Organize training and drills according to terrain conditions

A reporter from the People's Army Newspaper had a discussion with Colonel Nguyen Huu Cuong, Commander of the Dong Thap Provincial Military Command, about this issue.

Reporter: Could you please share some of the results of the training and exercises of the provincial armed forces and the local defense zone exercises in the recent past?

Colonel Nguyen Huu Cuong: Recognizing the crucial role of training and exercises in fulfilling local defense and military tasks and building a solid defense zone, the Dong Thap Provincial Military Command annually directs Party committees and unit commanders to develop a comprehensive system of training and exercise directives and implement them rigorously. The Provincial Military Command proactively advises the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People's Committee on direction and management; closely coordinates with the Border Guard, police, and various departments, agencies, and socio-political organizations to comprehensively and synchronously implement the tasks of training and exercises for the defense zone.

To continuously improve the quality of training and exercises, ensuring they are truly effective, the Provincial Military Command has directed its units to actively innovate training content and methods from the beginning of the year, tailored to each target group, terrain, and task. The results of the inspections showed that 100% of the content met the requirements, with over 76.5% achieving good or excellent ratings. Following the inspections, the Ministry of National Defense and the 9th Military Region Command both highly praised the training work of the provincial armed forces, especially the many high-quality models, initiatives, and improvements serving training; the operational content in the exercises was logically and scientifically arranged, systematically progressing from low to high levels, accurately reflecting real-world conditions, diverse in form, and without overlapping content...

PV: To achieve those results, there must have been many innovations in training and exercises?

Colonel Nguyen Huu Cuong: That's right. Every year, before starting training, the Provincial Military Command directs each unit to develop a training plan that strictly adheres to the step-by-step process, going through each level before approval. They also regularly conduct inspections down to the commune, ward, and town levels, drawing lessons learned from each inspection. Notably, in recent times, the Military Commands of districts and cities have intensified night training for militia forces. In combat training, each unit flexibly applies tactical forms suitable to the terrain and situations in the plains and waterways to enhance the combat strength of the forces in coordinated operations.

In addition to the guidelines and regulations from higher authorities, the Provincial Military Command integrated the exercises of districts and cities regarding the building, mobilization, and reception of reserve battalion forces in carrying out A2 and A3 tasks according to combat orders. Notably, in 2022, the Provincial Military Command organized a comprehensive exercise for the Armored Company, which was highly praised by the 9th Military Region Command.

Reporter: Could you please provide more specific details about this exercise?

Colonel Nguyen Huu Cuong: This is the first time the Dong Thap Provincial Military Command has organized a comprehensive tactical exercise with live firing for the Armored Company; the forces and vehicles had to move over long distances, through many complex terrains. The movement took place at night, with limited visibility, coupled with many difficult simulated situations, requiring officers and soldiers of the unit to flexibly apply the knowledge and experience accumulated during their studies and training at the unit... From the experiences closely resembling actual combat in the exercise, each individual in the tank crew as well as the entire platoon and Armored Company have learned many valuable lessons and applied them well in the process of performing their duties.

PV: In the coming period, what policies and solutions does the Provincial Military Command have to further improve the quality of training and exercises?

Colonel Nguyen Huu Cuong: We are concretizing and strictly implementing Resolution No. 1659-NQ/QUTW dated December 20, 2022, of the Central Military Commission on improving the quality of training in the period 2023-2030 and beyond, along with the directives and guidance of Military Region 9; continuing to innovate and improve the quality of training and exercises through various policies and measures appropriate to practical conditions. In particular, the provincial armed forces prioritize practical, comprehensive, and in-depth training, mastering the technical equipment in their inventory, and night training; improving the quality of integrated tactical exercises, tactical exercises with live ammunition, and territorial defense exercises. The content, organization, and methods of training and exercises must be closely aligned with the conditions of the plains, rivers, and actual combat; focusing on training and honing the ability to maneuver by marching on foot and using various means of transport across complex terrains. Promote research, foster initiatives, and improve training models and equipment, striving for the widespread adoption and implementation of numerous innovative products in training. Emphasize the application of information technology and simulation technology in training and exercises; regularly organize reviews and draw lessons from practical experiences to serve as a basis for reforming training programs, content, and methods, meeting the demands of the mission in the new situation.

PV: Thank you very much, comrade!

NGUYEN BA - THE HIEN (compiled)

Source