During the transition phase from regular to heightened combat readiness, as the formation was moving to the evacuation area under torrential rain, Captain Thai Van Nam, Company Commander of Armored Company 8 (acting as the Platoon Leader of the Armored Platoon in the exercise), closely supervised the deployment, guiding each tank crew to their designated positions.

The tank crews pursued and attacked enemy forces that were clustered together during the exercise.

“We are standing at elevation 130, on the east-southeast slope of point X. Straight ahead, about 300 meters from here, the truncated cone-shaped high-voltage power pole erected on the mountaintop is to the north. You can determine the other directions yourselves…” Under the damp, old-growth forest canopy, Captain Thai Van Nam’s voice was clear and decisive. Closely observing the exercise scenarios, we noticed that during the combat preparation phase, Captain Thai Van Nam performed all tasks—making decisions, drafting documents, assigning combat missions, organizing coordination, establishing support regulations, organizing support in all aspects, approving combat plans for vehicle commanders, etc.—with skill, accuracy, and in accordance with the scenarios and situations set by his superiors.

Participating for the first time in a tactical exercise titled "Armored platoon within an armored company attached to an infantry regiment attacking an airborne enemy," with the specific guidance and direction from their superiors, Lieutenant Nguyen Le Thai Duy (Vehicle Commander) and Lieutenant Phan Ngoc Nghia (M113 armored vehicle driver) strived to successfully complete their mission. Based on the timeframes set by the Platoon Commander, Lieutenant Nguyen Le Thai Duy and the vehicle commanders calculated and created a detailed timetable for field reconnaissance, finalized the combat plan, and reported the combat plan to their superiors... With a proactive spirit and keen tactical thinking, the vehicle commanders always coordinated and collaborated, thoroughly studying the situation of friendly forces and the local area; assigning personnel for duty, closely observing and guarding, making the most of their time to maintain vehicles and equipment, adjust weapons, radio communications, and receive supplementary supplies...

On the night of N-7, after nearly three hours of maneuvering and moving the formation from the combat assembly area to the combat deployment area, ensuring absolute secrecy and safety, the tank crews quickly cut branches, dug camouflage trenches, and continued to prepare for combat, ready to await orders. The weather was harsh, with daytime temperatures sometimes reaching 40°C. Inside the armored vehicles, sweat, salt, mud, and engine oil clung to their uniforms, but the officers and soldiers always worked hard, encouraging and supporting each other to overcome difficulties and hardships to complete their mission to the best of their ability.

The commander of the 3rd Armored Battalion, 574th Armored Brigade (Military Region 5) briefs the tank crews on the exercise plan.

At exactly 8:00 AM on day N, as the "enemy" helicopters began descending for an airborne landing, anti-aircraft and ground artillery from the main force simultaneously opened fire from all directions, forcing the "enemy" to land in the area we had planned. Having a firm grasp of the situation, Captain Thai Van Nam quickly commanded his platoon to move into position and seize the starting line for the assault. As the preparatory fire from the higher command shifted, two red flares were fired, signaling that the time to open fire on the enemy had arrived. From their shelters, the armored vehicles simultaneously launched their attack. With thick armor, powerful firepower, and rapid mobility, the tank crews continuously charged forward, providing support and guiding the infantry step by step in the battle, completely destroying all targets in their assigned area. Throughout the exercise, the armored platoon leader and the tank crews assessed and handled all difficult situations presented by the higher command promptly and accurately.

This exercise aimed to improve the unit's command and coordination skills in maneuvering, preparing for, and executing combat operations; it also aimed to train troops in realistic combat situations, honing their mobility and combat prowess in all terrain and weather conditions. Major Le Duong Vuong, Battalion Commander of the 3rd Armored Battalion, commented: "We acknowledge and highly appreciate the efforts, dedication, solidarity, and collective cooperation of the officers and soldiers of the tank crews throughout the preparation and execution of the exercise. This is an important foundation for the unit to continuously improve the quality and effectiveness of training, exercises, combat readiness, and mobility in carrying out missions when situations arise.”

Text and photos: THUAN AN

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/khi-thiet-giap-xuat-quan-846585