More than 8,000 learner drivers are trained by the army’s driving instructors every year, the majority of whom are recruits. Many receive their training from the driving instructors of Pioneer Battalion 2 in Salzburg, who also completed the largest quad driving school conducted by the troops from June 15 to 26.
In contrast to civilian driving schools, the soldiers also learn how to control their vehicles in difficult terrain. Driving students, instructors and training vehicles from all over Germany were brought together in the Schwarzenberg barracks for the training from mid to late June. The focus was on driver training for the hunting commando from Wiener Neustadt. The training was supported by instructors from air surveillance, the 23rd Fighter Battalion and the Fighter Command itself.
The project was planned and coordinated by the motor vehicle training group of Pioneer Battalion 2 and the superior units of the 6th Mountain Brigade. 17 learner drivers were trained on the Polaris SPM XP 1000 quad bike, which was introduced into the army three years ago. The quad is a universal all-terrain vehicle with four wheels and can transport two people with equipment and small loads. The vehicle is operated with wheels or tracks. This also makes it suitable for use in high mountains, as the following video impressively shows.
