From October 15 to 20, professional and militia soldiers from Jäger Battalion 18 of the Styrian “Erzherzog Johann” Jäger Battalion trained in “protection” operations at the Allentsteig military training area. The approximately 750 soldiers found optimal conditions there for realistic training.
The exercise scenario was based on political tensions in the run-up to an armed conflict. The reason for this were members of an ethnic minority who were acting with passive resistance and an armed resistance organization against the state authorities. The mission of the Jägerbataillon Steiermark was to win over the troubled Allentsteig area and bring it under lasting control.
The most important tasks of the Jägerbataillon Steiermark included monitoring an enclave from which separatists are supported, operating a border crossing point and disarming irregular forces. In various exercises, the deployed units were confronted with civilian refugees and deserters, as well as accidents and equipment failures. The aim was to react quickly and appropriately to the situation at hand. The contingent of around 150 soldiers from Jäger Battalion 18 provided the exercise command and enemy presentation. Particular emphasis was placed on the use of militia soldiers in their respective operational functions. The battalion command, which was reinforced by the militia component, including telecommunications personnel, ensured that the exercise ran smoothly, while referees accompanied the individual phases.
Jägerkompanie 18, which had been reinforced with a squad, was responsible for performing the exercises. According to the “script”, the professional and militia soldiers appeared as armed enemy forces, weapons smugglers, demonstrators, but also harmless border crossers, thus constantly presenting the comrades of the Jägerbataillon Steiermark with new challenges. The militia soldiers used as “role players” formed the core of the newly formed 3rd Jäger Company of Jäger Battalion 18. The militia soldiers of Jäger Battalion 18 from the logistics area were integrated into the staff company of Jäger Battalion Styria to provide real supplies for the exercise participants. This also gave the economic, medical and repair units the opportunity to carry out their respective specialist functions.
