The Belarusian Defense Ministry is conducting a command-and-staff exercise with the Western Operational Command from September 15 to 18. It is led by Chief of the General Staff Pavel Muraveika.
The topic is “Command and Control of Operational Command Forces During a Strategic Operation of the Armed Forces.” The Defense Ministry noted that the exercise is being held in accordance with the Armed Forces’ training plan, is of a “purely defensive nature and is aimed, among other things, at increasing the troops’ ability to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state.”
The scenario for the exercise is being developed taking into account the experience of modern military conflicts. The troops will practice command and control during the protection of the state border and the implementation of martial law, including the search for, blocking and destruction of enemy sabotage groups and illegal armed formations. They will also practice countering light aircraft and drones.
The military will practice the use of UAVs, camouflage, ensuring survivability, restoring combat capability and providing comprehensive support for troop operations.
“The following will take part in the exercise: the command of the formation with support, security and maintenance units; one mechanized (tank) battalion with reinforcement assets from mechanized brigades; as well as the commands of military units that are part of the operational command.
Practical operations by the operational formation’s troops will take place at the Hozhsky, Brestsky and Ruzhansky training grounds, as well as in areas of terrain in the Brest and Hrodna regions.
The number of exercise participants, as well as the number of major weapons systems, does not exceed the parameters set by the 2011 Vienna Document and subject to notification,” the ministry said.
It should be recalled that under the document, states are required to provide notification of military activities if at least one of the following thresholds is exceeded: no more than 9,000 personnel, including support troops; no more than 250 tanks; no more than 500 armored combat vehicles; or no more than 250 self-propelled and towed artillery pieces or multiple-launch rocket systems.