Petty Officer's touchdowns are the first step to the military's leadership career. This challenge has taken over 60 soldiers of the 10th Świętokrzyskie Brigade of Territorial Defence, implementing a school of leaders, specified as “Sonda”.
Sonyda's base sub-office course took off on March 15, 2025. The intent of the course is to prepare OT soldiers to take up the first work positions in the corps of sub-commissioners graded to the rank of a full-time corporal. The "SONDA" course is an innovative training task implemented by the Command of the Territorial Defence Army. Classes last respective weeks, during which soldiers train in a continuous and weekend mode. The advanced strength of classes, self-learning through e-learning and training based on the OT brigade, makes the course an innovative undertaking.
In the Territorial Defence Forces, training of the "SONDA" officers is 1 of the most crucial elements strengthening its structure. It is simply a complement to the full training structure of WOT, entered between already existing serial training and candidates for officers as part of the "Agrykola" course. “Sławomir Machniewicz, the commander of the 10th Świętokrzyska Brigade of Territorial Defence, emphasises.
The tenth edition began with more than 60 soldiers. erstwhile again, the training was organized on the basis of the 102nd Light Infantry Battalion in Sandomierz. Prior to the start of the course, 74 candidates began qualification, after which 64 could enter the theoretical part – e-learning training. After the explanation had been completed, it was time to practice, which began on March 15 and lasted 17 days. On their own, the soldiers were exercising command due to the fact that during the course they were acting as commander in turns, leading the remainder of the trained. In practice, they utilized acquired cognition and skills, becoming on the another side of the teaching and training process, becoming instructors. In practice, the officers came to practice various elements of training, including topography, first aid in the field of suitcases, green and black tactics, shooting, etc., but this time in terms of conducting classes. They besides learned to prepare and keep the essential methodological training documentation.
During the course, soldiers have the chance to see if they have commanding abilities. Everyone has a chance to see if the way they took is the way they're going. Will he be able to answer for his colleagues, himself, and what is most crucial to command, to be a LIDER - adds cf. Daniel WED Press Officer 10 WBOT.
The end of the applicable part was an interior test prepared by instructors. Tactical task in the field. The territorials were tasked with obtaining secret papers in the territory of the temporarily occupied enemy perz. Divided into 2 platoons, they moved to the designated area of action. The insured march there occupied the area where they prepared an ambush for the transport vehicle. After the secret papers were seized, the subunits withdrew from the area of operation. The applicable part was observed by instructors who were present in platoons as “spirits”. The test was recorded utilizing individual cameras and a drone with a camera. All so that instructors can measure and discuss the tactical task they have done. The task was carried out in the area of “Zwalki” in the area of Łoniów. The base of the "Sonda" sub-office course was completed by 56 soldiers. Before them, the final, most crucial exam prepared by the commission from the SONDA Sub-Chief School of Zegrz, which will take place on 12-13 April.
During the next military crossing in May, we plan to advance fresh officers in our brigade. I want them and myself that as many as possible of this group of students can accept the sub-commissioner's credits," added Colonel Sławomir MACHNIEWICZ commander of 10 WBOT
The task combines any interesting experiences, in addition to the School of the Lower Commanders of the AK, besides a model of sub-office training from the US, Polish experiences and current needs of the Polish Army. The course has been developed in accordance with the standards of training of non-commissioned officers in the Armed Forces of Poland in force since 2019, and besides takes into account the specificity of the WOT, and is so adapted to the volunteer nature of the Territorials service.
"SONDA" is an acronym for the School of Lower Commanders, which dates back to 1944. In the first half of this year, the Schools of the Infantry Reserve Podchorzych were liquidated by the decision of the Home Army Headquarters, and the replacement training courses of the lower commanders (ZKSND) were created in their place. These courses during the final period of operation of the Home Army were basic training courses, covering the level of squad leaders.
Text: Lt Daniel WED
