Results of combat shakedown of Belarus-Russia regional military force found satisfactory

Andrei Zhuk reminded that preparations and combat shakedown of the joint regional military force have been in progress in Belarus' territory since late October 2022 in accordance with the decision of the presidents of Belarus and Russia. This year Belarusian and Russian military personnel followed common programs and the same instructors from Russia and Belarus were employed. “Individual training was the idea. First of all, we had to train officers and soldiers how to act in various types of combat. Training focused on tactics, marksmanship, first aid skills aka tactical medicine and engineer training,” the deputy defense minister explained.

“Once we made sure our military personnel are ready, we started the combat shakedown of vehicle crews, manning details, squads, and companies. Quite a lot of complex studies, live-fire exercises, and tactical exercises were held at every stage. But today one can state that the regional military force is ready to protect the Union State,” Andrei Zhuk stressed. In his words, the training of the regional force will be improved in the future, including at the level of cross-branch units. For instance, a joint tactical aerial exercise is about to begin in Belarus' territory and a joint staff exercise will be organized later on. The Belarusian-Russian army exercise Shchit Soyuza 2023 [Union Shield] will take place in late 2023, the official added.

In turn, a Russian army unit commanding officer added that in the military training area together with Belarusian colleagues they had held multi-theme exercises, including for tank and motorized infantry units, tactical training sessions. The combat shakedown of staffs had also been organized. Interaction had been established for the sake of supplying the regional force with everything it needs to carry out missions.

The Russian officer said: “We trained together, at the same educational workstations. We got to know Belarusian comrades, officers. It was a pleasure to talk because we understand each other. It was simply necessary to pass on experience and it will also be useful to learn something from the experience of Belarusian comrades. Joint training always pushes a collective closer together.”