Prepared for All Contingencies

The military training practice known as “fire phobia" is a special and spectacular portion of the CRC branch in the peacekeepers’ training. During this dynamic phase, the soldiers are drilled in the postures, techniques and procedures which they can use to reduce to the minimum the impact of improvised incendiary devices (petrol-filled bottles that are classed as lethal weapons). Perhaps even more importantly, this training provides an opportunity to overcome anxiety caused by the instinctual fear of fire, and greatly helps building trust among soldiers of small units. In executing the training, soldiers actually entrust their physical health to their comrades, as the immediate professional reaction reduces the risk of injury to the minimum.

The two Hungarian companies are preparing for helicopter-assisted deployments too, and accordingly, their service members are practicing the task execution with every transport helicopter type used in Kosovo.

It is highly important that the soldiers can train for all contingencies by analyzing the latest lessons learned in the area of operations. They will serve for six months in Pristina and Novo Selo, Kosovo.

Photos by the author