In The Army For A Day
This may be the most difficult post I've ever written, because the topic is something I know very little about, or nothing at all. I'm not going to pretend like others, I'm telling you from the beginning. Also, I'm going to write about my own experience and I'd like to apologize in advance if I write something that is not precise.
Today I went to visit an exhibition organized by the army. It was about Special Forces, or forces for special operations. For me it was a first. I've been to museums, have seen weapons, shot with army rifle under army command before, but have never seen so many weapons, accessories, ammunition, vehicles and what not. This was a special occasion to pick up any weapon you wanted, be advised by those who are using these weapons and also learn how intel is gathered, transmitted and so on. It was like a huge playground for people of every age and gender.
Security was pretty tight, streets were closed, there was police pretty much everywhere, which is understandable of course. The entrance was free, but they gave everyone a bracelet like this. I suppose they wanted to have an idea bout the number of visitors.
As I entered the premises, I saw a huge crowd around the tents, which is something I always want to avoid, but this was a 3 day event and an unique occasion for many, so you either adapt or stay home. This is why I apologize for the quality of the photos, there was neither enough space, not perfect light or time t take professional quality photos. My strategy was to visit the tents where there was no crowd first, then go back to the others after the crowd left. These school kids came to visit the museum, which is near, but when they saw the guns, the teacher could not drag them out of there. Can you blame them?
The best thing about the whole exhibition was that special forces were there to explain everything you needed to know and help you try out some of the weapons, without ammunition of course. They were equipped adequately as you can see. I'm not saying those guns were loaded, but they were wearing what they usually are wearing.
The good thing about this exhibition was that you could pick up the firearms, have a closer look and the other was that characteristics were displayed too. Imagine how many had no clue about these firearms, myself included obviously. The mandatory military service was abolished around 2007 in my country (I'm not sure about the year though), so those who were the last to serve most likely used very different firearms. These were chained to the pole 🙂, the guys knew what they were doing. What you see here are two Glocks and one Beretta. No, don't let yourself fooled, I don't know any of these, I'm just reading from the paper 😳.
This is a GLTD III. for marking targets for laser-guided ammunition, which works in a range between 200 and 20000m.
A PLRF 10C for measuring distance, from 5 to 2500m if I'm reading it right.
Snowshoes, skis, boots, these guys most likely were specifically trained for mountain troops tasks.
Skedco basic rescue stretcher and nar warrior aid litter.
Medics carry a pack like this. I did not ask how heavy it is though, but can't be light.
As a demonstration, the dummy was covered with that warming wrap they usually use.
This poor guys was lying on the ground, between two tables, intubated. I almost stepped on him.
Paratroopers and parachutes.
PGS 9-310 and MC 6D. I was wondering how heavy these parachutes were and was told one is of 20kg, the other is around 30kg.
This is how humanitarian aid is parachuted. This is a G13-36.
The maximum weight this one can handle is 227kg.
This is a Cargo G 12 D and can carry up to 1000kg.
Naval forces special operations unit.
This was a device they are using underwater, to show them direction.
A medical kit with the supplies they need to carry.
This was pretty interesting. The guy told me these are not the usual tanks as using these you're mixing oxygen with different gases and there will not be air bubbles released to the surface, so you getting detected is less likely. I hope I wrote that right.
Two dummies fully equipped for diving.
And the boat.
The funny thing about today was that so many kids and teenagers were admiring the firearms. One said he could totally imagine being in the army. However, being in the army is much more than what they saw today. These guys must have gone through a lot of hardship, till they get where they are now.
This is the first part of my post. Stay tuned for the next one as it will be both interesting and funny.
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It would have felt great to be able to pick one of these weapons. I have never held a gun before or been close to one. I heard that they feel cold when you touch them.
This is the type of exhibition I would love to go to.
Talking about the photography, c'mon these are great and clear. I trust your professional photography would blow my mind if this can be that neat.
They feel cold if it's cold outside as these are made of metal, but also none of these are toys, so it's ok. Maybe one day you'll have a chance to hold a gun without bullets. Who knows.
Thanks for the compliment, these photos are clear but the angle and the setup is not the best. But there's not much you can do. I'm grateful they let us take photos at least.
Holding a gun with bullets would be a lot more fun 😅😂. I promise not to shoot anyone but I would love to know how shooting live bullets would feel 😅.
You can go to a shooting range in my country, if you are 18. Pay the fee and shoot. You can also get a hunting license and a hunting rifle but that is not so easy and the rules for hunting are strict.
I suppose you've never help a real bullet either.
I have only seen a real bullet on television...
I need to find out if this is available in my country... Yeah, I am well over 18.
I'll show you more firearms next time, grenade launchers, army vehicles fully equipped and so on.
I would really appreciate that.... 😀🙂
Army give their lives for our security. These people are our proud.
Yes, some lose their lives to keep us safe.
I actually am like that kid. Not knowing what exactly it entails and how hard it may be but still every other day or as often as I see our own officers misbehave, imagine myself being in the army. Here, they're the highest officers status wise and everytime I feel like correcting a wrong, I know I won't be able to properly or boldly unless I'm as invincible as an army officer. Oh well, I'll train to be an officer of sorts or learn intense karate eventually.
I'm not sure I understand what you mean. I meant the training they do and the battles they fight are not visible for many. Many only know what the army means from the movies and tend to only see the good side, I mean the heroic moments. These guys got to enjoy the attention and the admiration of the public for 3 days now, but the road that led them here has been long and difficult. These are not ordinary soldiers but special forces, highly trained.
Yeah, I got that. I was merely expressing my desire to be one of them, despite not knowing much about the long and difficult process you speak of, in detail. The heroic moments is why, just like the kid, I'd want to be join the army.
You described it well I didn't notice any mistakes. Special Forces are a little different here. I don't recall of any exhibits of show and tell here. The military here has special forces for each branch of service (Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines) All are a little different.
This made me think about a show that use to be on television where different Special Forces were put up against each other. It was a computerized fight. Really cool show they showed all there weapons and specialities. I apologize I don't remember the name of show.
Thank you! I tried my best to focus on my experience and write the technical part only from the labels.
It's the same here and you'll see in my next posts, there will be different units, cars and firearms.
That show must have been interesting. These guys are competitive as it's a question of honor and give everything they have to win.
I did some research to try and find show name. I found it's called Deadliest Warriors. I also found out it wasn't exclusively for Special Forces. The few shows I watched were though. Oh btw couldn't find my hat I was telling you about but it's somewhere.
I eagerly await to read your next article on same subject :)
Fun fact: When I worked as a translator years ago, the Deadliest Warrior show was one of the TV programs that I translated from English to Czech. I still remember some episodes...
I watched a few shows. I might have to watch many I have missed on YouTube. Some I haven't seen have sparked my interest.
Excellent experience Erika, I grew up in a military environment because of my father who is retired from the army, he is 87 years old and I lived in many military garrisons even outside the country and I never saw an exhibition like this where there is the closeness between arms, military and civilians that strengthens the bonds of respect and honor where we are human and their soldiers are filled with glory building a better country.
Here in my country they only show the "military power" in protocol acts so that the "enemy friends" can see what the country has in its artillery park.
Thank you my friend. It was a great experience I won't easily forget. I don't envy you though, for being dragged from one military base from another.
That is interesting but I understand what you mean. Well, my country is a member of NATO, there were NATO troops here, even talked to one, so this show was a common effort and I'm glad I could visit as you don't see such things very often.
Oh yes it is difficult to live in a military garrison rolling, the hardest thing is that you have to leave everything behind friends from school, and the culture of the area and start again in another place ... I think that somehow that taught me to let go, release, detach myself and many tears when in addition to friendships a love also moved away by my moves every 3 to 4 years hahaha
Receive my warm embrace from my land of the beloved sun Erika 🌞🌴
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Wow! It's a really great exhibition hosted by the armed forces. The things that I loved here are the firing guns they use, plus the tactical and survival stuff they have. The bags were huge, and I like the compartments they have inside.
Yeah, there was something for every taste I think, especially for school kids. Every day the place was full of kids. Those bags are specially designed to the the content they carry.
I really don't understand what the above explanation is all about.
I am just here enjoying what you just posted. It is good going for something like this. I have never seen guns and fire arms like this before ooo. Wish I was opportune to go for this event. It looks interesting and I know you guys learnt a lot there. Please share the knowledge here with us ooo. Thank you very much
There are different types of diving bottles. These are special ones, if you use these, what you exhale, won't be visible in the surface of the water, so you can't be detected. I hope this is more clear.
Yes thank you, is that what they call it? I do see it in movies, most especially movies that concern war on water. Thank you very much
Guau, la verdad una increíble oportunidad no siempre uno puede tener en frente un arma de grado militar de forma segura, observar sus partes y que te expliquen cosas me parece genial y me da mucha curiosidad más aun a los amantes de los juegos seguramente les atraerá mucho más ver las armas que usan en los juegos.
During the 3 day period, the place was full of kids and teenagers of every age, picking up every weapon one by one, jumping in the cars and so on. It was an interesting one for sure. Look out for the next post :)