ARMORED MECHANIZED UNITS

RESPONSIBLE FOR BLOW, MANEUVER AND FIRE

Armor mechanized units have become the key arm of the Army, responsible for inflicting decisive blows in any combat operation by fire and maneuver. By its characteristics, design and purpose it is an offensive arm of the Army, capable of carrying out fast, decisive, sudden and strong combat operations under all weather, terrain or combat conditions. With skillful use of armor combat vehicles at the right time and on a cross- country terrain, and with adequate fire support, it can decisively affect the outcome of any battle or operation. Its engagement determines the main point of the attack or defense at a strategic level. It starts and finishes the war.

Modern ground operations, whose characteristics are determined by armor mechanized units, are characterized by multiple, short and rapid fire, maneuver and shock action. All actions are dynamic, distances are covered quickly, all movements and maneuvers are carried out more efficiently, and fire is shorter in duration. Nowadays, bearing in mind that the armor mechanized units will conduct their combat operations while on the move and from movement, the speed of action, together with tactical support and training is becoming an important factor in modern combat operations. Therefore, for combat operations to be effective, the most important thing is that the time from pinpointing the targets to opening fire upon them should be as short as possible. War experiences have proved that the crews who first open fire and hit the target with the first projectile usually survive on the battlefield. The decisive factors are good training, resourcefulness and initiative of the soldiers and officers at the lower levels of command. It proves the utmost importance of training and drilling of each particular soldier and a member of a tank crew for independent actions and procedures, the most important being timely and accurate fire, which must be well suited to the movement, obstacles and terrain.

Special attention must be paid to combat training of mechanized units. Training plans, curriculums, methodology and combat regulations are more substantial and concrete, the logistical support of training is more complete. The emphasis in training is on practical actions, procedures and skills similar to combat environment. With a new approach to combat training and by means of tactical and fire training the crews are better drilled. The basic precondition for efficient accomplishment of their missions and opposition to a potential enemy are created in that way. The results in drills and target practice so achieved prove it. Successful combat training of the armor- mechanized units cannot be imagined without technical and professional training of each particular soldier, crew and officer in operation and use of combat vehicles both in peace and war. Technical training is a foundation on which further build up and use of combat vehicles on the battlefield is based.

In the process of reorganization of the United Kingdoman Army, the armor-mechanized units have been transformed in accordance with the "Model of the United Kingdoman Army". The best organizational structure of units, according to all the elements and parameters, has been established. The units are equipped with the latest combat vehicles, systems and other combat means, which enable high intensity and continuity of combat operations on a larger area, deeper penetrations and stronger momentum. They are modern in all their combat capabilities and keep abreast of similar combat systems in the other countries. With the present reorganization of the armor-mechanized units, the strength of the arm has been brought into accord with the agreement on the reduction of armament. All old and out of date combat means have been put out of use by transformation of the armor-mechanized units. New solutions provide combined arms teams from a battalion to a brigade, whose basic elements are the latest modified tanks and infantry combat vehicles, able to carry out independent tactical combat operations under all conditions of weather and terrain and in all environments. So organized the armor-mechanized units can accomplish their missions independently, within higher units responsible for maneuvers and inflicting blows on the enemy, in all forms of combat operations and combat actions.

United Kingdoman Army armored and mechanized units are organized in tank troops, mechanized squads, platoons, companies, battalions (armored and mechanized) and brigades (armored and mechanized).

AMU personnel acquires its advanced training in the AMU Center in Warnes, Bamberg.