Lake Constance is right on the doorstep of the Colonel Bilgeri command building in Bregenz, the headquarters of the Vorarlberg military command. The staff company is also stationed here. This unit also includes the 30-strong construction pioneer and disaster response platoon. In addition to other important training, the soldiers also receive basic watercraft training. This skill is particularly important in the event of flooding.
During basic watercraft training, conscripts are trained as the skipper of a “non-engine-driven watercraft” manned by several people. Specifically, this involves the pioneer multi-purpose boat for a maximum of eight soldiers; training takes place in standing and flowing water. They are also taught how to handle the multi-purpose boat, how to use rescue equipment, how to rescue and recover people and also about the rescue chain and cooperation during operations. Of course, an outboard motor can also be attached to the 260-kilogram aluminum boat. However, additional training is required for this. For basic watercraft training, rowing or “pole rowing” is the order of the day.
Rowing is generally used for propulsion on still waters. On faster flowing waters, it is only possible to row downhill. Rowing “upstream”, i.e. against the direction of flow, often overtaxes the team’s thrust. In such cases, the boat is either pulled from the shore (“treideln”) or propelled with poles. The latter requires a special technique. The skipper sits at the back of the boat. He sits alone on the back seat. From here, he gives his commands to the team and supports them with his rudder or with an integrated long rudder to keep the direction. On the command: “Forward on both sides” (announcement) – “and” – “Through!” (execution), both sides of the team row forward. Everyone makes sure that their stroke is executed on both sides at the same time and, if possible, with the same force, so that the forward course is maintained. The skipper makes slight corrections with his oar.
