In the 33rd International Parachutist School Competition "Challenge Inter-Ecoles de Parachutisme CIEP 2012" held at the French Airborne School from September 24 to 29 reconnaissance specialist of the Mechanised Infantry Brigade "Iron Wolf" Capt Antanas Survilas won the first place in a firing event which brought him the prize cup and medal, and parachutist team of the Lithuanian Air Force won the third place in precision jumps in airborne force parachutes.
"Entering such competitions is a wonderful opportunity to enhance your skills and share experience with foreign counterparts. It is a joyful fact that Lithuanian parachutist team make a serious rival to foreign teams," told leader of the Lithuanian team and Head of the Parachute Training Centre of the Lithuanian Armed Forces School Maj Audrius Miečius. Lithuanian Armed Forces' team was also represented by reconnaissance specialists of the Mechanised Infantry Brigade "Iron Wolf" Sgt 1st Class Rolandas Mencevičius, Pte 1st Class Pavel Kulak, Sgt Mindaugas Morkūnas and Sgt Darius Verbickas.
Lithuania's rivals in the competition were Belgian, Portuguese, French, German, Estonian, and Polish teams.
Parachutists competed in five events: firing, orientation, swimming with obstacles in battle dress, landing and precision jumps. In the precision jumps event parachutists used U.S.-made cutting-edge landing parachutes EPC extensively used in the French Armed Forces.
Paratroopers of the Lithuanian Armed Forces have been entering the French-organised competition annually since 2006, Lithuanian participants constantly succeed to win prize positions.
Heads of European Military Parachutist Training Schools Symposium was held simultaneously with the competition at the French Airborne School. Novelties and equipment of parachute training were presented at the event and experience of parachute training shared.
Based on information by Capt I. Klenauskienė
Photos by Maj A. Miečius
