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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