Special Operations Forces competitions gathered 12 APC crews at a training ground in the Vitebsk region

Competitions for the best driver, gunner, and the best BTR-80 (70MB) crew of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Belarus are underway at the Losvido training ground in the Vitebsk region.

Twelve crews from the 103rd Vitebsk Separate Guards Airborne Brigade and the 38th Brest Separate Guards Assault Brigade are participating in the competition. A BTR crew consists of three people: a commander, a driver, and a gunner. The best servicemen have come to represent their units.

During the competition, teams demonstrate theoretical knowledge in firing, military medical, and technical training, as well as NBC protection. Servicemen also compete using equipment, performing various exercises.

According to the judge, Head of the Training Group of Airborne Units of the Combat Training Department of the Special Operations Forces Command, Lieutenant Colonel Nikolai Radkevich, such competitions are held annually. "Today, daytime firing took place at the Losvido training ground, and nighttime firing is still ahead – then the best BTR gunner will be identified. Tomorrow, a race will be held where the soldiers will need to prove themselves as a cohesive team. Based on its results, the best crew will be determined," added Nikolai Radkevich. During the competition, a three-stage relay race on armored vehicles will also be held.

The best BTR driver was already determined on April 13. Private Alexander Strukov of the Vitebsk 103rd Brigade became the winner. He is an experienced soldier, with less than two weeks left until the end of his service. He says that the unit regularly undergoes necessary training during assemblies and field exercises, practicing driving, tactics, and other elements. "We also prepared specifically for these competitions. For me, the most difficult stage of the competition was night driving, navigating the 'slalom' obstacle, as visibility was poor. The rest went smoothly, experience helped," shared Alexander Strukov.

The results of the championship will be announced on April 16.