What is probably unique in the world is the conduct of basic training courses by the Silver Corps, i.e. without officers. This information was recently provided by the military monthly Zpráva. It is the opposite of what virtually any army in the world is doing. Probably only time will tell whether this path is correct or not.

Picture: What is probably unique in the world is the conduct of basic training courses by the Silver Corps, i.e. without officers. (illustrative photo) | army.cz

At the beginning of everything there was the Command Sergeant Major Pavel Konvalinka, who was approached by the Chief Warrant Officer. After much deliberation, perhaps a bit of a heretical idea arose to hand over the entire management of basic training courses to the Silver Corps. This is unparalleled in the armies of NATO member states and probably also anywhere in the world. "In Vševojsko 1-1 we have the motto that the Chief Warrant Officer is responsible for basic skills and knowledge. This strongly corresponds to the fact that, as silver corps, we took over the complete basic training from the officers. When we first sat down with General Hasala, he was diplomatically said slightly indignant. I don't think he believed us. And I wasn't surprised. But I perceive a fundamental mistake on my part, and that was my insufficient communication of the situation in advance. However, it happened and we had to deal with it. We are still struggling with it, but I can see that we are headed in the right direction," said the Chief Warrant Officer Peter Smik about the entire genesis of the idea.

The head of the basic training department, Command Sergeant Major Pavel Konvalinka, praises the speed and efficiency of communication in the new system. "Command is looking for ways to do things, not for excuses that it can't be done. We have a great team here. With regard to the coronavirus, the members of the basic training department work at their maximum. Despite the difficult period, they prove that they can adapt and literally sleep at work during these months, in order to meet all expectations, but also to meet obligations, often at the expense of personal life and family. I am incredibly grateful to them for that, they deserve my great respect and many thanks for that," said Command Sergeant Major Konvalinka.

Probably only time will tell whether this path is correct or not. On the one hand, we can appreciate the effort to really think deeply about the concept, work effectively and perceive the needs of military novices, who are probably best understood by members of the "Silver Corps", i.e. non-commissioned officers or Chief Warrant Officers, on the other hand, it is the exact opposite of what virtually any army in the world does.