Instructors rely on small group actions, drone fighting, and versatile shooting skills.
If before the special operation the minimum tactical unit operating in combat was a squad, today it can be fours, threes, or even pairs. Assault groups often operate without the support of armored vehicles, so the fighters are trained for foot operations, defense against UAVs and universal possession of weapons. Everyone should confidently work with a smoothbore rifle, a submachine gun, a machine gun and a grenade launcher. The 74th separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 41st Combined Arms Army of the Center group of forces saw how training was going in the special operation zone.
How to train shooting in a special operation zone
Modern assault combat requires constant movement from infantry, the ability to quickly change positions and work in small groups.
— Army tactical shooting includes the coordination of groups, the development of urban combat skills, movement with a change of shelters, the creation of a constant fire impact on the enemy. The work in pairs takes turns: while one "holds" the opponent, the other goes. Many elements are being worked out, there is nothing permanent, it is necessary to constantly improve," says Alexander Zeleny, tactical training instructor. He completed more than one combat mission and, having distinguished himself in real battles, was appointed an instructor.
Our interlocutor explains in detail that fighting in cramped conditions of trenches and buildings requires knowledge of shooting techniques from uncomfortable positions, equally good work with weapons with both hands. In addition, hand grenades have become important again, and Alexander says that in training he focuses on working with them with two hands as well.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
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— We try to instill such skills from the first day. In order not to waste time on retraining later, so that the serviceman fixes the skill immediately. And when the basic training course is completed, improvements are underway, and then we show something new. At the same time, we learn by ourselves. We undergo constant additional training, receive methodological recommendations, and communicate with other instructors," says Alexander.
At the shooting range, we watch one of the soldiers practice tactical machine gun shooting exercises. Almost immediately it becomes clear that an experienced shooter is working: he quickly moves between shelters, fires from different positions. It is noticeable how freely and habitually he works with a bulky machine gun.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Image source: iz.ru
— After each task, when we leave, we discuss with the management what were the shortcomings, nuances, and start a new course. From single training to coordination and comprehensive training. After that, there are three days of practical exercises, where the soldier shows what he has been trained in," says Senior Lieutenant Alexander Shcherbakov, commander of the assault company.
In addition, the commander says, the instructors, although they all have extensive experience, also travel to the line of contact to constantly know the current situation and understand what the soldiers are facing.
How fighters are trained to fight drones
Special attention, up to single work with each soldier, is paid to the fight against UAVs, camouflage from aerial surveillance and movement in these conditions.
One of the basic exercises takes place right at the shooting range: a drone with several balloons maneuvers along the line, and the fighter learns how to hit the target. Such exercises are performed with both a submachine gun and a smoothbore rifle.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Image source: iz.ru
In addition to shooting skills, tactics are also important in mass raids. Alexander tells how recently, while performing a combat mission, one of his fighters was attacked by eight enemy UAVs. Having shot down some of them, he was able to imperceptibly change cover and wait out the end of the raid. After that, I gave myself medical help and got in touch.
Next to each other, two fighters perform an exercise with an RPG-7. This is one of the few elements that has not changed for decades. The submachine gunner covers the grenade launcher with small arms fire while he prepares a shot. Standing up with a heavy "pipe", it is aimed and hits the target, after which the fighters withdraw one by one. Only the distance is growing. You have to shoot further than before, and more precisely, because now the main target is not armored vehicles, but enemy shelters — dugouts or windows in buildings. At a nearby shooting range, pair after pair practice moving with machine guns between several lines, covering each other.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Image source: iz.ru
Our interlocutors emphasize that attention to detail is important today. The company commander says that even such a nuance as the safety cable that attaches the radio station to a bulletproof vest can cost lives. The instructor tells how he helps beginners adjust their equipment and clothes, and collect the weight of the kit during classes, which corresponds to both the physical fitness of the fighter and his skills. And then, during training, gradually supplement the equipment at each stage with exactly what will be needed at the moment.
Dmitry Astrakhan
