personnel that operated located on an Italian Navy aircraft carrier. from a camp in the Gao region in the north of the country.

EUTM-M, Mali Air Advisory Team (AAT), Iraq The Czech Republic was involved with a Czech Armed At the end of June 2016, Air Advisory Team comprising 35 personnel Forces EUTM Mali Task Force comprising 41 personnel. deployed in the territory of the Republic of Iraq with the mission Three senior NCOs were assigned to Operation Head­ to provide training and mentoring to the Iraqi Air Force flight and quarters in Bamako and 36 persons were assigned ground personnel on L-159 aircraft. The AAT is stationed at Balad Air to provide protection to the Headquarters EUTM-M in Bamako and Force Base. convoy security. Four instructors provide assistance on training Malian Armed Forces in the frame of a German Infantry Training Company Field Surgical Team (FST), Iraq in the Koulikoro and Sikasso training centres. On 5 December 2016, the field surgical team comprising 17 per­ sonnel­ deployed in the territory of the Republic of Iraq to operate Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), Arab Republic of Egypt, Sinai in the structure of a U.S. ROLE 2 field medical facility with the mission The Czech Republic was involved in MFO with 3 officers to provide specialised surgical care, perform specialist activities posted at HQ MFO and an air unit with C-295 CASA aircraft in the domain of resuscitative surgery, anaesthesiology, peri-op care comprising 15 personnel. The air unit provided transport of and medical evacuation. persons and materiel among MFO camps, Cairo and Tel Aviv, transport of governmental and liaison representatives of the parties to the peace treaty, and partially also the Search and Rescue (SAR) and OBSERVER MISSIONS air MEDEVAC. In addition, they performed verification and observer flights. In 2016 nine Czech Armed Forces military observers served tours in four UN peace missions. UNDOF, Golan Heights MONUSCO (Democratic Republic of Congo) – 3 personnel The Czech Republic was involved in the mission with UNMIK (Kosovo) – 2 personnel 3 officers assigned to the operation headquarters at Camp UNAMA (Afghanistan) – 1 personnel Ziouani. MINUSCA (Republic of Central Africa) – 3 personnel A review 1/2017 9

with the Czech Republic as the lead nation. The battalion was TRAINING FOCUS AND PRIORITIES IN 2016 assigned to the NATO Response Force in 2017. The exercise also The training of Czech Armed Forces focused on meeting trained 40 foreign members of the battalion. the Czech Republic’s membership commitments to NATO and EU, commitments in the domain of regional defence cooperation SABER STRIKE and last but not least on maintaining and developing the existing Held on May 27–30, 2016, the exercise was designed to increase capabilities of individual components for the spectrum of operations the capability of individual Czech Armed Forces and Military in both symmetric and asymmetric environments. Exercise Hradba Police components in planning and supporting transiting convoys 2016 was organised as the largest exercise ever to train the active of Allied forces (US ARMY 2nd Cavalry Regiment) via the territory reserve component. of the Czech Republic, practice the capability of the provision An integral part of the Czech Armed Forces training were of logistic support to Allied forces and perform a joint training 145 exercises with international partners, of which 94 took and experience sharing between U.S. Army and the Czech Land place outside the Czech Republic and 51 in the home territory. Forces. The U.S. forces transited the Czech territory to take part Those exercises were one of the key tools for the achievement in NATO exercise SABER STRIKE 2016 in the Baltics. The efforts of the necessary readiness of MoD forces and assets for the defence to support the movement involved 800 Czech Armed Forces of the Czech Republic and Allies and an essential component servicemembers. of preparation of assigned forces for operations and for NATO, EU and UN standby readiness forces. Exercises with foreign AMPLE STRIKE 2016 partners also help increase force interoperability, practically verify The exercise was organised on August 30 – September 20, 2016, the achieved level of integration and also offer a benchmark to integrate forward air controllers with tactical fixed and rotary for effectiveness of Czech Armed Forces training and capability wing aircrews in performance of close air support. The exercise saw development. the participation of 1,022 Czech Armed Forces service personnel and 292 foreign armed forces personnel.

MAJOR EXERCISES WITH INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS IN THE HOME CLEAN CARE 2016 TERRITORY Held on September 16-23, 2016, the exercise objective was to perform joint training for CBRN defence forces and medical CJ CBRN Defence TF Exercise units on consequence management following the use of weapons Conducted on May 23 – June 9, 2016, this was a certification of mass destruction. The exercise trained 77 Czech Armed Forces exercise of the Headquarters of the CBRN multinational battalion servicemembers and 53 foreign trainees. 10 A review 1/2017

MAJOR EXERCISES WITH INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS OUTSIDE THE HOME TERRITORY

EUROPEAN SPIRIT Taking place on April 18–29, 2016, this was a certification exercise of a European Union Battle Group with standby in the second semester of 2016. It was held in the territory of Germany, which was the lead nation for the EUBG at the same time. Assigned components of the Czech Land Forces, Military Medical Agency and the Military Police comprising 154 personnel took part in the exercise.

BALTIC EYE On May 9-16, 2016, and on July 11-18, 2016, this exercise trained pilots for NATO Air Policing and harmonised the Czech Air Force and Lithuanian Air Force operations on the provision of defence to an airbase and assigned airspace against the opponent’s air assault assets. Organised in Lithuanian airspace, the exercise saw the participation of 60 service personnel of the 21st Tactical Air Force Base with four L-159 ALCA aircraft.

KHAAN QUEST Conducted on May 15 – June 6, 2016, the exercise in the territory of Mongolia focused on training commanding officers and specialists of reconnaissance units in particular for operational deployments in difficult climatic conditions. The exercise was a part of predeployment training the Czech Armed Forces service personnel underwent for operations in EUTM Mali. Fifty service personnel of the 53rd Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare Battalion and the 7th Mechanised Brigade were assigned to that training event.

MOUNTAIN FLIGHT 2016 Held from May 25 through June 10, 2016, in France, the exercise was designed to train helicrews in flying in mountain terrain including formation flights and practising operation and tactical procedures for foreign deployments. Missions were flown with three Mi-171Sh, an Mi-17 helicopter and two Mi-24/35 rotary wing aircraft of the 22nd Helicopter Air Force Base and 24th Transport Air Force Base with a total of 61 aircrews and personnel.

TOBRUQ LEGACY 2016 The TOLY16 joint tactical exercise trained ground based air defence units from Lithuania, Slovenia, Latvia, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and the United States took place in the territory of Slovakia from September 17 through October 1, 2016. A Czech Air Force task force comprising 180 personnel represented the Czech Republic. Service personnel of the 25th Air Defence Missile Regiment formed the core of the task force. The exercise objective was to increase interoperability of NATO GBAD forces.

SLOVAK SHIELD 2016 Organised on September 25 – October 16, 2016, this was an annual military training exercise for Visegrad Four countries organised pursuant to the Joint V4 training strategy. U.S. and German forces also joined the exercise. In the years ahead, the exercise will be hosted by V4 countries on rotational basis. The Czech Republic will organise the annual V4 exercise in 2019. In 2016, the Czech Armed Forces contributed into the exercise a 130-strong unit from the order of battle of the 7th Mechanised Brigade.

TOXIC LEAK I–V An exercise series held in the Chemical, Biologic, Radiological and Nuclear Defence training and test centre in Zemianské Kostolany, Slovakia, to hone the skills of CBRN defence specialists in the pres­ ence of live chemical warfare agents, it took five times seven days and saw the participation of 75 Czech Armed Forces service personnel. A review 1/2017 11

MODERNISATION

Land Forces – the 2025 Land Forces Development Concept was developed on the basis of the Czech Armed Forces Development Concept. It defines basic requirements for combat forces, combat support and combat support service forces in 2020 and 2025 and lays down individual steps leading to the achievement of the planned capabilities.

Mechanised units – efforts have continued to acquire a new tracked AFV platform and introduce it to the inventory of the 7th Mecha­ nised Brigade. Steps have been taken as part of acquisition project to acquire 62 units of wheeled armoured fighting vehicles in the com­ mand and control, and com­munica­tion variants on the Pandur and Tatra platforms. The MBK modular combat systems and C4ISTAR systems were introduced to the inventory and the process of their introduction in the Czech Armed Forces units continues. A new generation of CZ BREN assault rifle with 11" and 12" barrel was acquired in the quantity of 2,600 pieces and additional ad­vanced handheld weapons. The process of replacement of individual bal­lis­ tic protection systems has been prepared for realisation.

Artillery – efforts continued on the 152mm Model 77 DANA self- propelled howitzer modernisation project and acquisition of new 155 mm guns. The MKPP replacement project was submitted for launching a public tender and realisation. Research and de­velop­ ment projects continue according to the plan. 12 A review 1/2017

Engineer service – as part of modernising the capabilities Tactical air units – preparations have been successfully under­ of improvised explosive devices and materials identification and way for the JAS-39 Gripen aircraft to obtain an air-to-ground disposal, 100 units of Miniature Mine Detectors (MIMID) were capability. The United States Government also approved an export acquired for EOD and combat engineer units. of the ­LINK-16 technology and the datalink will be integrated into all Gripen aircraft in the Czech Republic. A contract was CBRN Defence – for detection, identification and monitoring signed for the conversion of three single-seat L-159s to double- capabilities, the AL-3 analytical lab was acquired (a U.S. FMF project) seat version and military tests for the L-159 ALCA aircraft were plus specific additional special equipment and instruments. Efforts successfully completed. have continued to realise the project of modernising the equip­ ment used by radiological and chemical reconnaissance units to Ground Based Air Defence – by making a prototype in modular replace the obsolete SICRA vehicles with the S-LOV-CBRN and set-up completed the defence research project of developing LOV-CBRN II vehicle system. the prototype interface for expanding interoperability capabilities with elements of the ground based air defence forces automated Electronic warfare and reconnaissance – several acquisition and command and fire control system. Its goal is to ensure the flow development projects have been successfully completed such as of directives, orders, commands, reports, messages and air picture the mobile electronic warfare system (MKEB II), modernisation for the performance of NATO missions outside the territory of the RUP – FM – M electronic warfare system to deliver direct of the Czech Republic. electronic support and protection of the Czech Armed Forces as part of task forces in the area of deployment. Signal Corps – a contract was signed for the delivery of 4 units In the reconnaissance domain, the project of C4ISTAR archi­ of airfield surveillance radars with deliveries scheduled to start tec­ture systems acquisition continued to achieve ISR capabilities, in the first half of 2017. The contractor was selected for 8 units the PS RECCE portable sets were procured for reconnaissance of the 3D Mobile Air Defence Radar (MADR) with the contract teams of the 102nd Reconnaissance Battalion. The ISWM research signature scheduled in the first half of 2017. Efforts are underway project was successfully completed as one of the key software for infrastructure renovation and preparations at the radar sites. integration solutions for the integration of ISR sensors with Czech Armed Forces manoeuvre units. A review 1/2017 13

Command Prague, Czech Armed Forces Central Band, Military REORGANISATION Band Olomouc, Logistics Agency, CIS Agency and Military Medical Agency, Military Geographical and Hydro-meteorological Agency, The year 2016 again saw the Czech Armed Forces perform the 601st Special Forces Group, Land Forces Command, HQ 4th Rapid missions according to the directive authorised by the Government Deployment Brigade, HQ 7th Mechanised Brigade, 13th Artillery of the Czech Republic: Regiment, 14th Logistic Support Regiment, 15th Engineer The Czech Armed Forces Development Concept, Czech Armed Regiment, 31st Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Forces structure and personnel strength of the Armed Forces Defence Regiment, 53rd Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare of the Czech Republic, which set forth the scope and manner Regiment, 103rd CIMIC/PSYOPS Centre, 26th Command, Control of achieving capabilities, organisational structure of the armed and Surveillance Regiment. forces and the minimum total number of military professionals zz The Special Forces Support Centre was formed with the pri­ to meet the current and future assignments of the military, and ma­ry mission to provide close combat support as part realised the tasks for the creation of active reserve component of Special Operations Task Forces and support information and based on amended defence legislation. At the conclusion psychological operations. of 2016, components of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces underwent organisational redesign based on the Czech By 3 July 2016 Government Resolution No. 859 on systemisation of the General zz Based on the Act No. 585/2004 Coll., on Liability to Conscription Staff of the Czech Armed Forces. and its Ensuring (the Defence Act), amendment to the Act No. 219/1999 Coll., on the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic, By 1 July 2016 and the Act No. 45/2016 Coll., on the Service of Reserve Soldiers, zz Based on the amendment to the Act No. 585/2004 Coll., active reserve components were established in organisational on the Liability to Conscription and its Ensuring (the Defence structures of the Garrison Command Prague, CIS Agency Act), amendment to the Act No. 219/1999 Coll., on the Armed and Military Medical Agency, 601st Special Forces Group Forces of the Czech Republic, and the Act No. 45/2016 Coll., and Special Forces Support Centre, MP Command Olomouc, on the Service of Reserve Soldiers, measures were realised organisational components of the 4th Rapid Deployment to the effect of establishing active reserve components in the or­ Brigade and the 7th Mechanised Brigade, 13th Artillery gani­sa­tion­al structures of the Regional Military Headquarters Regiment, 14th Logistic Support Regiment, 15th Engineer (service authorities according to the Act No. 234/2014 Coll., Regiment, 31st Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear on Civil Service). Defence Regiment, 53rd Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare zz In connection with the policy documents endorsed by the Gov­ern­ Regiment, 21st Tactical Air Force Base, 22nd Helicopter Air Force ment of the Czech Republic – the Czech Armed Forces Devel­ op­ ment­ Base, 24th Transport Air Force Base, 25th Air Defence Missile Concept and the Czech Armed Forces structure and personnel­ Regiment, 26th Command, Control and Surveillance Regiment, strength of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic – the following Pardubice Airfield Administration and the Training Command – components were reorganised: the Personnel­ Agency, Garrison Military Academy.

MoD basing and stationing by 31 December 2016

Petrovice Chotyně Ústí n./L. Liberec Litoměřice Sedloňov Dobruška Hrušovany Travčice Jaroměř Žatec N.Ples Čeradice Dolní Slivno Kostelec n./L. Týniště n./O. MTA Hradiště K. Vodochody Hlavenec Lány H. Králové Vary Horoměřice Brandýs n./L.- Rakovník Nepolisy Čermná n./O. -S.Boleslav Mladkov Hostivice L. Bohdaneč Těchonín Prague Pardubice Chocerady Opava Hlučín Planá Lešany Chrudim Ústí n./O. Čáslav Háj ve SlezskuOstrava Tachov Pilsen Jince M.Třebová Stará Ves n./O. Líně Květná Pomezí Štěpánov MTA Libavá Bělá n./R. Potštát Přáslavice N.Jičín Olomouc Hranice Pec, Česká Kubice Dobronín Lipník n./B. Hostašovice Prostějov Přerov Klatovy Tábor Jihlava Rančířov MTA Březina Bystřice p./H. Bechyně Sedlec, Vyškov Strakonice Vícenice Brno Zlín J. Hradec Bučovice LEGEND: Č. Budějovice Sokolnice, Újezd u Brna

Base MTA Boletice Locations and Božice standalone locations Military Training Areas (MTA) 14 A review 1/2017

By 1 January 2017 zz By the virtue of its Resolution No. 859 dated 21 September 2016, the Government endorsed the post systemisation of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces in accordance with the Section § 7 Article 5 of the Act No. 219/1999 Coll., on the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic, as subsequently amended. zz By the virtue of Resolution No. 829 dated 21 September 2016 the Government of the Czech Republic endorsed the proposed systemisation of service and working positions of service authorities in the Ministry of Defence, based on which reor­ ­gani­ sa­tion was performed of the Regional Military Headquarters.­ A review 1/2017 15

The Regional Military Command in Ostrava tested the skills of reservists to face a bad weather The Giant Mountains 2017

The move in difficult mountain conditions under a tactical theme, improvised roping, transporting an injured soldier, or to bed down in a burrow. All this had to be managed by the Ostrava reservists during this year’s survival exercise.

his winter in the Giant Mountains testified one of the leaders, whose team prepared for reservists new expe­ went astray from the planned route and “Triences, superior snow conditions every extra metre cost an extra energy, but and harsh temperatures, which is ideal for unfortunately the reservists arrived at the this type of training. At the Regional Mili­ designated place after dark, which made tary Headquarters Ostrava, winter exercises building burrows to stay overnight much the feeling that the rescue had to come of a similar nature are done by the re­ more difficult. Not only that it is a special in a few minutes, otherwise you would servists every year. For such training, there training in which Ostrava reservists prepare suffocate to death or hypothermia would is an ideal environment in the Jeseníky themselves for the implementation of tasks occur. “If you overcome steep slopes, you mountain range, or the Giant Mountains, in crisis situations, in harsh conditions, but have to be informed about the state of offering quality facilities and the attractive­ the experience can be also used in every­ the weather, structure of the snow and ness of training in form of harsh climatic day life to save the others. The ability to you must have an avalanche probe and conditions. That’s why we return in those fasten basic knots, to pull out a person avalanche shovel with you,” sounded from locations cyclically. This type of training is from a hardly accessible terrain, respond the lips of experienced instructors. very demanding on the mental and physi­ correctly to a falling avalanche, to improve cal condition, and even if this year’s survival topographic orientation in the field and exercise was attended also by new trainees, provide first aid, all this can be used practi­ Valuable experiences all training was mastered successfully, cally any time. Instructors also presented soldiers valuable mainly because the unit works as a team. experiences needed for rescuing a wound­ Above all, I put emphasis on the autonomy ed person. During the following task, when of completing the task. The company has Waiting for rescue the reservists had to rappel down from an experienced commander and it is only up To lie in an excavated burrow, to be covered a steep slope to rescue their wounded to them how they allocate capacities, how by mass of snow, where you were not able team-mate, they had already known the they will plan a route, arrange necessary to move, with darkness around, to feel concept of Dülfeťs seat: to fold and tie on equipment and create the conditions for the lack of oxygen in air pocket and then the transport stretcher UT 2000, and then the overnight stay,” said Colonel Jaroslav a long wait till you would be extricated to create a simple pulley by means of ropes, Hrabec, who stood at the birth of a “survival from the avalanche, that was the way of ac­ snap-hooks and a flat loop. What is most exercise” for the Ostrava reserve. tivity, in quotation marks, in the avalanche important and what instructors constantly simulation, when the soldiers knew that reminded was the necessity of a constant help would come in a moment. Soldiers communication and the fact that the com­ For mistakes must be paid also gained theoretical experience what mander must have everything organized In these conditions, even a small error in it was like in a real avalanche, when they well ahead. route planning or during the orientation lost self-control, when the compressed on map would cost a lot of strength that snow made impossible to create a pocket, Text and photos by may be lacking in performing other tasks, every minute is like an hour, not to mention Warrant Officer Martin Ogořálek, Michal Voska 16 A review 1/2017

All this year, the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade will be retrained for a new type of load-bearing system, NSV-12 with new types Paras of bags One of the main tasks of paratroopers is among others also a tactical airborne drop. Earlier this February, for the first time in history, the paratroopers of the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade began to retrain for new types of parachutist kit bags (NSV-12). The retraining will take place throughout this year, till all paratroopers of the brigade will have completed it. They will fly in different types of aircraft, they won’t miss even an airdrop at night.

ate last year, paratroopers got new parachutist kit bags, which are used Drilling for greater safety Lto transport the personal materiel of “These parachutist kit bags are character­ paratroopers.­ At present, soldiers of the ized by the fact that they are no longer 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade are fa­mil­iar­ positioned behind a paratrooper, but in front ized and retrained to be able to parachute of him, which permits much easier handling with them. These airborne containers have the bag, while falling to the ground,” Captain a minimum content of twenty kilograms, Němec states and adds that another but they can be, depending on the type of novelty there are even new types of reserve operation, filled up to a maximum of sixty parachutes which have not a release device kilograms. from the side, but from the top, which allows­ Paratroopers must go through an in­ immediate opening the reserve parachute, ten­sive two-day schooling, where they in case of any difficulties. will learn how to pack a parachutist kit The actual cargo bag is basically a pocket bag, what this bag should contain, how to into which a paratrooper packs his gear fix a respective weapon and they are also and equipment needed to fulfil the task. familiarized with the technique of a jump He packs his belongings into a kit bag with a kit bag. “If the paratrooper jumps and at the end he adds a weapon, either bag. The parachute jump from a specified without a load, it is against the jumps with long or short. Initial parachute jumps will type of airplane, with a parachute harness parachutist kit bags diametrical dif­ference be only with a short weapon, so that the assembly and fastened kit bag, is carried that needs to be properly trained,” Captain paratroopers could learn how to manipulate by a paratrooper in an established drop Milan Němec informs. with a kit bag. Gradually, they will learn altitude. even how to handle long weapons. At the moment the kit bag is separated “This system is a bit complicated for from a parachute harness assembly, anchor paratroopers, with straps and rigging every­ rope will be released gradually, the kit bag where, everyone has to drill it in detail, so that falls down first to paratrooper’s ankles,” everything could be done correctly,” says Kupčík notes. “Then the bag will hang under Warrant Officer Jiří Kupčík, one of the drill a paratrooper and after its drop it will begin instructors of parachute training. “Initially, to release due to its weight, on the entire for some of them, it takes the whole day, length of an anchor rope, it hits the ground for some two hours, we must be constantly first, only after that a paratrooper will land.” with them, fix them up, check each stage Thanks to a fixed rope, the kit bag can of the packaging, remove errors and explain be quickly found even at night and trans­ them why things are done. Finally, they will ported materiel can be speedily transferred learn all so perfectly that everything will be after the airdrop from the drop zone to put together very quickly.” a point, where it can be set up in a short time, because of anchor line system with adjustable buckles, allowing very quick un­ Kit bags dropping packing. After that follows the performance After proper reinstruction, at first para­ of operational tasks.” troopers will continue to practice on air­ Before jumping, paratroopers train each borne training grounds, where they will be phase on the ground. For that purpose hanging in the “swings”. Then they will they use respective simulators. “Everyone practice throwing away a parachutist kit here can try everything as a dry run,” says A review 1/2017 17

The weapon immediately available “The holsters for guns in new parachutist kit bags are designed so that a paratrooper could, if necessary, use his weapon im­ mediately, without the need to unfasten the straps of a kit bag,” Captain Němeček explains ready to use weapons system. In any case, the magazine could be packed both with a short gun as well as a long weapon—a sniper rifle. “Then the ri­ fle sticks out of this backpack almost forty centimetres,” instructor Jiří Kupčík explains. “With long weapons the paratroopers will jump later, first they have to drill with those short that do not exceed bags and are mounted in a case inside.” New reserve parachutes Reserve parachutes are for paratroopers also new. It was the using of a long weap­ on that could arise improper handling with a reserve parachute releaser, placed what are the procedures to call for help,” on the side. the instructor enumerates rules. “For the paratrooper with a wrapped And then comes boarding the aircraft, long weapon, located on the side, it could however, with full “fighting load”. It is very be difficult to reach the release knob, sup­ easy to say, but paratroopers know what’s posing a failure might occur,” says Warrant going on. “The hardest thing is to proceed Officer Kupčík. “This new reserve parachute a few meters with full loads to the airplane has the advantage that a paratrooper and get on it,” almost all paratroopers say himself chooses which hand is used for the with one voice. It is said, the heavier para­ release. The releaser itself has a short cord, chutist kit bag, the more secure is the jump and thus it also prevents the possibility by itself. Because of this heavy kit bag, the cable be jammed. The cord was hard we could simply lie on the air. “It is im­ to pull out in old parachutes and therefore portant to watch the kit bag, so that you these new ones, in cases of emergency, will do not land directly on it, because ankle contribute a lot to greater security of our injuries might occur. Next you wrap a para­ paratroopers.” chute, take out a weapon from the bag, and finally you together with your kit bag will Instructors in action reach the designated spot.” Before the paratroopers board a particular type of aircraft, they must prepare materiel “Forward!” and parachutes for the final inspection. In the aircraft there are always two in­struc­ “This is again a moment when the in­ tors—jumpmaster and assistant jump­ struc­tors come to check the entire para­ master. “The jump­master is usually in the chute set of each individual,” Jiří Kupčík door, he is also responsible for airdrop continues. “They check the main and re­ point,” explains the role of instructors on serve parachutes,­ the way every­one pack­ board of an air­craft Warrant Officer Jiří ed his backpack­ in harnesses system, Kupčík. “He also deter­mines where a para­ if everything is fixed, whether the carbines trooper jumps; he must be in the door and are not twisted.” calculates a landing point by the wind.” Then there is a further briefing for sol­ Then the jumpmaster checks all per­son­ diers. Subsequently the soldiers put on nel, if they stand as they should. “That’s their harness and equipment sets and in­ why they are always two instructors on struc­tors again check whether everything board; the second one always supervises all is all right. Again there is a briefing. Then activities. They control whether the soldiers the unit calculates how many flights will be correctly anchored line cables and once done and at what height. they are above the point where they have “The briefing lies in the fact that we re- to jump, every paratrooper separately is instruct them again, how to fly, how to land, given the command, “FORWARD!”. The rest instructor, who carefully monitors every what they should do when collide in the air, depends only on a paratrooper,” says Jiří move of paratroopers and immediately when they land on the problematic terrain. Kupčík. after the jump he makes an assessment, They get necessary lessons about the rules eventually to eliminate possible errors. what to do, if there any accident happens, Text and photos by Jana Deckerová 18 A review 1/2017

The members of the 74th Light Motorized Battalion brought a lot of experience from a nearly three-month exercise “Training Brigade 2017” in Lithuania Support for an Iron Wolf

Aggressor army occupied some of the Lithuanian villages. by sharp and intense fire. Despite­ the risk that The Lithuanian armed forces began to prepare for pushing the ammunition would be exhausted soon, this kind of fury resembled a little storm­ing the enemy out from their territory. In this context, the Winter Palace in Petersburg. In any case, in accordance with Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, their effort and great enthusiasm couldn’t we established the Company Task Force of the Army be denied. The Czech soldiers proceeded slowly, sheltering more, using the rough ter­ of the Czech Republic. For the needs of the “Training rain, supporting one another by firing short Brigade 2017” exercise in Lithuania, this task force was formed bursts. by members of the 74 Light Motorized Battalion of Bučovice, “To cooperate with Lithuanian con­scripts reinforced with specialists mainly from the logistics field. was a new experience for us. We es­tab­ lished a professional army more than twelve Their assignment was to assist in the liberation of these areas. years ago, so our soldiers have not expe­ rienced something like this before. It was hile on the horizon it sounded interesting. Those guys have a completely like gunfire at Verdun, Czech and different motivation, they work differently. WLithuanian units made contact Just because of them, the Lithuanian army with the boundary objects and gradually managed without any problem to fulfil began to struggle into the village. Despite the tables of or­gani­za­tion and equipment. a strong opposition from the enemy, sev­ Mostly they are not the per­sons who were er­al Czech light armoured vehicles Iveco compulsorily drafted. The Lithuanian army managed to get at the village square. Their prefers voluntary service. And therefore crews immediately supported further in­ they have has set up a number of interest­ fantry advance. While the Czech infantry ing incentives, told us about his freshly ac­ attacked the building directly in front of quired experiences from cooperation with them, Lithuania’s progressed quickly out a Lithuanian unit, marked with the Iron Wolf, of the woods on the left wing. Captain Miroslav Maixner, commander of our Company Task Force. Difference between Strengthening the defence the Profs and the Cons At first glance, there was the obvious dif­ goes to the finish ference between professional soldiers and The Lithuanian army has gone through conscripts. At this stage of the struggle, for significant changes during the past quarter Lithuanians there was the most important to century. After instituting the independent overcome quickly the space between forest Lithuania in 1991, the army was formed and village. The lack of tactics was substituted basically on green field sites. Significantly, A review 1/2017 19 they were emigrants who served in the coast. Accompanied by the Lithuanian US Army and returned home that con­ military police, the armoured vehicles tributed a lot to its formation. The lack managed to cover this distance in eight of sources in the forces was solved by hours. They arrived to their destination the purchases of discarded Western on Jan. 11, after midnight, at 02:00 am. materiel from second-hand. This materiel It was a great check-up, above all, of drivers. should replace­ that of the Soviet origin. Afterwards, in the training area, our The decisive factor in defence of the soldiers practiced step by step the entire country became as fast as possible moving spectrum of operations. A large part of towards NATO. It was completed in 2004. the training was focused on defence. To be Four years later, Lithuania introduced most effective, it was associated with dig­ a fully professional army. It should have ging in units. Overall, our soldiers dug up had about fifteen thousand members, to 1,500 foxholes and almost 1 km of con­ including two and a half thousand civilian necting trenches. “Considerable space was employees. This establish­ment, however, devoted as well to shooting. We practiced it despite all the efforts, was never fulfilled. not only as individuals, but also as a squad And so, after the events in Ukraine and and later also at the level of platoon. There the occupation of the Crimea by Russian we connected shooting and tactical prepa­ military, Lithuanian political repre­ senta­­ ration together. Soldiers fulfilled certain tion approved another major deci­sion. tactical tasks and were firing live am­mu­ In 2016, they renewed military service, nition. In terms of training, we were sub­ lasting nine months. Therefore they man­ jected to the Lithuanian battalion, but in aged to meet planned numerical strength terms of leadership, we were responsible without any problems. Moreover, they have to the 74th Light Motorized Battalion HQ. a relatively large reserve force, consist­ing The “Training Brigade 2017” exercise in All reports and other important issues we of about one hundred thousand reservists. Lithuania, in which participated our sol­ dealt with the com­mander of the battalion Currently, the Lithuanian army completes diers, started at the beginning of January Bučovice. On the contrary, all matters re­ intensively its weaponry. The most recent this year. Its plans, however, began to be lating to training, such as defining training ac­qui­si­tions include the purchase of snip­ thought over even several months earlier. plan, we solved together with the Lithuani­ er rifles SCAR-H PR from FH Herstal and “I’m very glad that the idea, which was born ans. In this respect, for me the most im­ 88 ar­moured vehicles Boxer from the about a year ago during our presidency portant partner was the commander of ­German-Dutch producer. Vilnius is thus of the V4 countries, was successfully imple­ the 3rd Coy Captain Justina Bolys, and bat­ ranked among the countries that meet mented. At that time, we had thought, talion commander Major Jagminas Anpinis,” NATO’s com­mitment to spend 2 percent we could contribute with similar activities, explains Captain Maixner. “Especially for our of gross domestic product on the military. but the summit in Warsaw began, where young soldiers it was interesting there. They The Lithuanian defence doctrine predicts an idea of the four battle groups was came could practice the activity in difficult climatic the defence of its own territory for 72 hours. into being. We said that this was nothing conditions. We had a fairly large frosts cou­ Then, on the basis of Article 5 of the against anything, because these matters pled with high humidity. In addi­ tion,­ there ­Washington Treaty, the country ought could run parallel. Then we divided the year was a strong wind from the sea. So the per­ to be rein­forced by its Allies. To promote 2017 into four quarters. The Czech Republic ceived temperature usually ranged from the defence concept, in the near future, joined to the first,” said in this regard minus 10 to minus 15 degrees. In these four Alliance battalions are going to be Defence Minister Martin Stropnický. “I am conditions,­ we got a chance to train directly de­ployed in this region. One of these pleased that we have kept their word and on the Baltic coast.” will be stationed directly in Lithuania. at the beginning of January we were here. Even V4 states decided to contribute For what I know, training activity is very to strengthen­ ­ing this country’s defence. intense. I think that for our soldiers, this is something entirely new. Many of them were in Afghanistan, Mali and other missions. We have kept the word This is entirely something else. And not Meanwhile the Czech and Lithuanian in­ only in terms of terrain or climate.” fantries cleaned one house after another from the opponent. Soldiers thoroughly checked whether the stricken adversary Shooting was actually definitely put out of the fight. But advancement to the centre of the vil­ with the tactical task lage still claimed some casualties. First Even the mere transportation of our sol­ of all it was necessary to take care of diers and equipment to Lithuania repre­ wounded soldiers and provide them with sented considerable experience. Loading first aid. As soon as basic life functions were on the Bučovice station required one day. stabilized, they ought to be transported to The train, consisting of 24 freight cars and the field hospital, as quickly as possible. 4 passenger cars, set out for journey from The Czech company there had armoured Bučovice on Sunday, January 8th. At the ambulance Iveco, capable of providing and Lithuanian Sestokai train station; there transporting the wounded even under fire. were waiting for our soldiers the unloading From one of the occupied buildings four of 38 pieces of military equipment and soldiers were approaching, with a wounded subsequently about 350 kilometres long man on a stretcher. The actual loading took movement on their own, to the Kairiai only a moment. training area near Klaipeda, on the Baltic 20 A review 1/2017

They will use it in a mission Some of our units were asked to simulate the enemy. Once the task forces got into their territory, they were ordered to attack them from all directions. “The cooperation with the Lithuanians proceeded without prob­ lems. There were no big differences in indi­ vidual drills. In addition, both they and we worked there as compact units, so potential differences did not pose any problems for us. The Lithuanian platoon consisted most­ ly of conscripts. Of course, they were at a lower level of training than our members who had served in the mili­tary for many years. They just learned everything. They were similar to recruits who regularly com­ plement our unit,” stressed platoon deputy commander Sergeant First Class Jan Malík. “The training area is technically similar to ours. There were firing ranges, multipur­ pose range complexes, and other training commitments. We trained here really in­ when our soldiers went out of a training­ facilities. The advantage, of course, was tensely.­ What was practiced there, this unit area. They were apparently very happy that the surroundings which was new for us.” will use in the next year, when it should be practiced­ in Lithuania. We have no choice Even the Chief of the General Staff of deployed­ in a foreign mission. All will surely but to believe that the next year our sol­ Armed Forces of the Czech Republic General pay in the coming months.” diers in connection with the de­ployment­ Josef Bečvář expressed satisfaction with On March 20, after almost three months, in Alliance Battle Groups will return not only the activities of our company Task Force we had to say goodbye. Both locals and to Lithuania but also in other Baltic countries. during the exercise in Lithuania “This is not soldiers­ were very friendly and helpful all just some kind of declaration of Alliance the time. Civilians were waving every time, Text and photos by Vladimír Marek A review 1/2017 21

Certification exercise for the mission in Afghanistan tested the ability of soldiers

The scenario with many incidents and tenseShield moments meant between day and night can be up to several for soldiers demanding preparation of actual situations tens of degrees, which together with bal­ listic protection and weapons, weighing that they may meet during the Resolute Support Mission tens of kilograms, is not easy to endure. in Afghanistan. The task of the 8th Guard Company, Bagram For the soldiers it will be a difficult task. Air Field (8.SR BAF), is namely the protection of Bagram Base, In addition to overcoming physical dif­fi­cul­ ties and adaptation to climate, they must but also an escort of VIP persons and their transport. know the local culture. A big role is played by tribal leaders, who are to a certain he certification exercise of the 8th Part of the test was the ability of platoons extent, especially in the eyes of local Guard Company BAF (Bagram Air to make contact with the local population people, above the laws of Afghanistan. It is TField) in Operation Resolute Support in their own area of responsibility, to deal also important to know the local religion, tested the unit’s ability to perform opera­ with the main representatives of the vil­ as approximately 99 % of the population is tional tasks in the area of deployment lages and also to accompany VIP persons, officially Muslim. in Af­gha­ni­stan, in particular to ensure the to which also contributed to the knowl­edge protection of Bagram Base. The managing of the members of URNA (Rapid Response staff consisted of members of the Training and Antiterrorist Unit of the Czech Republic Command-Military Academy Vyškov, Sup­ Police) who also participated in the training. port Battalion Vyškov, 103rd CIMIC/PSYOPS The preparation took almost seven months Centre Olomouc, 102nd Reconnaissance and was divided into several phases: from factsheet Battalion Prostějov, representatives of the the recruitment of personnel, instructing The 53rd Regiment of Reconnaissance 6th SR BAF (4th Rapid Deployment Brigade individuals-specialists, weapons’ crews, and Electronic Warfare consist of main Žatec), nearly 30 members of the Active to the equally important logistics. organizational units, containing the Headquarters and the Staff of the regi­ Reserve, and soldiers from Regional Military ment, Centre for Intelligence Sur­veil­ Headquarters (KVV) in Hradec Králové lance and Reconnaissance (ISR), and and Liberec respectively. Next to instruc­ Knowledge various battalions. The organizational tors from Vyškov, there is also the British structure of the regiment is comple- Training Advisory Team which contributed of local customs mented by support elements (Logistics significantly to the training, as a number Second Lieutenant Jan Fus, who lead the Company, Command Company, Regi­ of its mentors have extensive experience certification, mentioned in particular mental Aid Station and garrison sup­ from the deployment in Afghanistan. the seamless coordination, but also be­ port element). In Opava garrison, there ne­fits for soldiers in form of challenging are located the Command and the Staff scenarios. “Due to the coordination of of the 53rd Regiment, Headquarters of the 532nd Electronic Warfare Battalion, Actual themes the entire team, demanding preparation and some of its troops, individual com- The theme of military exercises is always covering several months, cooperation panies. Other units of this Electronic based on the current situation in the place across the military, it is possible to pre­ Warfare Battalion are situated in Tábor of deployment and it is based on fresh pare the members of the Guard Company garrison. Prostějov Garrison is home of experiences of the previous units. The basis for all situa­tions, including transporting 102nd Reconnaissance Battalion. Other is to prepare soldiers for all situations that wounded by MEDEVAC that was possible components of the regiment are sta­ may arise. Members of the 8th Guard Com­ in cooperation with Náměšť Base to in­ tionary reconnaissance posts—Božice, pany were occupied with dozens of events, clude in the scenarios,” he said. Thus the Velký Zvon, Kříženec, Tachov, Nakléřov ranging from ordinary traffic accidents, soldiers practiced not only the move of and Osoblaha. incidents when the car hits an improvised the wounded, but also gained extensive explosive device, to patrols’ zeroing from knowledge of the local culture and en­ small-arms and attacks by suicide bombers. vironment. The temperature differences Text and photos by Michal Voska LidéHeroes kolem of ordinary nás days During emergency, the crew of the helicopter Mi-8 demonstrated decisiveness and courage and prevented potential injuries There was no time for fear

That day of 14th December last year, there was over the Czech the transport by helicopter already they had Republic dreary weather. Cloudy and overcast with showers a considerable experience. On the contrary, for one of the flight attendants it was or light rain. Temperatures were above zero. But this was almost an opening night. “It was my second not true for the crew of the helicopter Mi-8 that with training flight. With me, there was a work­ its aircraft took off from Prostějov and headed towards mate who taught me. That’s why it was eas­ Prague, Kbely Airport. ier for me. I felt strong support from her,” Sergeant First Class Martina Kulová recalls. e flew at a height of 3.000 feet. cases the most important. They im­medi­ “We’ve noticed, of course, that the motors The territory, across which our ate­ly started procedures for emergency failed. Subsequently there came an instruc­ “Wflight route led, was afflicted situations. “First of all, we had to stabilize tion from the crew that there would be by local frost. Before we could leave this the helicopter for autorotation. We tried an emergency landing. Fortunately, at that area, there was most likely an icing at the to keep the revs and speed. The flight engi­ time all passengers were in their seats and entries to both engines. When we started neer immediately began launching first fastened. So we gave them just the in­struc­ to descend into warmer layers, the loos­ the right and then the left engine. It worked. tions to take a safety position for emer­ ened ice extinguished suddenly both Both motors successfully started,” Captain gency landing. In such a case, passengers engines,” describes the affair Captain Marek Bohuněk recalled. must be primarily fastened, next they lower Bohuněk, captain of the helicopter. But before it, the flight attendants had the heads between their knees. Because to take care of the passengers. The ad­ we finally managed to start the engines, vantage was that on board of a helicopter, when the helicopter set down, the emer­ Engines luckily started up there were almost exclusively people from gency landing did not take place, nor did On board at that time there were thirteen the defence department. They were mostly an emergency evacuation. So for us, it was people. The crew stayed cool. It is in these members of Special Forces. And so with actually all over.” 2323

They practice this on a simulator At the moment, when the combustion chamber goes out during the flight, accord­ ing to the regulations you need, as quickly as possible, to start the process of emer­gency cranking up the engines. It will of course require a certain time. When there is no force that would propel the main rotor, the engine begins to slow down and consequently there would be a loss of speed of the main rotor. “It’s the same as if the plane suddenly could lose its speed. The helicopter­ loses stability and decreases in high speed to the ground. In parallel with the attempts to stabilize the aircraft, it is neces­ sary­ to report to the air traffic controller and set code 7700 on the transponder. That’s what we did. Every­thing happened so fast that you have no time for any feelings.­ The whole thing took about one and a half minutes. For several years we have been practicing a really good crew, composed of people who in these conditions. At present, the heli­ similar situations­ on a simu­lator.­ We have are qualified for helicopter testing, and after copters are flying again. everything perfectly drilled. So if something an examination conducted by a technical The whole incident had also its ceremo­ like this really happens, you respond literally team, the helicopter flies to the base. In this nial finale. In the mid-February, Defence automatically.­ The fear comes later, when case it was above all a check-up of the Minister Martin Stropnický and Chief of everything is already finished. It will return engine, fuel analysis and other matters.” the General Staff General Josef Bečvář only after landing, even after a pause of two In this type of helicopter, the incident awarded­ to the crew of the helicopter, con­ or three days,” Captain Bohuněk explains. of such kind was second confirmed in the sist­ing of Captains Marek Bohuňek and “That does not mean that a man is some­how Czech Republic. In the categories of inci­ Mojmír Zachariáš, First Lieutenant Eduard restricted. Immediately, for the following dent, serious incident and air accident, that Malina, Master Sergeant Renáta Sajfertová day, we planned performing emergency was the middle level. They immediately de­ a Sergeant First Class Martina Kulová, for procedures during the flight. This lesson clared a ban on the flying of the helicopters their courage, decisiveness in an emergency was practiced, as if nothing had happen­­ ­Mi-8. This is a standard procedure. When situation, for preventing from the injury ed. Something like this is very im­portant, something like this ever happens, im­medi­ to members of the Army of the Czech a man thus prevents any fears of flying. ately appropriate measures are taken. Sub­ Republic, and averting the damage of con­ The helicopter is a machine that has certain sequently, the situation is analysed, which siderable­ extent, the Czech Armed Forces rules and regulations. There are natural laws requires a certain time. The helicopters Honorary Badges of Merit. that work, and our feelings have no effect were therefore grounded roughly a month, on them.” till all tests had been finished. There was by Vladimír Marek, This is confirmed by a novice on the also the training of the crews how to fly photos by: author and Jan Kouba board, Sergeant First Class Martina Kulová. “Even this experience did not deter me from further flying. You are after such an experience a little stressed, but you have to overcome it.” Merit badges Immediately, after the incident occurred, the crew headed the helicopter by digital maps into an area where it would be pos­ sible to carry out the autorotation landing.­ It was a large field without obstacles, where they could touch down without problems. And there the helicopter really landed. “If it would be impossible to start the en­ gines, we would have tried to continue gliding towards this very appropriate­ place, and there we would have made an autoro­­ tation­ landing,” Marek Bohuněk explains. After landing, we checked all the systems. Approximately after two days, a helicopter without passengers flew back to the base at Kbely. The instruction in this case allows a technical flight. They usually pick up 24 A review 1/2017

The Army of the Czech Republic belongs with 13% share of women among the leading countries of the NATO alliance

Women in the Czech Army

Before forty, fifty years ago it was rare. of this resolution and the principle of equality between women and Currently, women are quite common. men within the Ministry of Defence in general. When women enter the army, no one distinguishes whether it is The public got used already to female a man or a woman. Both sexes equally must pass through a sieve of doctors, psychologists or personnel managers. physical and psychological tests. The army is a team, and here it is In recent years, however, we see female necessary to prove that you are useful and beneficial, regardless pilots, paratroopers, tracked vehicle drivers, of gender. Nevertheless, mixed groups are very important for the team as a whole. Both sexes in fact complement each other or pyrotechnics. They serve in combat units, and work together, and the representation of women at various with chemical or engineer troops, as tank levels of command is often motivating. troopers, gunners, but also in Special Forces. They lead combat units, pilot fighter aircraft Female pilot, paratrooper or combat helicopters. This year, people might also see even a woman with the rank of general. and pyrotechnician Progress in numbers of soldiers, since joining the Alliance, has he Czech Army has about three thousand women and the prin­ testified that the Czech Army is open to women. Within NATO, ciples­ of equal opportunities of men and women in the defence­ the Army of the Czech Republic reached the 10th place. Tsector, among others, are guaranteed by an internal regulation in The chart 1, however, shows that although the number of women form of the Defence Ministerial Order entitled “Enforcing the Principle has increased, so has the number of men, because the propor­ of Equality between Men and Women within the Competence tion of women decreased slightly, compared to previous years. of the MoD”, then it is a service aid “Equal Treatment of Men and If a woman decides to join the army, no one cares whether the can­ Women”, and finally “Defence Ministry Action Plan to Implement UN didate is male or female. What matters most is what the candidates Security Council Resolution 1325, on Women, Peace and Security.” can do and what the army gains. “Therefore, it is not unusual that women are part of the combat units and in these positions could be deployed in operations Equality between men and women abroad,” says Major Miroslava Štenclová, permanent delegate The latter document, approved by the Minister of Defence in June to the NATO Committee on Gender Perspectives. “At present, 2015, declares the effort of our department to realize the obliga­ we currently have female representation at higher levels of com­ tions of this resolution and to inform the general public and interest mand; we have a woman even in the position of Chief Sergeant organizations about the measures adopted to meet the principle Major of Armed Forces.” A review 1/2017 25

Development of numbers of female soldiers Graph 1 “In the Czech Army, women hold most often the rank of master sergeant, there are 463 of them,” Major Miroslava Štenclová says. Professional soldiers—in total of them female soldiers “Another common rank is first lieutenant, 389 women, followed by captains in capacity of 293 women, the Czech Army has 179 female majors and in the rank of lieutenant colonels there are 70 women. The highest rank Czech women ever reached, is that of colonel, in which we have so far four women.” The first woman in the Czech Army was raised to the rank of colonel in 2007. Her name was Lenka Šmerdová, who worked then as a head of department that was in charge of enlistment, selection and recruitment of new soldiers. At that time, receiving her promotion, she said: “Women compared with men have it a little harder; they must always be a little better.” Currently Colonel Lenka Šmerdová is responsible for the recruitment of Psychological findings of the Czech Army clearly conclude that new soldiers at the Recruiting Department which is subordinated women tolerate very well long-term burdens, on the contrary, to the Personnel Agency of the Army of the Czech Republic. men tolerate well those of short-term. These differences are used Another is Colonel Jana Růžičková, which currently holds the po­ to build contingents for deployments abroad. Women have a better sition of Director of the Office of the General Staff of the Army sense of direction for short distances; they handle communication of the Czech Republic. Another two female colonels work far better and are able to perform multiple tasks at once. Men are at the University of Defence in Brno. far better in coping short-term stress and their long distance orientation is better. Ranks structure The ratio of women and men applying for a service in the Czech The most frequent ranks of women in the ACR Army says that women are slightly more successful. The same „„ master sergeant 463 women is true even in cases of admission to the University of Defence Brno „„ first lieutenant 389 women or Military Secondary School and College at Moravská Třebová. „„ captain 293 women A high proportion of female students are a long-term trend. The highest ranks of women in the ACR The ratio of girls to boys admitted to study in relation to the number „„ colonel 4 women of male and female candidates suggests that discriminatory „„ lieutenant colonel 70 women attitudes are broken down and that the girls are in the application „„ major 179 women process successful. Regarding the rank of general, on 8 May 2015, President Miloš Operations abroad—the proportion of female soldiers Graph 2 Zeman promoted the first women to the rank of general. She is Brigadier General Lenka Šmerdová, Advisor to the Chief of the General Staff, who is in charge of the recruitment of new soldiers. Women are in command structures even in other armies in NATO. For example, the US Armed Forces had their first female general already in 1970. In 2008, a woman stepped up between the absolute military elite. To the rank of four-star general was promoted Ann Dunwoody, who as a logistics officer participated in the Gulf War.

Text and photos: Jana Deckerová, graphs: Recruiting Department, MoD

“Female soldiers are sent to operations abroad mainly as part of a selected formation and over the years their participation must be seen in context with performed operational tasks of the con­ tingent,” Major Štenclová continues. “The character individual operational deployment changes every year and so does even actual employment of female soldiers. However, always is taken into account­ what specific professions—occupational specialties are needed for a contingent in question.” As a soldier, the woman must perform the same tasks as a man. Physical conditions are not negligible and biological facts cannot be ignored. Women are structurally weaker than men. But this still does not justify the exclusion of women who are capable to fulfil demanding physical requirements of respective position. The highest rank is colonel, so far Women are represented in the Czech Army in all ranks, from female sergeant to colonel. Last year alone, numbers of our armed forces were expanded by 127 women. Overall, our army has almost three thousand women, ten percent of them in “commanding” positions. 26 A review 1/2017

The Czech tactical air unit again provided air policing coverage to the airspace of the island of geysers and volcanos

The Gripens over Iceland

Fighter pilots from Čáslav Tactical Air Force Base served based on the requirements of Iceland,” their third tour from September till November last year Lieutenant-Colonel Tomaňa elaborated and went on to say: “the lessons we have learnt at the Keflavik airbase on Iceland. The Air Policing 2016 will help us further increase combat and task force provided a continuous coverage to the airspace operational capabilities of the 21st Tactical of the Republic of Iceland as part of the NATO Integrated Air Air Force in Čáslav.” Although the tour on Iceland is “air”, the contingent also com­ and Missile Defense System (NATINAMDS). prises soldiers assigned for guard duties. Their command­ ing­ officer First Lieutenant he primary mission for the Czech Air ­Gustav Stehlík expanded: “Our soldiers­ Force was to defend the partner na­ Medium range missiles guarded­ the assigned­ area and the am­ Ttion’s territorial sovereignty. In 2009 munition­ depot where they kept 24-hour and 2012, the Czech airmen served sev­ for the first time duty shifts. Their service was difficult with er­al operational tours in the Baltics and For this tour, the spectrum of operational inclement winter weather on Iceland involv­ in the Republic of Iceland over the past capabilities expanded with the historically ing torrential rains and wind velocity over three years. During the ASICIPPN mission first “hot” deployment of JAS-39 Gripen 50 km per hour.” (Airborne Surveillance and Interception aircraft with the AIM-120 AMRAAM for to meet Capabilities Iceland’s Peace­ air policing of the airspace over Iceland. time Preparedness), the Czech service Deputy Commander for operations Major Attack on frigate person­nel were on 24/7 alert duty from Tomáš Merta explained that AMRAAM “We were asked to participate in a sea ex­ 5 ­October till 1 November 2016. The su­ missiles were a regular part of the inventory er­cise taking place roughly 80 km south­ perior command Combined Air Opera­ of NATO nations, and that was why they west from Iceland,” the Czech contingent’s tions Centre (CAOC) stationed in Jeden, formed a part of equipment of the Czech command­ ing­ officer LTC Tomaňa describes Germany, set the time limit for scram­ fighters. the engagement of Czech Gripen fight­ bling. “It was highly de­mand­ing not only ers. The mission for the Czech airmen for the Czech personnel on Iceland but was to per­form a simulated attack on the also on those who stayed at the home Specificities of this tour Languedoc frigate that is one of the newest base at Čáslav. The Quick Reaction Alert The tour was planned for a long time, vessels of the French Navy. That class is (QRA) duties must be performed one which allowed the selection of person­ adequately equipped against airborne at­ hundred percent in both locations at the nel who had not been in Iceland before. tacks and the readiness of their crews same time,” explained the commanding For many service personnel, it was the very could prove readiness­ of the Czech JAS-39 officer of the unit on Iceland Lieutenant first experience with foreign deployment. ­Gripen aircraft. In turn, our pilots could prac­ Colonel Jaroslav Tomaňa. “The tour is shorter than usual, which is tise low level manoeuvres above the sea. A review 1/2017 27

“The Gripen has the lowest flight level exercise. “Joint training brought us many for their com­mitment. “I highly value above sea at 100 feet, but because we positive aspects and we were impressed the excellent job you have done in support do not fly above sea so often, we opted by artful manoeuvres of your aircraft, your of protecting­ the airspace of the Republic for a safer minimum level at 330ft,” Major skills and professionalism.” of Iceland. You have already shown your Tomáš Merta, one of the par­ticipating skills to de­fend the territorial sovereignty pilots, explains.­ He adds that the French of a partner nation in the past. Your fa­mili­ Navy had prepared a detailed sce­nario with In summary arity­ with the local environment­ and your individual flight profiles to best train their In the course of the operation, the pilots rich experience was definitely instrumental capability to defend against air attacks. performed 120 training flights, most of to the success­ful mission ac­complishment. The exercise had a relatively broad cover­ which were Tango Scramble, which means You are true professionals­ in the right age – from as­sistance and evacuation from practising­ activation of quick reaction place.” The Czech Ambassador for Norway individual vessels by helicopters and boats, alert air­craft in time limit. They completed and Iceland Milan Dufek also addressed through practicing a fire alarm, to sea / air 133 flight hours. Including with the transfer the service personnel with a recognition of co­operation.­ For example, young Danish flight from the Czech Republic and back, the important contribution­ by the Czech seamen practised an air attack alarm and the 2016 tour logged 170 flight hours for Republic to the protection­ of Iceland and familiarised themselves with the potential the Czech fighter pilots. At the end of Octo­ reinforcement of mutual relations. of air defence weapons. The com­mander ber, the Chief of General Staff of the Czech of the French frigate Languedoc sum­ma­ Armed Forces General Josef Bečvář visited by Captain Marek Maxim Švancara, Michal Voska, rised the benefits of a short but very dense the airmen on Iceland to commend­ them photos by Air Policing Island 2016, Jan Kouba

factsheet Iceland is not an EU Member State, but is a NATO founding nation since 1949. NATO uses the Keflavik airfield to provide security to the Arctic corridor and for re­ fuelling strategic bombers. Iceland does not have own military forces. Keflavik has 10,200 in­habit­ ­ants and lies approximately 50 km southwest from Reykjavik. Built by U.S. forces during World War II (put into operation on 24 March 1943, roughly 45,000 U.S. per­son­nel), the airfield is a part of the Reykjavik district. After the war, Americans built one of the largest NATO bases there with a multitude of Greenland-Iceland-­United ­Kingdom (GIUK) line radar and surveillance stations and the COMBARFORLANT command for radar ships and aircraft, as well as logistic support for strategic opera­tions – the 551st Wing AEW&C had a sizeable number of Warning Star aircraft there. That primarily involved F-15 Eagle, C-130 Hercules, KC-135 Stratotanker, Lockheed ­­EC-121 Warning Star and AWACS Boeing E-3. On 15 March 2006, the U.S. Ambas­sador in Iceland announced that the United States had decided to substantially reduce its presence on the island. On 8 December 2006, Captain Mark S. Laugthon was the last U.S. ­officer to leave Iceland. NATO then offered to Iceland that it would protect its airspace in a similar way it does for the Baltic States. 28 A review 1/2017

NATO air and land forces exercised in Hohenfels, Germany

Allied Spirit VI One of the most important training exercises in 2017 saw the participation of some 70 airmen of the 22nd Helicopter Pilots shooting too Alert, alert, alert, resounded over the im­ Airbase with Mi-24/35 and Mi-171Sh rotary wing aircraft. provised camp. That was the first level of In common manoeuvres, units from the Czech Republic, Latvia, threat. For everybody present, including Germany, Hungary and the U.S. practiced defence operations, the pilots, that was a signal to immediate­ close air support and special forces support. ly take defensive positions. It is completely commonplace to see the BREN assault rifle in the hands of soldiers, but pilots taking he three-week field training exer­ including the pilots. The cards showed cover behind a Humvee is not what one can cise that came to a head at the end various injuries from light and heavy pen­ observe on daily basis. Pilots are normally Tof March required both a demanding etration­ wounds through traumatic­ head the kings of the skies, but the terms were logistic support in the form of equipment injuries. In case of contact with the oppo­­ set here clearly. Everybody exercises and and personnel and it also placed sub­ nent, those “injuries” were applied in prac­ projectiles by opposing forces kill all; stantial demands on all service personnel tise to achieve maximum reality. Natural­ ly,­ we have to be on constant alert and in­ in terms of language skills. On day 1, Sat­ everything was complemented­ with the stantly able to effectively defend ourselves. ur­day 11 March 2017, the Red Line brief­ MILES system the Czech forces are very The unit commander and Mi-24/35 captain ing deter­mined the rules to be observed familiar with. It safely evaluates hits using ­Major Jan Vanický praised the setting and during the exercise. Flight personnel then a set of laser sensors positioned on in­ the environment because it was highly familiarised themselves with the airspace dividual soldiers, and it is continu­ ous­ ly­ realistic. “Land forces planning system is over the Hohenfels Training Area (HTA) checked for serviceability by the instructors a challenge for us. For some it is new, some and an observation flight was performed. and evaluators. U.S. soldiers performed of us have completed courses in the U.S. On Sunday, 12 March 2017, everybody took the check using the laser transpond­ er,­ and we have an in-depth familiarity with part in medical training. Apart from routine which sounded two short beeps after point­ the system. But it is the first time for us stuff, cards were handed out to everybody ing at the soldier. to face it. There is always a current plan A review 1/2017 29 available showing the status of land and air equipment, personnel, and currently valid documents. Those change several times a day and it is critical to proceed according to the effective version, which places high demands on our attention.” Latvian Brigade The Czech unit was assigned into a ­Latvian Brigade. It was a major experience for both parties. Latvia does not have own air force except for four Mi-17 machines pri­mari­ ly used for search and rescue operations. of our machines.­ Other exercises always Likewise, Latvian air defence is zero and it is simulated the opposite. That is the avail­ provided by NATO nations in the frame of ability of secure communication; but it is Baltic Air Policing. The Latvian armed ­forces not possible here – the conditions are com­ concept is based on a small mobile vol­ pletely realistic. un­teer force with 6,000 personnel at high readiness alert, which is complemented and supported by 12,000 well trained Na­ Aged, but reliable tion­al Guards. So, there were two antipoles Given the tender underway for some time during the exercise. One was the command to select the supplier of new multirole heli­ over air forces, specifically allied choppers copters,­ it was useful to see the air assets (in the Czech case Mi-171Sh and Mi-24/35) used by the NATO partners. There was for by the nation that does not practically have example the advanced Eurocopter UH-72 own air force, and second subordination Lakota with relatively low transport capacity of experienced pilots and flight personnel but advanced avionics, not to speak about to a command with very limited experience. the transport capacity of the famous but For all involved, that was a difficult assign­ aged Chinook CH-47, which was assign­­ ment and there was no room to make mis­ ed to the Latvian Brigade along with the takes. On top of that, the division was split Eurocopter machines. It was pleasing into three brigades. to watch the famed Hinds (Mi-24) to domi­ nate the air. No doubt it is too early for them to be scrapped. Thanks to their universality, Three battalions, a high use value and transport capacity, the gunship was able to perform virtually two real ones any mission. In the context of the use of As mentioned, the brigade was divided into the legendary machine, Major Jan Vanický three battalions. Two real ones and one staff said: “Both the Czech aircrews and indeed battalion – Latvian mechanised battalion,­ U.S. other armed forces flight personnel highly infantry (partially mechanised)­ battalion and value the benefits of this machine when they a Hungarian battal­ ion­ outside­ the Hohenfels see the aircraft’s performance, agility and Training Area. Activities of the battalion what we can accomplish with it.” To an ex­ were simulated, and the activities against tent, it is an aged Soviet machine but its the battalion were also simulated. Our unit firepower and capacity are still unparalleled. was twenty kilometres from the battlefield It is also low-maintenance and chronically in a simu­lated manner, nearby a closed area. reliable. Where the Hind however lags It was an area contaminated in a simulated behind is avionics, electronic warfare suite manner.­ None of the exercise trainees could and communications. ­enter that zone, which was also valid for air by Michal Voska operations. The situation in Hohenfels also enables the use of highways­ which is spe­ cific to that training area and so many of the movements­ were performed using the extensive highway network. Since the most mobile force the brigade had avail­able were the Czech air assets, it also became the most powerful antitank component if weather allowed. As to its true size, the unit was a reinforced­ company; but its sig­ nificance for the brigade was on the level of battalion, meaning a higher echelon. Thanks to our participation, a high mobil­­ ity and the unit itself were used practically nonstop. The only restriction­ was the ab­ sence of secure­ communica­ tions,­ which is determined by the design and equipment 30 A review 1/2017

The patrol of the 42nd Mechanized Battalion took part in Wales in the prestigious Exercise Cambrian Patrol 2016 Tábor’s patrol won the bronze

The Exercise Cambrian Patrol is a prestigious military says SFC Marián Š. We hear these sentences patrolling exercise that has been attended by more than on all sides, from those who already tested this exercise on their own. We’re getting one hundred teams from around the world since 1959 and a little nervous, but we’re more curious is taking place in the British military area of the Cambrian about how our team will make it this year. Mountains in Wales. It is the area, where among others It is seven in the morning, local time. Commands­ in English occasionally inter­ the selection procedures for SAS elite units are held. rupt the morning’s quiet sky. The Czech At the same time, it is a competition aimed at verifying Patrol of the 42nd Mechanized Battalion basic military skills, abilities for teamwork, physical and of St. Wenceslas of Tábor launches one of psychological fitness and, in the case of foreign patrols, the most difficult­ military competitions in the world. “Halt”, “materiel inspection”, last but not least, the English language. “move in this direction”­ this is the list of the most com­mon com­mands we heard he whole contest is conceived as “Focus on navigating in difficult terrain translated from our commander.­ That’s a 48-hour intensive training without and train with large backpacks and how our par­ticipation in Cambrian Patrol Tthe possibility of sleep, with a tacti­ adequate load,” these tips were heard from 2016 begins. After checking­ the mandatory cal mission to perform tasks focused on 1LT Daniel P. during the preparation for the materiel, which together with a weapon individual types of all-military preparation. race relatively often. Another participant weight nearly fifty kilograms, we go to The difficulty of this competition is il­lus­ of the previous platoon race, SGT Josef the next point, where the commander­ re­ trat­ed by the number of resigning teams, H., adds: “It will not be easy, kilometres ceives the regiment­ commander’s­ combat which counts almost half of the starting list. of walking, little sleep, lots of physically command and then gives us instructions­ for The Tábor team won the Bronze Medal this demanding tasks. Above all, always keep to processing the plastic table, so that he could time, a very decent result. your hard routine, under all circumstances,” schedule his own operation. For creating A review 1/2017 31 a plastic table we were prepared well ahead, leaving hazardous area. Fortunately, this is of the most difficult competitions in the even before the competition. We wrapped all only an exercise and after decontamination world. Its completing for most British sol­ tackles we could use to create it and put them we can continue to fulfil our mission, to say diers means career advancement, so at first into a big rucksack. But there is a hitch, after no longer with adequate protection against glance a seemingly simple task after a while checking the material, our big backpack was poisonous substances, because of tactical ­changes into a physically very demanding confiscated, so we have to rely on our own gear, most of the team broke their plastic exam. The agent, who was supposed­ to improvisation. Never­theless this is a thing suits and shoe covers. guide us in sight of the building, delib­ er­ ate­­ the Czech soldier will make masterfully. And We get into the British armoured ve­ ly guides us through the worst terrain that this is even reflected in the final evaluation. hi­cles Foxhound, which take us to un­ leads to the building and moreover, he still In addition to the very good spoken per­ known places. The vehicle is awesomely goes fast, so we have to set a really high pace formance of the patrol­ commander while overheated­ and we are not able to sleep to keep up with him. Moreover, everything giving an order, our plastic table is a success for at least a few minutes, as the driver is done with simulat­ed weapons in protec­ and we are receiving­ extra ten points for it. is probably a former car racer, so our tive clothings, which include, among other But there is another task. It is the re­ thoughts of sleep are changed by ideas things, a facial mask that makes breathing connaissance­ of enemy positions with the about where the nearest vomit bag is difficult. Finally, we’re at the building. There’s aim to confirm their presence in the area available in the vehicle. After completing another agent waiting for us to pass on the of deployment. I’m looking at my watch, the journey, we are given ad­di­tional tasks, info about covering fire in our favour. it shows eight hours. It’s been dark for two the programme changes quickly, and we The streams of machine-gun tracer hours, and we’ve had about ten kilometres are again on our way. It is getting dark, so projectiles, spanning several metres above of walking. The only thing to see is the image we use night vision devices to enjoy hilly our heads, flashes of flares on the night sky, through a night vision device. The view countryside even at night. The next stop explosions of grenades exploding a few by itself is not very encouraging, hills with is on a farm from the century before last, metres from us, interrupted only by the steep slopes, water streams that are regu­ where a commander and patrol depu­ty commander’s loud commands, throughout larly spilled out of their bed, stony tracks with the use of computer guides artillery the whole action. We managed, the prisoner often filled with water, so that you can no firing to target. The target is destroyed and is in our hands, and without our own losses longer tell if it is still a road or the stream. so the rest of the team can go to another we go back to the starting point where we The grassy meadows, which at first glance post. The pace is rising and also the num­ber hand over the prisoner to an intelligence look like an ideal place to move, but the of stops with other vocational tasks. We’re officer for his interrogation. At the base reality is different. The land is so humid that getting to a helicopter crash site, with three the last task awaits for us, lessons learned after a few hundred metres in this terrain, injured persons. The main patrol medic from the race. Based on the experience of when every second step, a leg stinks down takes up his role; he sorts out the injured recent years, we do not use ready-made into the muddy water to the knee, you are and organizes their treatment. In the mean­ comfortable chairs in an overheated room; so exhausted that you are angry at yourself, time, the patrol commander organizes we prefer to hear the whole evaluation whether it was a good idea to voluntarily the security operation and sub­sequently when we stand. It is the last test whether sign up for this international military ex­er­ requests for MEDEVAC, i.e. air trans­port even after such a challenging exercise we cise. However, it is clear from a simple look of the injured for further treatment. It is are able to stay awake and not to fall asleep. at other members of the eight-member necessary to mention that military veterans The contest is over. What a relief. We did it. patrol,­ who are tirelessly moving forward, of the last war conflicts are used as figurants The patrol was set up from the members that if the 42nd mechanized battalion could and so almost every caregiver can try to put of reconnaissance team and a sniper group. reach again the destination with some the butterfly bandage on the real stump of Formed from the best what the St. Wenceslas awards, then it would be possible only with a bloodied hand or leg. After answering Battalion has. The team had even a witness those fellows all around. After reconnoitring the situation, we receive new instructions, of the previous participation, when they the enemy positions, it is necessary to pass we move to another point, about three won the silver. All we have to do is to finish the information to the superior, but the kilometres away. with his words: “Next time we will come for route to him leads over a seventy-five- At this point, the commander will re­ the gold!” metre water barrier. The dawn begins. ceive further orders regarding the attack There is no time if our patrol has to use on the building­ and a subsequent capture By 1LT Lukáš Cimbůrek, the remnants of darkness, it is necessary to of the wanted terrorist. This race is one photos by Zdeněk Koza issue the most necessary orders, to prepare the materiel and yourself to enter the water to overcome this ice bath, under the mutual cover. Sunshine welcomes us already on the opposite side, where we of course need to change into dry clothes and head for the destination. After a few kilometres it will happen. But it’s not all yet. We have approximately one hour of time to restore combat capability, to process reconnais­ sance reports, for receiving a fragmentary order, planning another progress, and after an hour to start walking, again around the beauties of the British kingdom. After another five kilometres, with thir­ty- five kilograms on our backs, we meet a British soldier in a CBRN protective suit and with a gas mask. He instructs us how to overcome the contaminated area. Then the movement as such follows, reaction to infestation and 32 A review 1/2017

Czech medics save Iraqi soldiers wounded in the fight against Daesh Field Surgical Team in Iraq

Czech medical unit that departed to Iraq last year comprises mostly the members of the Military Medical Agency, who were complemented with the soldiers of the Central Military Hospital and additional military units and installations.

he specialist core of the team com­ There are craters filled with concrete on the and gives instructions in a rapid sequence. prises two surgeons, an anaes­the­sio­ roads and runways and a wreck of Mi -17 Pressure, pulse and vital functions check. Tlogist, middle-level medical per­son­nel helicopter with Iraqi army camouflage pat­ “Cut the clothes, leave tourniquet tied,” and additional specialists. In Iraq, the Czech tern lies in the sand. In the area of deploy­ he issues additional orders and automati­­ unit is integrated in a U.S. role 2 field medi­ ment, the Czech Field Surgical Team (FST) cally­ checks the patient’s status. “Hands!” cal facility. Harsh conditions and frequent first had to familiarise themselves with the an order is heard for anyone close that their shocks caused by artillery fire are a test of field hospital. They were assigned a smaller help is needed for a while. A medic comes professionalism and courage for the medi­ building formerly used by the airfield per­ running and grabs the patient by the legs. cal personnel. sonnel.­ There are still bags with sand instead “Head,” commands the ­medic. “We will turn For the medics and doctors, it is a deploy­ of windows and an opening rammed by him around … three, two, one… go,” the ment in the most difficult conditions. First, a rocket with bent rebars gapes in the ceiling second physician examines the back part soldiers had to complete a demanding and is partially covered by a wooden board. of his body, whether he does not have any predeployment preparation. That always The FST is accommodated in portacabins injuries that went undetected on the initial comprises an introduction to the history equipped with European standard electrical examination. “Clear,” is heard and the patient of the conflict, the country, its habits and sockets. Familiarisation with the field hospital is returned on his back. The projectile is culture, rules for the use of force and personnel was quite fast. The composition is suspected to have damaged the thighbone. international law. The training also includes­ very variegated both in terms of nation­ al­­ All is done very fast and everyone on the shooting practice from short and long ities and specialisations; there are American, team has a specifically assigned function. weapons, hand grenade throwing – the basic ­Danish and British medical personnel. To those who have never seen a trauma military skills, that medical personnel also Despite the difficult conditions, everybody team in action this may appear as a Formula have to possess for their protection. Special performs their missions in the camp to the 1 service team. The team functions as a well- focus was also on defence against weapons highest professional standards. There is no oiled machine that is precisely tuned up to of mass destruction. The unit was then room to make mistakes; reception of casual­ run without slightest hesitation. A nurse briefed on the situation and deployed with ties has to be perfectly coordinated, fast and writes down everything that happens the mission to reinforce the Role 2 US Basic effective. around the patient into the prepared form. Aid Station (BAS) and the Forward Sur­gical She must not omit any­thing, nothing will Team (FST). Reception rehearsal be repeated. The door into the ROLE 2 building fling Marks of fighting apparent open. A wounded coalition soldier is carried Excellent evaluation The way from airfield to the camp, where on stretchers. “Patient with a thigh penetra­ A U.S. physician watching and evaluating 17 Czech specialists operate, is still marked by tion wound,” the American medic reports. the situation gives another piece of infor­ recent hostilities. The whole camp was in the The Czech team starts to work. The chief ma­tion: “The patient was in field for an hour hands of Daesh just a couple of months ago. physician stands at the head of the patient before he received treatment.” Additional A review 1/2017 33 questions run through the heads of phy­ useful detail will be invaluable in practice. si­cians and nurses. What it may mean for At the end of the improvised seminar, the status of the patient and the necessary the high professionalism of the Czech Field actions to be taken? Another command Surgical Team is recognised, not as a social follows: “X ray,” and a radiographer with necessity. The Czech team goes to fill the mobile X-ray device is here in no time. places where their American and Danish “Hands!” is heard again, the patient is lift­ colleagues stood a while ago. They now ed and the radiographer inserts the plate take the positions of urgent reception. underneath his body. On command of the The entry door fling open and there is an­ assistant radiographer, everybody leaves other wounded person on the stretchers, their positions around the patient before this time a Czech soldier. A clear-cut com­ the x-ray image is generated. The projec­ mand again resounds in the room: “Hands!” tile smashed the thighbone. The head phy­si­cian announces the patient will need the patient to comfortably use the prosthesis to undergo an operation acutely. “Stop,” Hot run after the rehearsal in the future. The frighteningly­ looking large the onlooking U.S. physician voices, claps Just a couple of hours after the last re­ wound on the head eventually turns out to his hands in recognition and lifts his thumb hearsal,­ we learn on the radio from the ops be insignificant and it only takes 25 stitches up. The rehearsal of an urgent patient centre that we are to expect a patient with to treat it. The im­portant­ thing is that the reception is however far from complete. polytrauma following explosion of an im­ brain has not been injured. The opera­­ The used materiel is quickly taken away. provised explosive device. Initial informa­tion tion is complete in several hours. The pa­ The patient is now already dressing up is just fragmentary and we only learn that tient remains in care for several additional and smiling at those who saved his life it should be a member of the Iraqi mi­litia, hours and then has to be transported into and the place where he laid a while ago who stepped on an improvised explosive a civilian medical facility. There is no space changes into an improvised lecture hall device. The alfa team are getting ready for for a long after-operation care. The capacity in a second. A bench is brought in and the the reception. In 40 minutes, they bring the has to be freed for other patients. The build­ second part starts with equal importance – patient on a big pick-up. Same as during ing strongly shakes sev­eral­ times under the the feedback. The American colleague wants the rehearsal, every member of the team pres­sure of shock waves produced by the ar­ everybody to recap everything that took knows their place and what they should do. tillery­ that shells the positions of the Daesh place. That enables every doctor and nurse The lower extremity is devastated, but only from the camp. It is necessary to clear up once again to go through what they were the X-ray scan will show clearly the scope fast and again prepare the operation room! doing. In the second part of the discussion, of damage to the bones and ankle. The sen­ The surgical team bravo will again take their the other medical personnel who closely tence is passed: it will not be possible to save positions. But everybody carefully listens followed the rehearsal will be given room the extremity. Now it is possible to per­ whether the radio would not announce a re­ for discussion. Every observation, every form the amputation so that it would allow ception of the patient. 34 A review 1/2017

Mass casualty factsheet Over the next few days, the medical per­ The proposal for deploying the Field son­nel will again be tested by so-called Surgical Team into the Republic of Iraq MASCAL. The acronym alluding to the mass was passed by the Government of the reception of the injured may have anoth­ Czech Republic through its re­solu­tion er meaning: it is test of professionalism, No. 877 of 5 October 2016. The de­ rational decision-making, work under ex­ ploy­ment was authorised by the Senate treme pressure and stress, but also a mer­ of the Parliament through its re­solu­ ­ ciless test of preparedness of the medical tion no. 557 dated 19 October 2016 and personnel, which does not forgive any mis­ the Chamber of Deputies of the Parlia­ ment through its resolution no. 1393 takes. What the whole field surgical team of 20 October 2016. (FST) has prepared for on a sustained ba­ sis has become a reality. The day was rela­ tively­ calm. Briefing in the morning, then routine check of workplaces and testing of func­tionalities and correct operation of de­ vices. There was no indication anything out of ordinary would happen. Only a morning information about fierce hostilities indi­ cated an event to prove our pro­fes­sion­al­ ism would sooner or later happen. The ops centre gave a radio call late at night for the FST members to immediately report at their workplaces. It was clear some­ thing out of the ordinary was happening. The news of MASCAL caused an im­medi­ ate reaction with the medical personnel on site. Nobody waited for anything; everyone knew where their place was based on the so-called MASCAL roster. Individual work­ places started to be prepared. Two medics assigned for the triage of patients were on a concrete area in front of the hospital, others were inside. A simplified approach to the injured starts to be applied, some­ thing like crisis management. First specific information arrive on the radio. Those are victims from among Iraqi soldiers who got under attack by suicide bombers. Who has the priority? A US Army truck brought in first two in­ jured. Both cases had a chest trauma. After thorough examination, overall di­ ag­nos­tics was performed and the status evalu­at­ed. Lit­er­al­ly everybody is at work. It is neces­sary to check whether the in­ jured do not have dangerous am­munition on them­selves, manage the information flow and radio traffic.­ In normal practice, both inju­ries would mean immediate sur­ gery. MASCAL is however governed by the logic­ that there may be additional pa­ tients on their way. The physician­ has that in mind during his deci­sion-making be­ done directly on stretchers in the recep­ was a patient­ with trauma­ leg injury fol­ cause some others would need the oper­ tion area. This quick impro­vised surgery lowing a suicide bomb­er attack. The dawn ation room more ur­gently. Ambulance car gave the patient­ a hope that he would not is already breaking,­ but the personnel of brings in addi­ ­tion­al patients in a while to lose his eye. Specialist ophthalmologist the hospital still performs one hundred reach the final number of five. The deci­ care can only be provided by a higher role. percent. The last operation is finished at sion is made instantly on the priority for The patient was therefore transported on around nine o’clock, by which time every­ operation. There are two operation beds ­MEDEVAC into Baghdad. Mass reception body is exhausted. Besides those serving in the room, and demand­ ­ing operations and treatment of patients shows the ability shifts at the intensive care unit, the medi­ are performed on both. As is logical in de­ of the Czech medical personnel to adapt cal personnel are leaving to take a well-de­ cision-making during MASCAL, it was to the new situation and find the right served rest. determined that the less time con­sum­ way ahead in a tense atmosphere. The last ing operation of an eye injury would be one to be brought to the operation table by Michal Voska and FST, photos by FST A review 1/2017 35

Active Reserve of the Military Medicine Agency New units of the Active Reserve The Army of the Czech Republic must be ready for every situation of biological threats. The Army pays continuously a special attention to training, drills of traditional procedures, and cooperation with institutions that provide biological protection in our country. On July 1, 2016, there arose the Active Reserve of the Military Medicine Agency (AZ AVZdr) under the Centre of Biological Protection (CBO) at Těchonín which is going to cooperate with military professionals in the field of biosafety.

he volunteer Medical Reserve Unit AZ AVZdr is composed of 135 standard Tposts that create together a compre­ will be arranged with respect to the ca­pa­ to EU and NATO medical units, or to be de­ hensive structure of the Specialized Infec­ cit­ies of educational institutions in the ACR. ployed in foreign operations. tious Hospital SIN. This structure includes Later on, during exercises, the “reserv­­ a reception ward for low threshold infec­ ists” will compare their own experiences tions, ward for temporary hospitalization and knowledge of taking care of patients, Their first training and an intensive care ward. There are po­ practicing transporting by means of iso­ The possible first training of medical re­ si­tions for laboratory technicians occupied lation devices, in the so-called Bio-bags serve unit AZ AVZdr in the Centre of Bio­ with biochemical, haematological and mi­ or Bio-boxes. Not only that, an important logical Protection CBO should take place crobiological diagnoses, or pharmacists, part of their preparation will be a practice in the late October or November 2017, but also for logisticians, drivers and cooks. of dressing and safe undressing protective with regard to other training activities. For a flawless cooperation between Medi­ covers and also the perfection in handling The exercise of AZ AVZdr unit will be con­ cal Reserve Unit AZ AVZdr and military and subsequent Bio-bag disinfection of ducted parallel with practicing the activa­ pro­fes­sion­als, it is important to plan both personnel in the decontamination zone. tion of the Specialized Infectious Hospital unit’s training, as well as the training by it­ Paramedical staff will execute doctor’s or­ SIN, i.e. twice a year, covering one week. self. Primarily, the training of AZ AVZdr unit ders and instructions by the ward nurse; The AZ AVZdr medical reserve could be will focus on safety drills, linking a unit with they will focus principally on providing called up for the deployment in SIN hos­ the Specialized Infectious Hospital SIN, nursing care and medication. Then the pital in a form of follow-up units, for tasks with respect to corresponding spe­ciali­za­ “­reservists” will familiarize with hospital’s of operational support. This call up could tions, introducing techniques used by the environment, individual tasks and basic be ordered only by the Czech govern­ment. Biological Protection Centre CBO and the systems of the Specialized Infectious Hos­ “Despite very specific occupational require­ Specialized Infectious Hospital SIN, work­ pital, Centre of Biological Protection CBO, ments, the interest in service in AZ AVZdr ing in shifts, preparation for mobile ele­ with the specifics of care for patients suf­ units is surprisingly high,” says Capt. Tomáš ments of Army biological protection, and fering from highly contagious diseases Gröger, liaison officer and co­ordinator­ the practical use of AZ AVZdr unit during in conditions of high safety level BSL-4 (Bio of prospective candidates for service in field exercises. Safety Level 4). In fact, they will be trained the Active Reserve of the Military Medi­ at individual posts to develop professional­ cine Agency (AZ AVZdr).” To date, there are knowledge and skills, they reach mutual officially registered more than six dozen Combined training substitutability in individual positions and of candidates for the Active Reserve AVZdr. Secondary, the preparation of Reserve medical posts, which will improve team­ Positively, it is a long-term good reputation Medical Unit AZ AVZdr will focus on fire­ work concept (buddy system), they gain of military medics that contributes to it,” arms training and combined arms training. experience and knowledge in providing in­ the captain says. The drivers will attend respective courses tensive care in terms of BSL 4 in field condi­ at the Training Command-Military Academy tions and similar military medical areas, and by Michal Voska, Capt. Tomáš Gröger, Vyškov and further supplementary courses finally they will get a chance to be assigned photos by Jana Deckerová 36 A review 1/2017

Military Cynology Centre at Chotyně practices the deployment of military dogs in the form of roping from helicopters

The use of dogs in the military is as old as mankind itself. Already almost two thousand years before our era, the Babylonian ruler Heavenly Hammurabi commanded the warriors, accompanied by the dogs, stirring up terror and panic among the enemies. The Sumerians and the Assyrians were known dogs for huge Great Danes that went with them into battle. In the First and the Second World War, in various armies, virtually on all fronts, service dogs could be counted in tens of thousands.

n our army, in the last two decades, the scope of training has been significantly I expanded. In addition to standard guard duties, dogs have been trained to search for weapons, ammunition, explosives and drugs. After 2000, some soldiers came up with an idea of training dogs focused on deployment­ against terrorists. We managed to gather several soldiers, some of them with a paratrooper training, plus they could work with dogs. In 2007, when the army decided to deploy Military Police Special Operations Groups (SOG) in Afghanistan’s Helmand, the unit flew with dogs from the Military Cynology Centre Chotyně. In each of the three SOG contingents deployed from April 2007 to October 2008, there were two dog handlers with four dogs. In the following years, specially trained dogs and dog handlers were also sent to support our Provincial Reconstruction Team in Logar. The six-member group The Military Cynology Centre Chotyně currently­ trains six dog handlers for the deployment of dogs in action from a heli­ cop­ter. Either as a jump from a hanging position, or in the form of rappelling with a trained dog. It’s something not complete­ ly standard. They are hundreds of hours of rigorous training. “First of all we try a harness. In order we could see that the dog is not restrict­ ed. Then we focus on the basic hangings. We fasten the dog in harness and over a pul­ ley raise it up above the ground. Thus the dog gets used to such unnatural position. Training continues on, through the use A review 1/2017 37 of simulator, to a helicopter. It is an advan­ thirty kilograms, which is the weight of tage that all dogs with us are accustomed factsheet a dog.” Actually, it’s live weight, which to helicopter. Because we plan among oth­ somehow moves. But after a time, well- Sergeant First Class Marek Zugar has ers their air transportation,” explains dog trained dogs will accustom to parachute been concerned with the profession handler Sergeant First Class Marek Zugar. of dog handler since he was fifteen. jumps. They perceive them as a perfectly “We focus primarily on rappel from helicop­­ In 2000, he joined the Municipal Police natural matter. “They literally hang in a har­ ters. We also try to rappel down the rock. Prague on the position of dog handler. ness like a sack,” says Sergeant First Class But this is a bit more complicated, as rap­ After seven years, one of his acquaint­ Marek Zugar. “Not always it is without pelling into a free space is easier. When ances said, that there were vacancies in problems. Some time ago I had to rappel rappelling from helicopter, you are not re­ the Military Cynology Centre at Cho­ in the Doupov training area, at night, with stricted by anything; you don’t have to pay tyně, whether he didn’t want to move a night vision device. Moreover, I had attention. On the rock there are all sorts into a new job. Suddenly, new oppor­ a rucksack hanging down below my feet. of obstacles, through which it is necessary tunities were opening up. Until then, The night vision distorts reality; you can he had only experienced defender to get the dog in harness. We considered poorly estimate how far there is the ground. dogs. At Chotyně he got a chance to even a training simulator Jakub, but there is deal not only with dogs focused on It was literally on the edge.” a problem, how to get up on the top with scent activities. At the end he became According to Sergeant Tomáš Procházka, a dog, as there are only ladders. We practice­ a member of the team deploying dogs it is not possible to expect the same on an airborne simulator; in this case we can to action by roping them down from commitment from a dog handler as with get to the top up the stairs.” a helicopter. other soldiers, even though their training Training on helicopters is normally pre­ His fellow in this team is Sergeant Tomáš is the same. You should take into account scribed by the airborne manual. At least Procházka. Working with the dogs he the fact that the handler is in action not for once every three months there should be has enjoyed since childhood. He dealt himself, but all the time he must control ground preparation in simulator, and once with sports cynology already in civilian the dog. “In any case, we try to be most life. In 2002, he joined the Re­con­nais­ every six months, rappelling from a helicop­­ useful. We have a chance to go through sance Battalion Bechyně. But a year ter. In fact, it is performed more frequently.­ later it was cancelled. As he had devoted fairly intensive preparation, including fire The only limitations in this respect those are himself to the dogs already in civilian and tactical training. If something happens only free air capacities we can use. sector, he transferred to Chotyně, where to one soldier from the team, we must to be at the time there was a vacancy. Tomáš’ able to replace him. When the group gets heart beats only for dogs. Working with into trouble, we can’t just passively watch.” The soldiers them represents not only the job but During deployment, we ensure both the also a hobby. To his two canine wards, health of soldiers and even dogs. The Mili­ are getting used to dogs he devotes most of his free time even tary Veterinary Institute Hlučín regularly Training dogs for the action is based on after working hours. During that time, organizes a course of basic first aid for dogs. a very strong bond has been formed common standards of operating proce­ On the request, it may be extended. Some among them. For him, it’s something dures. Of course, the assignment of dog like a family. units mastered Combat Life Savery accord­ handler to the team has its own specifics. ing to US manuals. This manual also con­ It is im­portant that all should be tuned tains extended assistance in case of injury in and all should know that there is a dog. to the dogs. There are practical expe­riences Sometimes­ a dog may hinder. Especially Thirty kilograms extra from Afghanistan, where US troops pro­ if someone in the team is not accustomed The handler with such specialization, of vided maximum care for wounded dogs, to the fact that in the group works also course, cannot be afraid of the de­ploy­ment includ­ing MEDEVAC. As to Americans, the a dog handler. It makes a little bit of trouble.­ at heights. Therefore, to rappel, or to carry dog is part of a team and they are able Dog handlers of Chotyně therefore as much out rescue work on the rope, there is only to take care of it, on the highest top level. as possible coordinate their activities with one limit, and that is the examination of The dog has the same priority treatment as other components­ of the army. It is neces­ physical training, worst grade is 2. In fact, in the case of man. Also Czech mili­tary cy­ sary for their members to know how you need even something more. And to this no­logists and veterinary doctors are trying the handler and his dog work and how they requirement each of the handlers of the a similar approach. are beneficial. team adapts his own physical preparation.­ All dogs from the Cynology Centre “In addition to a rucksack and weapons by Vladimír Marek, photos by author and should be used to heavy fire. It is one of as other soldiers, we have extra at least archives of the Military Medical Agency the basic conditions even in the selection. In this case, however, there is a condition is that the dog has to manage direct fire opened by its handler. It must lie quietly beside him; it must not hinder, nor reveal its position. But the team oriented to rappelling is doing more than it is specified in a test manual for training the dogs. It’s above a standard that their dogs are able to work under any conditions. Gunfire, explosions, smoke, loud noise, flames. Guard dogs are prepared among others to search persons in built-up areas. It does not matter whether it is a cave, house or a larger area. Dogs go there before the soldiers. The point is to protect as much as it could the lives of members of a team. 38 A review 1/2017

Military Police officer First Lieutenant Lukáš Kvapil did not finish the Dakar Rally because of injury; nevertheless even so this challenging competition gave him a lot He tasted the atmosphere at the start, at home he decided to undergo a surgery, in the Central Military Hospital in Prague Střešovice. “When First Lieutenant Kvapil phoned and told me what had happened, I did not hesitate to contact the director of the Central Military Hospital. I watched the whole extensive preparation of his and after finding­ the details of the accident I was aware that he will need intensive and high- quality medical care,” explained Brigadier General Pavel Kříž, Chief of the Military Police. “It’s the most extreme and toughest race the next year in the world and we all competitors were well aware that we’re there at risk. The race track was changing every moment. It was influenced by many factors, ranging from climate and ending by passing through he would like a large amount of racing vehicles. All this produced a really hard time for partici­ pants. Such situations can’t be influenced. What for some might represent the end of the race, for another does not mean any­ to smell the finish line thing,” explains the fatality of this critical moment Lukáš Kvapil. Lukáš Kvapil believed that the second stage of the Dakar will The moment in question was also not be among those unfortunate. He just helped to the injured watched with concern by the Lukáš family. The modern technology in this race allowed Italian competitor. “Suddenly I saw a motorbike lying to fans and all his loved ones to watch the on the ground, and next to it there was a muddy lifeless body. race online. “Unfortunately, the situation At that moment I stopped racing, military drill awakened on social networks, when I stood for nearly three hours and nobody knew what was inside me. I reported to the Central Office the details happening, was for all those who kept their of an accident, secured the crash site and provided first aid fingers crossed for me, really difficult. It was to the wounded competitor,” he described later. a relief for them when they saw that I set in motion again. However, my point stopped t that time, Lukáš had spent three in front of the finish and then came the hours in the sun at temperatures of Bad luck hidden beneath news about my injury.” Aaround 40 degrees Celsius, in which he had nothing to drink. He waited for the the sand arrival of paramedics and then directed But once a wheel of his machine stuck in Recognition passing cars so that the paramedics could a hole buried in soft sand, it was clear that treat and load this injured person. All this the bad luck was waiting for him right here, from the Minister cost him a good deal of his body strength. and that he would have to drink this bitter Lukáš Kvapil showed after returning to the In addition, the track was after passing cup to the dregs. The fall unpleasantly in­ Czech Republic, a good dose of modesty. a large number of vehicles much devastat­ jured his face and dislocated the shoulder. Even at the moment when Defence ed. He passed the second checkpoint and He suffered a concussion. In this situation, Minister Martin Stropnický visited the from all his strength tried to concentrate on he could do nothing but throw in the Central Military Hospital to thank him the completion this stage a race. Suppos­ towel. The helicopter transported him to for helping to rescue an Italian racer and ing he had managed it, the organizers in the bivouac, where he waited in agony presented him the material gift. According the following stage would have deducted for several hours for transport to a local to Lukáš, anyone would do something the lost time. hospital. Nevertheless only after four days like that. “During the race, individual A review 1/2017 39 competitors are going for the jugular, but year. He chose Morocco. It was the closest if it is really needed, they help each other. of all and it took place at the most appro­ It’s so tough race that many times we rely priate time. In fact, it was a little Dakar. only on ourselves. I am convinced that such “The organizers prepared the same con­ behaviour is typical for every competitor. ditions in the technical specifications and Most people who made such a big thing navigation. For us, racers, the smaller doses speak about it very modestly. I am glad that of kilometres were positive. But the diffi­ Lukáš is also of this kind,” Martin Stropnický culty was comparable to the Dakar in South underlined. “People often wonder what America. I managed to place in the top is or is not the state of our military. From fifty, from among one hundred and twenty a human point, in any case, it goes very participants. I appreciate that.” well. Lukáš’ feat, as well as the activities of Perhaps it is no secret that at the Dakar members of the Army of the Czech Republic, race a good luck plays a big role. Technical are proof of that.” equipment must not fail; you must not have an accident. You are not allowed to get lost. Almost every contestant has a talisman Like a rock star of his own. Lukáš’ wife gave him an emblem Lukáš knew the Dakar from TV programmes of horse on a motorcycle. In addition, this and stories told by its participants. But personal gift was hanging on his neck. the actual experience surpassed any of Nevertheless, though fortune did not his thoughts. “It was an unforgettable favour him, he managed to fulfil his old experience to stand on the starting ramp dream. He stood at the start of the Dakar­ and perceive the crowds of fans who were rally. I thank the department and Pavel very friendly and disciplined. To stop and Kubíček for this dream come true. And what next year. I would like experience the feel­ let someone of the spectators, take a selfie it gave to me? The assurance that I have ing the participants have at the finish. with me, was a dream for them which was abilities and that my training­ was moving I have nothing to change in my prepara­­ fulfilled. It was an extraordinary experience. in the right direction.­ Physically and men­ tion. I’ve had the best conditions for train­ I felt like a rock star. Fans were able to create tally I was well prepared. Unfortunately, ing in the military, as well as for methodical an incredible atmosphere.” I could not show all that was in me. training in the Army Sports Centre Dukla If Lukáš were to compete in the Dakar, But I am convinced that I would do the Praha. The only thing I change, I’ll respond one of the conditions would be the par­tici­ same again without hesitation,”­ Lukáš ac­ to developments in technology. These mat­ pation­ in a qualifying race the Dakar Series, cents. “The ­Dakar is my world and life. ters I would like to present at the Motosalon which are held around the world almost all I’ll do everything to win through to the rally trade fair in March at Letňany.”

factsheet Lukáš Kvapil performed his compulsory military service with the Castle Guard. Later, already as a professional soldier, he organized motorcycle escorts for foreign delegations and the President. His career progressed farther, he moved up to the Guard Service of the Military Police. There he not only ensured a mo­ torcycle escort, but also the transport in special vehicles and even a personal protection. He went through a number of interesting courses. In Hechlingen, Germany, he completed training with BMW motorcycles, at circuits in Brno and Most he trained solving emergency situations at high speeds. In Miramas, France, he underwent a course of driv­ ing with armoured BMW vehicles. From the position of an ordinary rider he worked up in ranks of the Military Police to the post of chief of the Train­ ing Department for Escorts, Guard Ser­ vice Command, Military Police. He also participated in foreign missions. Spe­ cially, in 2004, he worked in Iraq as a drill instructor for firearms and tac­ tical training. A year later he returned to this country as part of a team of per­son­al pro­tec­tion. In 2011, he served in Afghanistan where he provided a per­son­al protection for a contingent commander­ and the staff of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. by Vladimír Marek, photos: archives of Lukáš Kvapil 40 A review 1/2017

A new assault rifle from the Czech Republic will be soon in the ACR’s arsenal CZ Bren 2

The development of technologies and weapon systems goes forward and it also applies to personal weapons. The introduction of the first generation of unified modular system CZ Bren has increased the combat ability of individuals and units of the Army of the Czech Republic. Already in 2011, CZ Bren assault rifles were used by soldiers in a foreign operation on the territory of Afghanistan. The deployment In the Czech forces of a weapon in different climatic conditions and the immediate since 2010 responses of soldiers to its abilities led the Czech Arms The Ministry of Defence of the Czech Re­ Factory to improve its specifications. Backed by experiences public­ ordered for the Czech Army in 2010 in the first round 7,937 CZ 805 BREN rifles; from operations abroad and soldiers’ training, the Czech worth 1.2 milliard Czech crowns (CZK). Arms Factory developed the second generation of a modern Almost all weapons were delivered with automatic assault rifle, CZ Bren 2, also known as CZ 806. the respective magazine­ slot and original transparent magazines.­ The original maga­ he CZ BREN 2 is the next generation reliability and durability under all conditions zine assembly­ of CZ 805 Bren can use only assault rifle from the CZ brand family of exhibiting high accuracy and long service life. original­ magazines from the Czech Arms Tservice weapons. This weapon was de­ Light weight and compact­ dimensions make Factory or the German Heckler & Koch signed for the most demanding users from handling fast and comfortable. Controls are Company (G36 rifles). The last 200 pcs of special units and armed forces operating­ ambidextrous and easy to reach. Elaborated the first series were produced with a new anywhere in the world. Today, the Brens are ergonomics guarantees outstanding shoot­ MC assem­ ­bly for STANAG magazines­ used by armed forces and security units in ing. Materials used are non-combustible (by the end of 2013). With a MC magazine­ 42 countries of the world. Weapon’s design or have increased­ fire resistance, as well as assembly,­ the second series of 9,500 CZ 805 is based on proven tapping the combus­ tion­ being resistant­ to impacts and mechanical Bren rifles are to be delivered to the Army gases from the barrel with option of three­ damage. Basic disassembly and assembly of the Czech Republic by 2020. The price of -stage regulation of the piston mechanism. for routine maintenance can be carried out the second order is CZK 1.1 milliard. The CZ Bren 2 is characterized by extreme without the need for any tools. Improvements based on experiences The firing mechanism of the CZ Bren 2 assault­ rifle exploits the well-proven tapping the combustion gases from the barrel.­ The pis­ ton mechanism has three-stage regula­ tion.­ The main known difference­ from the previ­­ ous version is a significant drop in weight. The shortened assault rifle CZ 805 Bren A2 (barrel 280 mm), without­ sights and maga­ zine, weighs 3.39 kg. The weight of the CZ 805 Bren A2 with full magazine­ and belt is 4.1 kg. The newer CZ Bren 2 (barrel 280 mm), without a magazine­ and metal sights, weighs 2.86 kg, with an empty magazine­ and metal sights 3.06 kg. For a short­ened version (barrel 206 mm), this is 2.76 kg, or 2.99 kg respec­ tive­­ ly. The difference in weight of the CZ 805 and A review 1/2017 41

factsheet CZ 805 BREN A2 vs. CZ BREN 2 (CZ BREN 806) CZ 805 BREN A2 CZ BREN 2 Calibre 5,56 × 45 mm 5,56 × 45 mm Length of barrel 280 mm 280 mm Number of grooves – 6 Lead of grooves – 178 mm Weight without magazine and sights 3,39 kg 2,86 kg Weight with sights and empty magazine – 3,09 kg the CZ Bren 2 thus makes more than 0.5 kg. 750–798 mm/ Length with buttstock extended / buttstock folded 780 mm/580 mm As far as dimensions­ are concerned, both 570 mm weapons are similar in size and almost un­ Width with buttstock extended / buttstock folded 112/77 mm 140/80 mm changed. The body of the weapon CZ Bren 2 Magazine capacity 30 30 is 10 mm shorter. The significant step for­ ward is even a sophisticated buttstock with Effective firing range 300 m 300 m an ergonomic cheekpiece and a replaceable Rate of fire 760 RPM 850 ± 100 RPM rubber butt plate. The innovated rifle also re­ Barrel durability 20 000 rounds 20 000 rounds ceiv­ed a new telescopic buttstock. Because Body material dural dural of it, the soldiers can set the length of the weapon, depending e.g. on whether they are wearing bulletproof vests, or not. the new weapons are designed primarily for zz Low weight and compact dimensions for combat units, especially they will primari­ quick and convenient gun handling. Double-action ly supply with them 4th Rapid Deployment zz Weapon controls are ambidextrous. Brigade. Gradually, Bren rifles of all modifi­ zz Elaborated ergonomics with excellent releasing bolt cations should be received by all soldiers, in­ shooting behaviour. The Bren 2 also abandoned the controversial­ cluding­ members of the Active Reserve. zz The materials used for the weapon are option series 2-blasting. Now the switch non-flammable, or have increased fire re­ allows fire a single shot or continuous­ fire. sistance; they are impact-resistant and have The switch is double-sided. Another impor­ Characteristic features high resistance to mechanical damage. tant element is a double breech mechanism. zz The weapon system is based on estab­ zz Basic disassembly and assembly for rou­ Releasing the breech can be controlled lished tapping the combustion gases tine maintenance can be carried out with­ by a mechanism in the interior of the trig­ from the barrel, with option of three-stage out the need for any tools. ger guard (alongside the magazine) and regulation of the piston mechanism. over the trigger guard. The cradle releas­ing zz Extreme reliability and weapon’s resist­ By Michal Voska, of a magazine­ is located­ within the reach of ance under all conditions. photos by Czech Arms Factory Uherský Brod the index finger in the magazine slot. The re­ zz High accuracy and long service life. (CZUB) archives leasing lever is independent, so that when shooting, unlike the CZ 805 Bren, it does not move. The lever makes possible to reach the rear position. Weapons are supplied to the Czech Army, including accessories, which cover optical devices, tactical knives, trans­ port packages,­ armament sets for armourers, and spare parts sets. We will also receive 800 pieces of the CZ 805 G1 grenade launch­ er, including accessories. Rapid Deployment Brigade About this new version of the assault rifle are interested also NATO special units and successful testing has already taken place in several countries. “The use of the CZ 805 Bren A1/A2 weapon for the needs of the Czech Armed Forces is estimated in perspec­ tive of twenty years or even more. In con­ nection with the needs of the Active Reserve and manning individual units, the army will continue to arm the forces also during the next year,” said Army General Josef Bečvář, Chief of the General Staff of the Army of the Czech Republic. According to General Bečvář, 42 A review 1/2017

The truck company in Kopřivnice is a traditional supplier for the Czech Armed Forces TATRA trucks for the Armed Forces

Given the proven platform, the military uses approximately three thousand Tatra T 815 and T 810 vehicle in various modifications, including armoured versions designed particularly for deployed operations. As to the T 815 family, we have 650 platform trucks with 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 axle configuration and 1,350 vehicles At the beginning of January, Tatra company designed for various specific purposes (container transport, cranes, tractors). In the Czech Armed Forces inventory, the T 810 platform delivered twenty-six Tatra Tactic platform trucks is dominated by 600 platform trucks for the transport of personnel (formerly designated T 810). The deliveries and materiel and additional 70 pieces of special equipment will continue throughout the year with several (tail lifts, container loaders). By the end of the year Tatra Trucks will dozen vehicles in multiple variants to be have delivered additional forty T 815 medium and heavy trucks and container loaders and forty-one T 815 vehicles of the PRAM system supplied. Those will join roughly three thousand (120mm mortar carrier). Most of the current T 815 models are trucks in service with the Czech Armed Forces, on the edge of life and their replacement is planned from 2020 on. which are used both at home and on foreign operations. factsheet he first vehicles of the Tatra Tactic family were delivered to Review of military models manufactured in TATRA the Czech Armed Forces in April 2008 (based on a 2006 order factories from the beginnings till the present Tfor 556 units) and since then they have replaced the oldest Manufac­ ­ Type Design trucks in the Czech Armed Forces inventory, the legendary Praga tured in V3S. Besides the Czech military, Tatra Tactic vehicles are also used Tatra 111 Truck 1942–1962 by the armed forces of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Tatra Trucks company introduced in 2004a completely new type of truck, Tatra 805 Light truck 1953–1960 the T 810 6×6 ATS, and since the last year it is newly marketed under Tatra 809 Halftrack 1953 the Tactic trademark. It is a medium truck with ladder frame chassis Halftrack – redesign of German Sd. Tatra OT 810 1958–1962 and original Tatra Rigid portal axles, which is produced in 6×6 and Kfz 251 4×4 axle configuration. The total vehicle weight is 15.5 tons Engine for 8×8 armoured (in 6×6 configuration), or 13 tons (in 4×4 configuration). The personnel carrier in OT-64 SKOT 1961– Tatra Tactic vehicles are primarily designed for military use which cooperation with Poland on is reflected in the designation derived from military terminology. the basis of Tatra 138 But they are found extremely useful in the civilian sector as well. Tatra 813 Heavy truck 1967–1982 Howitzer, manufactured at ShKH vz. 77 Dubnica, Slovakia on Tatra 815 1981–1994 DANA Support to the domestic defence industry chassis In the ceremony marking the acceptance of the vehicles in Štěpánov Tatra 815 Heavy truck 1983– depot, Defence Minister Martin Stropnický said: “Given the current Tatra 810 Medium offroad truck 2008– security situation, support to the domestic industry is critical. Production capabilities in the home territory have a strategic Tatra 817 (815-7) Heavy truck 2008– importance for the state, either in the form of own enterprises or Tatra Titus Armoured military vehicle 2015– proven commercial suppliers.” Tatra is undoubtedly one of them. A review 1/2017 4343

6×6 TRUCK / MIL PLATFORM TRUCK 8×8 HIGHLY MOBILE HEAVY VEHICLE / A customer project of an all-wheel drive medium off-road truck with 6×6 configuration, ladder frame and unique Tatra Rigid MIL PLATFORM TRUCK portal axles. The vehicle is equipped with liquid cooled ­six-cylinder T 815-6 Force – military family with TerrNo 1 components, liquid engine, manual transmission, transfer case and modern three- cooled engines and optionally automatic Twin Disc transmission; seat cab with reinforced Level 1 ballistic protection ar­mour floor, the design of this family also modified the cab, which enabled modified roof with machine gun mount, hatchet and additional the integration of cooler for liquid cooled engines, the interior modifications for special or military use. The vehicle has a winch was facelifted. Since 2006, it includes the (T 817) T 815-7 model and a central tire inflation system. The front axle is mechanical­ – special military version with TerrNo 1 chassis components, low ly suspended on by coil springs. The rear axles are suspended forward cab with provisions for add-on armour enabling C-130 by rocker leaf springs. Since 2010, the T 810 has also been Hercules transportability plus engines and transmissions in the offered in civilian ver­ existing variety expanded with Allison automatic transmission. sion as a universal Finally, the platform has also been used in the civilian sector for chassis-cab. cranes, firefighting and mining superstructures. The current 815 family with the highest envi­ ronmental standards is equipped with T3D Euro 5 SCR engine line and ex­ terior facelifted cab since 2010.

Engine Renault Dxi7, EURO 3, 177 kW, 920 Nm/1 200–1,700 rpm Engine Tatra T3C-928-90, EURO 3, 300 kW, 2,100 Nm/1,000 rpm Transmission ZF 6S 1000 T0, six speed Transmission Tatra 14 TS 210L, semiautomatic, fourteen speed Cab 1 + 2 seats, armour floor Cab 1+3 seats, C-130 transportability, add-on armour Wheelbase 3,150 + 1,200 mm Wheelbase 1,950 + 2,860 + 1,450 mm Total weight (max) 13,000 kg Total weight (max) 38,000 kg Payload (max) 4,500 kg Payload (max) 21,100 kg Max speed 106 km/h Max speed 110 km/h Payload platform with tarp, folding benches for 16 soldiers, Payload platform with tarp, folding benches for 24 soldiers, rear Superstructure rear stowing access. Superstructure stowing access. Internal dimensions 4,660 × 2,470 mm. Floor locks for one 20’ or two 10’ containers.

6×6 platform 8×8 platform

Engine Tatra T3C-928-90, EURO 3, 300 kW, 2,100 Nm/1,000 rpm Engine Tatra T3C-928-90, EURO 3, 300 kW, 2,100 Nm/1,000 rpm Transmission Tatra 14 TS 210L, semiautomatic, fourteen-speed Transmission Tatra 14 TS 210L, semiautomatic, fourteen-speed Cab Without standard Tatra cab The platform is supplied without standard Tatra cab; the frame with dashboard, pedals, steering and seat Wheelbase 4,090 + 1,450 mm Cab is installed on the chassis instead of cab; Total weight (max) 29,000 kg additional equipment is supplied as free components; electronic cab tilting with hydraulic cylinder. Payload (max) 18,760 kg Wheelbase 2,150 + 2,860 + 1,450 mm Max speed 110 km/h Total weight (max) 38,000 kg The platform is designed for various types of special vehicles that need: Payload (max) 25,000 kg (chassis) Superstructure – Outstanding driving properties in difficult terrain Max speed 115 km/h – Heavy armour protection from the upper side of the chassis – Reliable platform with low life cycle costs

by Michal Voska, photos by Michal Voska and Tatra history Major General Jaroslav Klemeš lived to be 95 The last of the heroes on parachutes In Great Britain in World War II, several hundred Czechoslovak paratroopers were trained. About a hundred of them were parachuted over enemy territory. More than half of them paid their determination to fight against the Nazis in the territories they occupied, with their lives. At present, only one of them survived. On January 31, this year, General Jaroslav Klemeš celebrated his ninety-fifth birthday.

aroslav Klemeš was born in 1922 in a dis­ trict town Čadca in northern Slovakia.­ Preparing for JHis father worked there as a rev­enue clerk. Between 1926 and 1936, the young special assignments Jaroslav graduated from a gener­ al­ school and From 1941, he began to prepare for a pos­ four classes of city school at Skalice. After his sible parachuting over the Protectorate. mother died, it was only his father who raised He completed a sabotage course and an air­ him and his brother Vladimír. At Skalice, Jaro­ borne training course. They were follow­ ­ed slav get trained as a commercial assistant by shooting, signal and conspiracy courses. and then he completed­ one year of business Already in the rank of Corporal, he complet­ school. After the breakup of the republic, his ed the preparation for conspiratorial­ civilian father was dismissed from work; he had to employment, conspiracy practice and a final in Italy. They were to be dropped over the move to Moravia, to the town of Strážnice. sabotage course. His training ended with Protectorate at the beginning of October. the so-called repeat course. Then he was However during their first sortie on October­ 3, already assigned to Platinium group, which 1944, their plane got lost due to bad weather He fought even in France later joined Pewter group. At the beginning over Moravia. Seven weeks later, the aircraft In January 1940, eighteen-year-old Jaroslav of May 1944, they all moved to Laureto base was hit over Vienna, and the crew decided­ left with his friend Ludevít Čambala across to go back to the base. The drop finally oc­ Slovakia, the Balkans and Syria, to Marseille, curred at night from 16th to 17th February­ France. At Agde, he was assigned to the 1945. “The day before the jump there was Signal Platoon, HQ Company, 2nd Regiment. probably sunshine, snow thawed on the In June 1940, he participated in the fight­ trees. It was beautiful to see black forests ing against the Germans, on the Marne River, and white snowy fields. We jumped ideally east of Paris. But at the moment the Czecho­­ to a ploughed field, to the very zone where slovaks came into contact with the enemy, we were directed, next to the river Chrudim­ the front already collapsed. Unimaginable ka, near Nasavrky town,” he remembered confusion was all around. “All were tired, we these moments after years. were marching all the way south. They were Even though the paratroopers hit a pre­ in retreat even at night. We had only two designated target zone, it was not easy to hours to rest. Who slept a little farther away, put the whole group together. In addition, he might lose his unit. That was the case with they had to look for materiel that broke off my friend Čambala. He settled somewhere even with the kit bags attached to the legs. in a barn and lost us. Fortunately, in three or “In complete darkness, we buried para­ four days he caught us on a bicycle,” Jaroslav chutes in the woods. Each group had three Klemeš recalled. contact addresses. At our first address, After retreat to Great Britain, he served in a nearby seclusion, they did not want to first as a despatch rider in the county of provide­ housing to us. We succeeded only Devonshire.­ They were tasked to defend the at the second address at Hradiště, with coast against a possible disembarkation. the Korábek family,” Jaroslav Klemeš said. Later, he was assigned to the signal platoon, But even there it was not so easy. Mr. Korábek where he graduated from a radiotelegraphic was not at home, because just at that time course. the Gestapo was hunting him. His wife was 45 informed that he was working for the resis­­ tance, but she did not know the password. For the challenge “We want bread”, the counter­ sign she did not know was “Bread and butter?” In addition, she feared the Nazi provocation. But when they showed her their weapons and supplies of food from Britain, she believed they were really paratroopers and housed them in a barn. Within a few days, they were contacted by a domestic re­ sis­tance as they were supposed to help them to maintain the connection with London. The domestic resistance also organized their transport to the area of Velká Bíteš, where they had to arrange the drop of arms with the use of an aircraft guidance device. To help Prague But in this area Platinum group did not worked together for a long time. The signal communication between Prague and London was also needed. And exactly this task was assigned to the experienced radio-operator Jaroslav Klemeš and Ludevít Čambala, two inseparable friends. Together we left our country Radim Klemeš. The only problem was how to (January 1940). Later, we fought on different fronts, and finally we met again in Prague (May 1945).

get him with a radio and weapons to Prague. American help for fighting Prague. He also superior. He spent nine months in the so- It was not possible by train, because there arranged a drop of weapons in the Smíchov called “Little House” in Prague-­Hradčany. were regular sustenance inspections. And so area. How­ever, in view of the following devel­ He was imprisoned in Pankrác, Bory, and the resistance members had to organize his opment,­ this did not happen. in the Forced Labour Camp at Nebořice. transport by car. “We had forged documents. After the war, Jaroslav Klemeš reenlist­ ­ed He was demoted and at the same time all During the journey we were checked several as a radio-operator in the army. First he was his decorations were taken away. After his times, fortunately they did not find our weap­ assigned to the Ministry of National Defence. undesirable discharge, he could work only ons and the radio,” Jaroslav Klemeš described From January 1946 he worked as an instruc­ as a labourer. The rehabilitation did not hap­ those dramatic moments. Out of the bath­ tor in Milovice. Then he was transferred pen until 1968. However, he did not have full room of the apartment in Kobylisy district, to the 2nd Infantry Regiment at Litoměřice. social recognition until 1989. Gradually he he sent to London hundreds of mes­sages. He reached the rank of First Lieutenant. But in was promoted to the rank of Major General. He maintained the radio contact even during December 1950, he was separated from the Nowadays he lives in the Convalescent the time of the Prague Uprising. At this army, investigated for fifteen months and Home for Military Veterans in Prague’s dis­ point, he became a little unintentionally­ then sentenced to two years. He was accused trict Střešovice. the war reporter. His information about the of anti-state activities allegedly committed­ fighting­ Prague was immediately broadcast in General Paleček’s group. They blamed him By Vladimír Marek, by the BBC. His radio messages asked for for not reporting the anti-state activity of his photos by author, CMA-MHA, MHI archives. 46 A review 1/2017

The mission of a field surgical team into Iraq is a follow-up to a series of successful military operations of Czech military medics A mission in white

Sending a field surgical team to Iraq was approved as an independent surgical detachment, by the Czech government. In this country, the team worked consisting of two surgical teams with an­ aes­the­sio­logists, as well as paramedics with from December 2016 for six months. It consisted of 17 medics, practical surgical and an­aes­the­tic know­ who were integrated into the Field Hospital of the US Navy, ledge. All was complemented by a surgical stationed 70 kilometres south of Mosul. Their task was to heal evacuation unit. Overall, there were 21 per­ sons. Czech military surgeons and nurses wounded Iraqi and coalition soldiers. with other personnel began to meet tasks related to medical support immediately fter the start of the activities of the after moving into the Croatian Knin, which Air Advisory Team in Balad in sum­ Start at Knin, Croatia was accomplished on 14 March 1994. Amer 2016, they were further specific Our military has a long tradition of send­ In autumn 1995, the entire facility moved doings of the Ministry of Defence direct­ ing out military field hospitals and medical to Zagreb, Croatia, where replaced a Mo­ ly in Iraq, aimed at supporting­ the fight teams to unstable regions. When leaving bile Field Hospital of the US Army (MASH). against the so-called Daesh (Islamic State aside the presence of our field hospital The field surgical team was reinforced by of Iraq and the Levant). The Czech Republic in the 50′s of the last century in Korea, personnel up to 31 people and evacuation thus helps to the sta­bi­li­za­tion of situa­tion then the roots of this medical engagement equipment was supplemented. In March in this region. The inter­na­tion­al coalition in date back to 1994 when it was decided to 1996, the Field Surgical Hospital moved this way, among others, reduces the moti­ reinforce our contingent in the former Yugo­ to Eastern Slavonia, where it began to vation of the local population to migrate, slavia by another 480 people. In addition work in favour of the UN peacekeeping which decreases the risk of penetration to some other units, there was also a field mission UNTAES. By accepting this task, of Islamic fighters into Europe. surgical hospital. It was initially conceived there was another increase in the number A review 1/2017 47 of professional­ personnel by a total of waste and to wash 12,000 kg of laundry. to re­spec­tive medi­cal specialties, con­ 40 people and also an increase in equip­ In addition to providing medical care, cretely in the Dutch field hospital in Bagh, ment. In addition­ to these activities, the in January 2003 there was another task, which is located about 100 kilo­metres east hospital had to perform tasks in the system to dismantle­ the base, where they worked. of Islama­bad. In the team, there were sur­ MEDEVAC (medical evacuation – medical After returning­ to the Czech Republic, geons, an epidemiol­ogist, laryngol­ogy spe­ trans­portation­ and escort of evacuated 11-membered field surgical team, which cial­ist, an­aes­the­siol­ogist, paediatrician and persons). was until April 2003 part of the German field a vet­eri­narian. hospital, still continued to per­form the tasks In 2007, the Czech field hospital for almost of the mission. two years again returned to Af­ghani­stan. Aid to refugees In five rotations at Kabul airport, dozens of doctors and hundreds of nurses took turns. and distressed In Iraq’s Basrah Their task was to provide a medical support In 1999, the AFOR mission was approved, Another place to deploy our field hos­pi­ to NATO soldiers who operat­ed in the area aimed at helping Kosovo refugees in Al­ba­ tal, namely that of 7th, was Basrah, Iraq. of Kabul airport. Moreover, the hospital­ nia. The Czech Republic was represented It worked there in two tours, from April to was responsible for the transit of patients by the 6th Field Hospital. Generally, there the end of 2003. It was formed of a hospital and keep­ing them in stable condition be­ were 89 people, extended by 10 Lithuanian section, support units, humanitarian de­ fore strategical evacuation. It per­form­ military medics. This establish­ment did not tachment,­ two companies of Military Police ed preventive and health care in the area only provide care to refugees, but also to and a group for civil military cooperation of its responsibility. It also participated members of the AFOR operation. The hos­ CIMIC. The hospitals included 129 wheeled in the education and training of medical pital provided twenty-four hour emer­gen­cy vehicles and 132 containers. Materiel and personnel of the Afghan army and the and medical assistance in accordance with equipment of the hospital weighed almost security force. In case of mass casualties, NATO standards, the so-called “Role 2”, two thousand tons. it was also responsible for rescue teams, in the range of specialized medical care The main task of this contingent was pro­ up to a distance of 10 kilometres around in the fields of traumatol­ogy, laryngology,­ vid­ing health care to the local population, Kabul airport. Regarding the provision of air radi­ ­ol­ogy, dentistry, cardiol­ogy and psy­chia­ advancing humanitarian aid, water clean­ ambulance service MEDEVAC, our medics try. On the whole, it had five surgical teams. ing and its distribution. Our field hospital observed Basic Emergency Assistance M1, On August 17, 1999, the north-western had 50 beds and 6 beds in intensive care. with a time limit only three minutes. In ad­ part of Turkey was affected by devastating At the same time they were able to help up dition, they performed M2 emergency duty, earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter to 300 patients a day. Except for paramedi­­ with readiness in eight minutes, and then scale, with high numbers of casualties and cal personnel, the hospital staff accounted also common duties in individual wards. injured. The number of persons deprived seventeen doctors, two pharmacists, one Even after returning our field hospital of shelter was approaching one million. veterinarian and one microbiologist. to its homeland, our army was involved In this situation, on August 23, 1999, mo­ Slightly smaller was the deployment of in the provision of health care at Kabul air­ bile teams of the 6th Field Hos­pital set off our medical officers in earthquake-affect­ port. The 15-member field surgical team from Kavaje to the affected city Gölcük. ed Pakistan two years later. Trau­matology­ worked first in the French and later Ameri­ Subsequently, even the main part of the team of six people worked there from can field hospitals deployed in this area. field hospital was moved to this area. 12 October 2005. In early November it was It worked there until stabilization of the replaced by a group of 30 military med­ situa­tion, when the tasks were assumed by ics. The team performed tasks according Text and photos by Vladimír Marek local authorities, which occurred in the late October 1999. During the mission in Alba­­ nia and Turkey, Czech medics treated a total of 13,000 patients. Hospital started to work in Kabul After two and a half year pause, Afghani­ stan­ waited for members of the 6th Field Hos­ pital. From March 2002, our surgical team worked in Kabul for several weeks as part of the British 34th Field Hospital. In May 2002 it was replaced by the 6th Field Hospital. The hospital provided medical care at Role 3 level, for members of the ISAF Allied forces and local residents. In mid-October 2002, members of the 6th Field Hospital were rotated by medics of the 11th Field Hospital. Our field medical­ establishment was able to provide daily care up to the 160 sick and wounded. It involv­ ­ed five surgical teams to perform up to 50 sur­ geries a day. In four months, its logis­tical support had to produce 2,903 cubic meters of drinking water, 215,280 kWh of electric­ ity, to dispose 2,010 cubic meters of liquid Signallers of the Army of the Czech Republic history celebrate the centenary of their existence

were sent to operate secret spy stations used to monitor enemy telephone conver­ sa­tions. Those legionnaires, who underwent telegraph training, later stood at the birth of our radiotelephone company. Its roots date back to the March 15, 1917, when it was ordered to establish a signal detach­ ment with the Headquarters of the Czecho­ slovak Rifle Brigade. At that time, there were more than three months before the Battle of Zborov. Before taking up a position in front-line trenches near this Ukrainian village, on June 21, 1917, a Replacement Technical Half-Company was created, sub­ ordinated to the Replacement Battalion of the newly formed 3rd Czecho­slovak Rifle Command Regiment. This half-company gathered the volunteers from field engineer, technical and signal units. A few days later, on July 2, 1917, many of can′t do without the signallers participated in the legendary battle of Zborov. In every of our regiments, there was established a Regimental Signal Detachment. It was a success of our troops in this battle, during which they managed a connection to break the Austro-Hungarian trenches and move forward, which enabled further sig­ The well-known signallers’ saying, “no connection, nifi­cant legionary recruitment among pris­ no command”, was always true in this field from on­ers from Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia. time immemorial and most likely it will be true even in the future, in times of advanced technologies. Establishing Since without any kind of connection it is impossible a Telegraph Company to pass orders, implement tactical or strategic intents The plans to build a Czechoslovak Army Corps appeared already at the end of July on the battlefield and, of course, the coordination 1917. Part of its organizational structure was between units does not work. also a Telegraph Company. But at the end, this plan was not carried out. The unit, ll these facts our ancestors realized which became a cornerstone of a future many centuries ago. And for that At the beginning Czecho­slovak Signal Corps, was es­tab­lished Areason flame signals were created, there were on October 30, 1917, by order no. 931 of so were flag and smoke signs. On the battle­ Lieutenant General Nikolay Dukhonin, field, an important role was played by des­ spy stations Chief of Staff of Supreme Commander patch riders and runners. of the Russian Forces. But the proper An optical semaphore tachograph or The history of Czechoslovak Signal Corps formation of the Telegraph Company did tele­graph from the end of the eighteenth started a hundred years ago, in the year 1917. not start until early 1918 in Kiev. Its com­ century started the era of modern com­ First, at that time still tentative measures, mand­er was a Russian Colonel Andrei mu­ni­ca­tion means. There continuously concerning means of communication, had Lofickij. Then followed an order, upon followed,­ even in the nineteenth century, been made by our legionnaires in Russia, which, in this unit, they were to gather all the connec­ ­tion with telephones and wire­ a few months earlier. In the late 1916, sev­ the soldiers who went through telegraphic less telegraphy. All these inventions were er­al Czechoslovak soldiers at the request training, no matter whether in the Austro- promptly used by armies of that time. of the High Command of the Russian Army Hungarian or Russian armies. At that time, on Ukraine’s territory, there The Telegraph Company itself stayed in culminated chaos and chaotic situation Nikolsk-Ussurijsk more than six weeks. In this that occurred after the Bolshevik revolu­ garrison, there was established a Telegraph tion in November 1917. The first telegraph School, right inside the train, which quickly specialists began to arrive to Kiev in Feb­ru­ produced much needed specialists. ary 1918. At the end of this month, the Tele­ During the fights on the Trans-Siberian graph Company, which at that time had only Railway, our troops captured two complete 24 soldiers, was forced to retreat from Kiev radio stations Telefunken and Siemens- towards Darnitsya. But even there the retreat Halske and their accessories. One of them did not stop. It continued towards Bakhmach was successfully put into operation, and and the Trans-Siberian railway. In the late thus on July 19, 1918, in Nikolsk-Ussurijsk March, a company command­ was assumed the first Czech radio transmitter was by Czech Junior Captain František Svozil. established. Also the second radio station Throughout the jour­ney to Vladivostok, where was successfully repaired with the help they arrived on June 11, 1918, the company of technicians of the British cruiser Suffolk, was complemented by necessary experts. moored in Vladivostok. And thus a radio The Telegraph Company had therefore, connection between Nikolsk-Ussurijsk and at the end of its journey, 72 soldiers and Vladivostok could be established. 2 officers. They managed to deliver all telegraph and other equipment to the destination The Code Office without any damage. Despite the constant Until autumn 1918 for the main forces in demands of Bolshevik leaders to surrender the west around the railroad, the transfer all this materiel. “The technical materiel, of orders and regulations were controlled taken up at the last minute in Kiev, by a signal detachment. In a very short we brought all to Vladivostok. We carried time, the detachment rapidly expanded At the same time, the Chief of the Signal this entire load in Kiev without carriages, to 90 members. In addition, at divi­ sio­ nal­ Service of the Western Front Command, without horses, and therefore we did not headquarters there were gradually formed Warrant Officer Zahálka created a Code give a single device the Bolsheviks during telephone,­ telegraph and automobile­ de­ Office, which prepared more and more so­ our journey, even though in Penza some tachments­ that were subordinated­ to a di­ phis­ti­cat­ed ciphers that enabled to hide regiments surrendered their technical visio­ nal­ Chief of Signals. Besides telegraph­ the content of the messages from ad­ means and we did not even anticipate and telephone networks, the troops em­ ver­sary. At that time, all along the entire that we could use them in Russia. During ployed also messengers using cars, mounted Trans-Siberian railway there worked nearly this precarious situation we were the only on horse or motorcycle or only despatch­ two dozen of telegraph stations, which source from which regiments could take runners.­ together with the Telegraph Company, till materiel, and whom we also helped,” In October 1918, the Telegraph Company the end of the mission in Russia in 1920, described the then atmosphere former moved via Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk and Omsk, handed on hundreds of thousands of mes­ members of the company. to Yekaterinburg, so that the last day of sages. The basis for future Signal Troops October it reached the HQ of the Czecho­ of the newly formed Czecho­slovakia was slovak Army Corps at Chelyabinsk. Almost laid for good. In its development then The first radio station immediately it took over all tasks of a signal proceeded First Republic army signallers In Vladivostok, the signallers immediately detachment. Its members were gradually in the 20′s and 30′s of the last century. engaged themselves in feverish activity. integrated into the unit. Soon a Telegraph School was established According to the publication History of Signal Corps and began to prepare further experts. was prepared by Vladimír Marek, photos by CMA-MHA, MHI The company took over 16 telephone lines connecting the various parts of our troops stationed in Vladivostok. It also ensured a telephone connection with the hospital. Just in ten days, its number increased to 230 soldiers. At this time, however, the mission of our troops fundamentally changed. It was not a goal to arrive on their own, as quickly as possible, to Vladivostok and from there to transfer to the Western Front in France. There were also signallers who participated in the control of Vladivostok and conse­­ quently­ together with our other units start­ ed for the west. The objective was to join all Czechoslovak­ groups scattered throughout the Trans-Siberian railway. In Vladivostok, only one telegraph department remained, the task of which was to ensure the connection with the staff. Other signallers were set down around a railway track. Their task was to operate telephones Radiotelegraphic station. and telegraphs­ in the occupied stations. The necessary electric current is produced with a manual dynamometer.