Swiss Tank Challenge

Last week, July 2 - 7, the international tank championship, "Swiss Tank Challenge", took place in Thun, Switzerland.
Tank crews from Switzerland and other European countries met at the Mechanical Training Center of Swiss Army to determine the best ones among them.
Aside from the host country Switzerland, the following countries were invited: Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Spain - all those European countries whose armies use the battle tank Leopard 2.

The crews competed on Swiss Army simulators. The goal of the challenge was to acquire the targets in the shortest possible time and destroy them with the least amount of ammunition. Variety of conditions were simulated, including shooting from a driving tank. The task demanded perfect communication between the tank commander and its crew: the aimer and the loader.

The challenge was run in categories:
1. Swiss crews only
2. Foreign crews only
3. Swiss and foreign crews

The winner of the category 2 was Sweden, while Poland won category 3.

The crowning conclusion of the Challenge was an annual Steel Parade, on Saturday, July 7, 2007. On display were numerous vehicles, which played or still play a role in historical motorization of Swiss Army.
The parade was opened by few former cyclists from Swiss Cyclist Company, followed by a squadron of Swiss Cavalry.

Source: http://www.he.admin.ch/internet/heer...challenge.html

Poles the best

Crews of tanks Leopard 2 met at the annual championship in Thun, Switzerland, on July 5-7, 2007.
The crew from the 10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade has affirmed its masterly class.
After their success two years ago, when the tankers from Świętoszów came home with the gold and silver medals, they have proven this year that they definitely belong to the leaders of the prestigeous "Leopard Club".

In the most counting category (two best crews from each country) two Polish crews have been qualified on the first and third positions after the qualification round. The crew of Tomasz Potęga (plut. Tomasz Potęga, plut. Ryszard Woźniak oraz pfc. Daniel Delost) met with Norwegians in semi-finals which they won after a passionate fight. In the finals they met a German crew, who had won their semi-finals with Austrians.
The grand final was won by the Poles, with significant points difference: 293:253.

The Świętoszów tankers have shown once again that they are professionals in their calling.

Source: http://www.army.mil.pl/7_07/120707_leo/120707_leo.html
Translated by Mishka Zubov

How would they do against battle tried and tested crew and Armour? Seems like a competition on their terms and not with real fighting soldiers (with combat experience) . When did their Army last see an angry man? I mean and intend no disrespect but if you hold a competition, it should be with people who have some experience of what it is all about, and not just as it seems to be a show of "bravado"

Originally Posted by AlphaHound

How would they do against battle tried and tested crew and Armour? Seems like a competition on their terms and not with real fighting soldiers (with combat experience) . When did their Army last see an angry man? I mean and intend no disrespect but if you hold a competition, it should be with people who have some experience of what it is all about, and not just as it seems to be a show of "bravado"

How many European countries actually have battle tested tank crews?

All these competitions are bollocks.

I can´t speak for the rest of the countries, but the Swedes just sent a crew, any given one.
No effort was made to find the best crew in Sweden whatsoever.

As long as you get your job done in the arena that matters (wherever you are deployed) you are trained well enough IMO.

And to answer therise,s question.
A few, you know there are some european nations involved in a little skirmish at a place called Afghanistan..

IMO It's all good experience for all those who take part. To find your own shortcomings and learn from the strengths of others.

Hopefully there was time for some social interaction too?