Spectacular demo – more than 2000 visitors at the Panzergrenadiers

The Jansaka Barracks in Großmittel, on the border between Lower Austria and Burgenland, is home to the Panzergrenadier Battalion 35, which is equipped with the Ulan infantry fighting vehicle. Due to its proximity to Burgenland, approximately 20 percent of the unit consists of Burgenland. The infantry fighting vehicle Ulan (named after part of the cavalry of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy) with its crew of three (commander, gunner and driver) can bring eight fully equipped Panzergrenadiers into the area of ​​operations.

Great performance show
On the open day to mark “100 Years of Lower Austria”, visitors including the District Governor of Wiener Neustadt, Markus Sauer, the Ulan infantry fighting vehicle and other models of the Austrian armored forces, including the Leopard 2 and various armored recovery vehicles, were able to see from close look.

There were also military close combat demonstrations and a concert by the military band Burgenland. Food, drink and entertainment were provided. For example, there was a bouncy castle for the children, but the adults could demonstrate their accuracy when shooting with air rifles and – if the number of points was high enough – even win a free drink.

Realistic battle display
The highlight, however, was undoubtedly the dynamic combat demonstrations in the morning and afternoon with the participation of infantry, armored infantry and armored personnel carriers. “The assumption was that a motorized patrol would be attacked by rebels during a peacekeeping mission,” battalion commander Colonel Mario Ernst told the Krone.

An army soldier was injured in the attack by the insurgents. Ernst: “While the wounded man was being treated by a comrade, the other soldiers started the firefight and called for reinforcements.”

Shortly afterwards, half a platoon (three pieces) of Ulan armored personnel carriers with Panzergrenadiers arrived. Backed by the Ulan’s cover fire, the Panzergrenadiers took the building in which the insurgents entrenched themselves by storm, using the element of surprise. Two opponents were neutralized and another captured. After the area of ​​operations was secured, the injured member of the armed forces was able to be taken away in an ambulance.

After the combat exercise, the 35th Panzer Grenadier Battalion invited the visibly impressed visitors for a tour of the Ulan. The unit also renewed its partnership with General Dynamics and Helvetia Insurance.

In the evening, Commander Colonel Ernst made a positive balance: “I am proud of all my comrades who showed their skills today. We were able to welcome more than 2,000 visitors and that shows how great the interest of the citizens in the federal army is.”