Over the past years, the Party Committee and Command of the 26th Armored Brigade have implemented many synchronous and drastic solutions to improve the quality of training and exercises, focusing on building a model of "well-trained tank crews" associated with ensuring effective techniques.

Colonel Le Van Nhat, Brigade Commander of the 26th Armored Brigade, said: “In the 2020-2024 period, the Brigade had 100% of its training crews achieving good and excellent results (of which more than 80% were excellent); 100% of its exercises achieved excellent results; in participating in sports and competitions at higher levels, the unit won many high awards. We persistently train soldiers according to the motto "basic, practical, solid", combining theory with practice, taking practice as the main thing".

Tank crew training hours at the 26th Armored Brigade.

At the 21st Tank Battalion training ground, in rainy and windy weather conditions, the crew of Company 5, led by Captain Dang Van Duy, was still diligently practicing maneuvering situations to overcome steep, winding terrain with obstacles. The tanks roared, the tracks rolled on the road, and every action of the driver was precise. Major Le Hoang Hai, the driver, shared his experience: “When going uphill, you must accelerate steadily from the bottom of the slope, avoid accelerating suddenly to avoid losing traction, and do not stop in the middle of the slope to maintain stable traction. Before training, we always carefully check the technical condition, especially the brakes, guide wheels, and chain tensioners at the correct tension.” Company 5 was continuously awarded the title of “Advanced Unit”. According to Captain Dang Van Duy, the high training results were thanks to the troops regularly practicing difficult situations, closely combining theory and practice.

Building a "well-trained crew - a winning crew" does not stop at training driving techniques, but the Brigade especially focuses on training the spirit, mentality, and ability to closely coordinate among crew members. Training is conducted in an in-depth manner, close to combat reality, both in offensive and defensive positions.

The unit attaches importance to training in coordination between vehicle crews, night mobility training, shooting at mobile and solid targets, long-distance marches, and joint exercises with infantry, artillery, and air force. In particular, the use of modern simulation equipment has contributed to improving the ability to observe, react quickly, and think tactically for each member.

Major Ta Minh Hieu, Battalion Commander of the 21st Tank Battalion, said: “We arrange the vehicle crew according to each person’s strengths, maintaining a stable composition to create harmony. The commanding officers pay special attention to discovering and nurturing crew leaders with courage, flexible thinking, and good organizational and command capabilities. This is the key factor that determines the success of the vehicle crew.”

Tanks of the 26th Armored Brigade practice training on complex terrain.

Along with training, technical work is carried out seriously and systematically. The Brigade maintains good technical coefficients of vehicles, weapons and equipment. Vehicle leaders and technicians - those who directly use and manage vehicles - are required to grasp the daily technical status to proactively maintain and repair. The emulation movement "Manage and exploit weapons and technical equipment well, durably, safely, economically and in traffic safety" is widely deployed. The Brigade organizes many sports and technical competitions to practice skills and promote initiatives and technical improvements.

According to Colonel Le Van Nhat, the Brigade encourages officers and soldiers to participate in the movement to promote initiatives and improve techniques through the establishment of initiative teams, creative technical teams and organizing competitions between crews, companies and battalions. Outstanding initiatives are supported with implementation funding and timely rewards.

Over the past 5 years, the Brigade has had 23 effective initiatives applied, notably the "Information helmet drying device on armored vehicles" and "Ignition system testing device, spark plug cleaning device on M113 armored vehicles" which won the B prize at Military Region 7 level. These initiatives contribute to improving the quality of training, combat readiness and durability of vehicles.

Tank crew training is a difficult journey, requiring intelligence, physical strength and courage. However, it is in these harsh challenges that the “steel” courage, the spirit of overcoming difficulties and the collective strength of the tank soldiers are forged, contributing to building the 26th Armored Brigade into a well-trained unit, a strong assault force in the defense of Military Region 7.

Article and photos: HIEN NGUYEN - PHAN HOAN

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    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/lu-doan-tang-thiet-giap-26-quan-khu-7-vung-tu-moi-kip-xe-838017