BREST, 15 February (BelTA) – Military personnel from the 38th Independent Guards Air Assault Brigade had to complete a 5km forced march as part of the ongoing snap inspection of Belarus’ Armed Forces, BelTA has learned.
The paratroopers underwent endurance tests in the military training area Brestsky. Officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers from each of the units being inspected ran for 5km with full loadouts. That’s an additional 5kg of weight: an assault rifle, four magazines, and a gas mask.
“It wasn’t complicated. We are on a field exercise. It was simply a joy to run. I hope we’ve passed the qualification with flying colors,” said the unit’s warrant officer. “We run forced marches about once a month. It varies. It depends on the tasks we have to perform. We usually run for 5km. We spend a lot of time outside the brigade’s base.”
The units went to the starting line one after another. Even during the forced march the soldiers showed their paratrooper camaraderie. Some ran in tandem with their comrades. “This is done to make it easier for your comrade to run, to speed up and achieve a better overall result. We feel okay after the forced march. It’s not the first time we’ve run for 5km. It wasn’t difficult,” a junior sergeant shared.
Sub-zero temperatures have returned to southwestern Belarus. Electronic stopwatches could not handle the cold during the forced march. The paratroopers overcame this difficulty. “The guys did their best and helped each other. The weather is bad: our faces are freezing. During the inspection we show everything we have been taught. It’s tough, but we can handle it,” a private assured.
In line with the Armed Forces’ combat readiness inspection plan upon the decision of the head of state the 38th brigade was brought to the highest state of readiness on 10 February. The paratroopers had to pass a tactical and special training exam during the first stage. An evaluation of their firearm qualifications and physical fitness qualifications began after that.
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