Representatives of the Security and Protection Offices, Boštjan Perklič, Franci Zupančič and Darko Javornik, who attended the basic training four years ago, took part between 6 and 9 October 2008 in advanced training for drivers of security vehicles organised every autumn by authorised instructors of the German automobile manufacturer BMW.
The course was also attended by representatives of the military police of the Slovenian Armed Forces and foreign countries: Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Palestine and Germany.
The course was at the abandoned military airfield in Gross Doeln near Berlin, and consisted of lectures (one day) and practical driving and different exercises on the training grounds (two days). The first level of training is called basic, the second level is advanced, and the third is intensive. In order to pass to a higher level, a driver must take part in the training at the lower levels.
The training is open for members of state security services and all who drive BMW security vehicles as part of their jobs in providing security to protected persons. They get acquainted primarily with the features of security vehicles of the 5, 7 and X5 series, their driving characteristics, standard and additional security systems and other features. Participants also get acquainted with other vehicles and their handling characteristics.
Exercise: making a U- turn and exiting with the maximum speed without under/over steering
A break during the exercise
A group photo with the instructors
The main purpose of the advanced training was gaining full control of the vehicle at high speeds and during various manoeuvres (avoiding obstacles, braking etc). The participants also did various very demanding exercises in driving technique and tactics.
Speeds in the exercises were 100 km/h or more, and some tactical exercises also included direct contact between vehicles and the reactions of drivers in stressful situations, such as collisions, being pushed off the road, finding your way into a column of vehicles, driving at night without lights, teamwork of drivers of the main and accompanying vehicle when transporting a protected person, etc.
The participants gained a lot of new knowledge which they can use in their work and pass on to their colleagues, and also fulfilled the condition for taking the intensive level of training next year in Gross Doeln.
Text: Boštjan Perklič, UVZ
Photo: Darko Javornik, UVZ