After the grounding of the fleet: soldiers must imagine tanks

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“We are trying to make the best of the situation,” said Erich Muff, president of the Officers’ Society (OG) Panzer. ‘Somehow we’ll make it through. We can’t just throw away begging. But it can’t continue like this. Politicians must finally invest in materials and vehicles.”

In mid-December, Blick reported that the Army had to ground its M113 infantry fighting vehicles. Due to a technical defect in the drive shaft area, the army immediately imposed a driving ban on the fleet as a precaution. Problems with steering and braking may occur. A danger to troops and third parties.

Soldiers simply have to imagine infantry fighting vehicles

The Ministry of Defense (VBS) assured at the end of 2023 that repairs and procurement of spare parts had started. However, the market is tense precisely because of the war in Ukraine. Delays of several weeks can therefore be expected. The recruitment schools that started in mid-January are guaranteed with restrictions.

But now, when asked by Blick, the army has to admit that the problems with the armored personnel carriers are not without consequences: thanks to replacement material, the first repaired vehicles could be returned to the troops. They are mainly used in the recruiting schools (RS). “We will be able to provide technical training on the M113 in the recruitment schools without any compromise, such as driving, sparking or shooting,” an army spokesperson assured.

But because there are only a few armored personnel carriers available, the training must be adapted. Instead of the M113, other vehicles sometimes have to be used during exercises. Under the motto: “Dear soldiers, imagine if this was an armored personnel carrier.” For example, fewer combat exercises are possible. The recruits therefore miss out on training, which they will have to catch up on in the coming years through refresher courses (World Cup).

“This is not acceptable!”

The problem: The situation was much worse in World War II, says tank officer Muff. “We simply don’t have any cars.” Target practice is also possible. However, other training areas are cancelled. «Driving cannot be trained; We cannot practice the movement or protection of troops,” Muff explained. “This is not acceptable!”

The military also admits there are problems. For example, other vehicles would have to take the M113 to the target practice, where the armored personnel carriers are placed and no longer moved. “The training level of the WWI units can therefore be maintained at a maximum – nothing more,” the army admits. This has consequences: “The operational readiness of the troops cannot currently be achieved.”

“There could actually be a shutdown”

This also worries Dominik Knill. “If more vehicles are not ready for use quickly, the closure could actually take place, which the army chief has warned about,” said the president of the Swiss Officers Association. Army Chief Thomas Süssli (57) even fears that the army is threatened with extinction due to acute financial problems. We have not reached that point yet, but: “We owe soldiers the most modern systems with a high level of self-protection for training and in emergencies,” Knill emphasizes.

However, the M113 fleet will not be available again as quickly as hoped. Although the necessary spare parts have been ordered through the Ruag arms company, it will take until mid-2025 before all armored personnel carriers have been converted. Until then, many soldiers will have to make do without an M113.

Source:Blick