Educational process amidst quarantine measures is in progress at the Military Academy (based in Odesa). On the eve, the second-year cadets of the faculty of preparation of specialists of military intelligence and Special Forces demonstrated their skills in shooting from BMP-2 (Infantry Fighting Vehicle).

Shortly before that, the cadets were studying the operational characteristics and combat capabilities of the 30-mm 2A42 gun and the 7.62-mm PKT machine gun in the classrooms. They also learned about the peculiarities of employment of BMP-2 in various combat conditions, in particular, during conducting reconnaissance operations, offensive and defensive actions.

After instructions on safety precautions and assignment of tasks, the instructor gave command "Charge!". The cadets are running to the combat vehicles and then take their places according to the combat duty assignment. The shooting exercise envisages to perform the standard on shooting from BMP-2 weapons from prepared firing positions on lightly armored targets, as well as protective fortifications of the imaginary adversary at distance from 500 to 2000 meters. After the report on the readiness to shoot, the combat duty assignment open fire. Automatic 30-mm guns fill the entire space with the thundering sound of explosions. Chips from wooden targets are flying far from in all directions, demonstrating the targeting. Then the command “Enemy infantry disclosed. To destroy!” is sounding. The combat duty assignment immediately open fire from PKT machine guns. Tracer bullets adjust the direction of shooting. Shortly the command "Stand down!" is sent by walkie-talkie. The cadets are lining up near the BMP and the commanders are reporting on performing the exercises.

As the head of practical shooting informed, the crew successfully performed with assigned tasks. All targets of the imaginary adversary were destroyed. Most part of the cadets received excellent marks. In the future, new trials will await for the reconnaissance and Special Forces cadets of the Odesa Military Academy...

Oleksandr Kindsphater