THE CZECH REPUBLIC

AND ITS
PROFESSIONAL ARMED FORCES

Jaroslav Roušar

Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic

Prague, March 2006
© Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic – Military Information and Service Agency, 2006
ISBN 80-7278-313-0 (English edition)
ISBN 80-7278-312-2 (Czech edition, hardback)
ISBN 80-7278-331-9 (Czech edition, paperback)

2
 INTRODUCTION

The Czech Republic and its armed forces are two notions that are inseparably linked with each other.
The country in the heart of Europe, and an institution that is essential for defence of its territory and
protection of its population. In past and in present…

The publication you are now browsing through describes the most important milestones in the development
of the Czech statehood; gradual changes from the dawn of its history up to the present times. It also
reminds numerous cultural and historical monuments created by generations of our forefathers: ancient
towns, Gothic and Renaissance castles, jewels of folk architecture, collections of museums and art galleries.
Many of them are so unique and significant that they have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage
List as monuments of outstanding value to humanity, of importance that reaches far beyond the limits of
our territory.

The latest chapter in the history of our nation starts in November 1989. The totalitarian regime in
Czechoslovakia gave way, and a perspective of essential changes opened for our country, a way to restoration
of a sovereign democratic nation. Key economic reforms and a reform of the state administration have
become a point of departure for our return to the family of European democratic nations. By gradual
integration into the European structures, the Czech Republic has confirmed its fidelity to democratic
traditions of the pre-war “First Republic” and the period between the wars. Its admission to the structures
representing the framework of European and world democracy and security – to NATO in March 1999 and
to the European Union in May 2004 – has been a convincing proof of that commitment.

Our armed forces and their core – the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic – have gone through an
equally essential and profound change. The Czech Republic’s accession to the North Atlantic Alliance
has opened new opportunities in providing security of our country, as in case of threat we can now rely
on the assistance of the Alliance member countries. At the same time, NATO membership has enabled
us to embark on an essential reform of the armed forces, a reform based on a full professionalisation.
As a result, the conscripts, an inseparable part of our armed forces for decades, have been replaced by
professional soldiers as of 1 January 2005.

Implementation of the reform of the armed forces has been currently focused on the achievement of initial
operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic. It means to train, prepare and test the
units of a brigade task force to be ready for operational employment by 31 December 2006. After that date,
the reform process is going to continue; it will result in forces with capabilities in all respects comparable
to those of the armed forces of other NATO countries, and with a structure, armament, equipment, level of
preparedness and personnel numbers corresponding to realistic possibilities of the Czech Republic by 2012.

The aim is to have mobile, modern and efficient armed forces, capable of effectively supporting the Czech
Republic’s security interests by having an adequate and balanced capability to comprehensively meet the
tasks ensuing both from the Czech Republic’s Constitution and other laws and from our NATO and EU
membership.

3
4
 The Prague Castle

5
6
 THE CZECH REPUBLIC

The present-day Czech Republic, as one of the two succession states of the Czech and Slovak Federative
Republic, emerged on 1 January 1993 (the other newly established country being the Slovak Republic).
Historically it resumes the tradition of the Czechoslovak Republic. It consists of the historical lands of
Bohemia, Moravia and the south-eastern part of Silesia. The peaceful division of the Czech and Slovak
Federative Republic and the fact that friendly relations have been preserved between populations
of both succession states went down in European history, particularly in the context of disintegration of
the former Yugoslavia and the follow-up events in the Balkans, as an important example of a civilised
resolution of a nationality dispute.
The Czech Republic is an independent, united state based on the principles of democracy and the rule
of law. Its capital is Prague (other major towns are Brno, Ostrava, Plzeň, Liberec, Hradec Králové, České
Budějovice, Pardubice etc.)

POLAND
LIBEREC
GERMANY ÚSTÍ NAD LABEM

HRADEC KRÁLOVÉ
KARLOVY VARY
PRAHA
PARDUBICE
OSTRAVA
PLZEŇ
OLOMOUC
JIHLAVA
ZLÍN
BRNO

ČESKÉ
BUDĚJOVICE

SLOVAKIA

AUSTRIA

7
 BASIC DATA ON THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Residence of the Government of the Czech Republic

Area: 78,864 km2

(out of that Bohemia 52,769 km2,
Moravia and Silesia 26,095 km2)
Geographic position: Central Europe
Climate: a combination of oceanic and continental climate
the warmest month – July (20 °C)
the coldest month – January (-2 °C)
Population: c. 10.3 million
(out of that the Capital City of Prague c. 1.2 million)
Demographic composition: Czechs (81%),
Moravians (13%),
Slovaks (3%),
Polish, Germans, Silesians, Roma and others (3%)
Official language: Czech
Currency: Czech crown (CZK) = 100 hellers
Country code: CZ
Time zone: GMT + 1 hour
Total length of national border: 2290 km
(max. width of the territory is 278 km, length 493 km)
Neighbouring countries (length of common border): Germany (810.3 km)
Poland (761.8 km)
Austria (466.3 km)
Slovakia (251.8 km)

Note: The Czech Republic ranks among medium-sized European countries; in Europe it ranks 21th by area and 14th by population.

House of the Deputies of the Parliament The Prague Castle – residence Senate of the Parliament
of the Czech Republic of the President of the Republic of the Czech Republic

8
Constitutional relations, state system and rights and duties of citizens are regulated by the Constitution
of the Czech Republic of 16 December 1992. The constitutional order of the Czech Republic also includes
the List of basic rights and freedoms. State power in the Czech Republic is executed through legislative,
executive and judicial authorities.
• State system: a republic headed by a President elected for a term of 5 years by both Houses of
Parliament on their joint session.
• Legislative authority: the Parliament of the Czech Republic – the highest legislative body; it has two
houses – the House of Deputies and the Senate. The House of Deputies consists of 200 deputies elected
for 4 years. The Senate has 81 senators. Their term is 6 years, every second year a third of senators
is being re-elected. The composition of political powers in the Parliament emerges as a result of free
elections. Currently, the following political parties are represented in this legislative authority:
Civic Democratic Party (ODS)
Czech Social Democratic Party (ČSSD)
Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSČM)
Christian-Democratic Union – Czech People’s Party (KDU-ČSL)
Union of Freedom – Democratic Union (US-DEU)
• Executive authority: President of the Republic (head of state) and Government (the highest executive
authority of the state power; appointed and recalled by the President, accountable to the Parliament of the
Czech Republic). The Government consists of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers.
• Judicial authority: it is executed, in the name of the Republic, by independent courts via independent
judges. The courts’ jurisdiction and organisation is defined by the law.
• Administrative structure: territorial self-governing entities – 14 regions (higher units of territorial
administration) and 6258 municipalities (basic territorial units).

LIBEREC REGION
ÚSTÍ NAD LABEM
REGION HRAD
EC
REGIOKRÁLOVÉ
KARLOVY VARY CAPITAL CITY N
REGION OF PRAGUE

PARDUBICE MORAVIA-SILESIA
CENTRAL BOHEMIA REGION
REGION REGION
PLZEŇ
REGION OLOMOUC
REGION
VYSOČINA
REGION
ZLÍN REGION
SOUTHERN BOHEMIA
REGION SOUTHERN MORAVIA
REGION

Higher units of territorial administration of the Czech Republic (as of 1 January 2000)
Region Code Region Code

Capital City of Prague PHA Hradec Králové HKK

Central Bohemia STČ Pardubice PAK
Southern Bohemia JHČ Vysočina VYS
Plzeň PLK Southern Moravia JHM
Karlovy Vary KVK Olomouc OLK
Ústí nad Labem ULK Zlín ZLK
Liberec LBK Moravia-Silesia MSK

9
 STATE SYMBOLS OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC

National flag
State coats of arms – large State coats of arms – small

National seal
National colours Presidential flag

National anthem (Kde domov můj – Where is my home, a song from an 1834 singspiel by František Škroup and Josef Kajetán Tyl)

Kde domov můj?

Kde domov můj,

kde domov můj?
Voda hučí po lučinách,
bory šumí po skalinách,
v sadě skví se jara květ,
zemský ráj to na pohled!
A to je ta krásná země,
země česká, domov můj,
země česká, domov můj!

10
 STHE CZECH REPUBLIC'S MEMBERSHIP
IN IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

The United Nations (UN)

The Czech Republic as a newly independent country has been continuing the previous long-time activities
of the Czechoslovak Republic in the UN. The Czechoslovak Republic was one of the 51 founding members
of the UN since 24 October 1945.
The Czech Republic was admitted as a full member of the UN at the renewed 47th session of the
General Assembly on 19 January 1993 and thus became the 179th full member of the organisation. The
unanimous admission of the Czech Republic was an expression of trust and support to the new country.
The first important achievements of the Czech Republic included its appointment as an elected member
of the Security Council (29 October 1993), its election into the International Law Committee (until 1997)
and the Committee on Information (from 1994).
The Czech Republic assumed membership in place of the Czechoslovak Federal Republic in the Committee
on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), the Committee on Decolonisation, the Special Committee
on the UN Charter, and in other UN committees and bodies. Within the activities of the Economic and
Social Council it was elected for the period from 1993 to 1995 to the Statistical Committee, Human
Rights Committee, Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) including its regional authority for Europe,
Commission on Sustainable Development and Commission for Transnational Corporations. It is also the
member of the Trade and Development Council under the authority of the UN Conference on Trade and
Development (UNCTAD).
During the existence of the independent Czech Republic, Czech activities within the UN peacekeeping
operations in various parts of the world have increased. Czech soldiers have been participating in
observer missions and Czech military contingents take part in peacekeeping operations.
The Czech Republic is doing well in the UN, which is also proven by the fact that the UN Information
Centre in Prague has continued to operate. In its current position it can fulfil its tasks at a higher level
not only in the Czech Republic, but also throughout Central and Eastern Europe.
The election of the UN General Assembly Chairman on 8 July 2002 was another prominent success of
Czech diplomacy and evidence of the Czech Republic’s prestige in the UN. For the first time in the history
of the Czech Republic and former Czechoslovakia, a Czech candidate was elected chairman. Taking part
in the UN will always be an inseparable part of Czech foreign policy, since the UN remains – despite the
criticism its activities sometimes evoke – the backbone of the world’s multilateral diplomacy.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

1999 was a historic year for the Czech Republic. The climactic moment of this year occurred on 12 March,
when the seven-year effort to integrate into the transatlantic security structures was crowned at the
Harry Truman Library in Independence, Missouri – the Czech Republic has become a full member of the
North Atlantic Alliance. The Czech Republic’s accession to NATO had been one of the main strategic aims
of its foreign policy. The event demonstrated the Czech Republic’s clear intention of being incorporated
into the Euro-Atlantic community of democratic countries and take part in its development.

11
By joining NATO, the Czech Republic, for the first time in its history going as far back as the founding
of Czechoslovakia, has become part of a functioning system of collective defence. The new alliance has
changed the system of its relationships with the rest of the world and significantly widened the horizon
of Czech interests – ranging from crisis management within Europe to the global context. After more
than six years of its NATO membership, the Czech Republic is considered an active and responsible
member. NATO membership has resulted in further growth of the Czech Republic’s international prestige
and its foreign policy opportunities.
After its accession to NATO, the Czech Republic has strengthened its responsibility for enforcing
and defending the values shared by the countries of the Alliance. It has considerably increased the
participation of its military contingents in foreign peacekeeping missions. Among others, Czech soldiers
have participated in European missions – SFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina, AFOR in Albania and KFOR
in Kosovo – and also in NATO-led international peacekeeping operations (Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan). The
activities of military contingents of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic (ACR) abroad and Czech
soldiers in observer missions has been consistently highly appreciated by the highest representatives
of NATO.
The fact that the Czech Republic has been considered a full-fledged member of NATO was proven in 2002
when it was the first of the new NATO countries to host a NATO summit. It is very important for the Czech
Republic that the Prague Summit proceedings concerning future development and transformation of NATO
have confirmed the correctness of the main directions of the reform of the Czech Republic’s armed forces.
The aim of the reform of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic, as stated in the Concept of Development
of the Professional Armed Forces of the Czech Republic and Mobilisation of the Armed Forces of the
Czech Republic by 2010, is to ensure full integration into NATO military structures and to fully meet all
tasks resulting from its commitments towards the Alliance.

The European Union

On 1 May 2004, the Czech Republic became a member of the European Union. The Union, which stands
out for sustainable development of Europe based on a balanced economic growth and price stability,
highly competitive social market economy aiming for full employment and social progress, with a high
level of protection and improvement of the environment. In relations with the surrounding world,

12
the EU advocates and promotes its values and interests. It contributes to peace, security, sustainable
development of the planet, to solidarity and mutual respect between nations, defence of human rights,
and adherence to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
Admission to the EU was preceded by ten years of strenuous negotiations and a number of adjustments
to reach compatibility with the EU in the economic, political and legal areas. During the accession talks,
the Czech Republic managed to assert a balanced compromise and to protect legitimate Czech interests
in important issues.
However, the Czech state does not intend to simply enjoy the benefits resulting from its EU membership
and assert its legitimate interests. It also intends to actively contribute to the formation of European
politics, to the strengthening of the EU as a whole, i.e. to thoroughly fulfil all the economic, military
and other commitments resulting from EU membership.
By joining NATO and the EU, the Czech Republic has institutionally resumed its position among
democratic and free nations that share the same essential values and the European cultural, historical
and religious heritage.
Europe has always been characterised by its cultural, religious and philosophical diversity. It was
this particular diversity that has ensured its strength. It was here that the recognition of human
dignity and respect for individual liberty and natural rights was born. Even today the strength of the
integrated Europe is based on respect for diversity of its members and gives them a strong unifying
momentum. Without suppressing their individuality, it creates conditions for their cultural, economic
and political development.
The Czech Republic is not worried about losing its identity by joining the EU. Our identity has strong
roots. Cooperation with democratic countries within the EU is more effective and advantageous and
does not threaten the existence of our specific traditions. The admission to the EU even influenced the
new Security Strategy of the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic’s strategic interests include, among
other things, keeping strong transatlantic links within NATO, building a strategic partnership between
NATO and the EU, and also a complementary development of NATO and EU defence capabilities.

The three pillars of the European Union

European Common Justice

Communities Foreign and
and Home Affairs
Security Policy

•••••
Even though the Czech Republic is located in a secure environment, has good relations with neighbouring
countries and is a member of the UN, NATO and the EU, globally the security situation has changed for
the worse as a result of a number of factors – the onset of terrorism, threat of asymmetric warfare, the
efforts of dictator and other ideologically intolerant regimes to obtain weapons of mass destruction,
the threat of proliferation, etc. The problems of nationalistic and religious fundamentalism, religious
intolerance, instability of various regions, particularly the Middle East, have also remained topical.
Indeed, the world is not safe. On the contrary. In this light, the importance of the Czech Republic’s
stable position in the community of democratic countries is even more obvious.

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14
The Gothic castle of Hazmburk from 1335 is located 14 kilometres south-west of Litoměřice

15
 MILESTONES HISTORICAL
IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CZECH NATIONHOOD

The Czech state has a tradition of more than 1000 years and its territorial borders have changed many
times. However, the historical territories have always been in central Europe – in the Czech basin surrounded
with boundary mountains. The most important populations in the Czech basin in 4th century included
Celts, particularly the tribe of Boii who gave this territory its ancient name of Boiohaemum, which later
became Bohemia. Only as late as by the end of 5th century Slavonic tribes settled in central Europe, and
it was the tribe of Czechs that gave the country its new name.

BOHEMIA UNDER THE PŘEMYSL DYNASTY

The core around which the first Czech state formed on the territory of the Great Moravia was the
principality of the Přemysl dynasty in central and western Bohemia since early 9th century. In the second
half of that century, Bořivoj, a member of the Přemysl family, gained the supreme authority on these
territories. He moved from Levý Hradec at the lower course of the Vltava river to a fortified settlement
in the area of the today’s Prague. Prague thus became the centre of the emerging Czech state, and it has
remained to be the capital regardless of the changing forms of the Czech state entity.
At the end of the 9th century, the Czech tribes left the alliance of the Great Moravian Empire which was
subsequently disrupted by Hungarian raiders before 908. The process of the Czech tribes’ unification under
the rule of the Přemysl dynasty started, which crystallised in the emergence of the Czech state. In contacts
with its neighbours, particularly the German Empire, the Czech state under the Přemysl dynasty gradually
becomes an important factor in central European power relations.
Under Boleslav I in the first half of the 10th century, money started to be coined, which meant a significant
economic development of the country. Also in this period, the first convent was built, consecrated to
St George. The rule of his son Boleslav II in the second half of the century has been associated with the
foundation of the Prague Bishopric in 973 and the monastery in Břevnov later in 993. In this way, spiritual
centres were being created that were simultaneously the cradle of culture and education of the emerging
state.

core territory

BOHEMIA
EAST-FRANCONIAN EMPIRE annexed territories
MORAVIA
NITRIAN
PRINCIPALITY probably annexed territories
BAVARIA OSTMARK

CARINTHIA PANNONIA

Great Moravia by the end of Svatopluk’s reign – 894

16
 Probable extent
SILESIA of Boleslav II’s power (by 983)

BOHEMIA CRACOVIA
Hungary in late 10th century
MORAVIA

Czech state under

Břetislav I (1035-1055)

AUSTRIA (since 996)

Hungary under Stephen I
(1038)

HUNGARY

Czech state in 10th and 11th centuries

In the late 10th century, tensions became acute between the Přemysl dynasty and the princely house of
Slavník, whose dominion (particularly in eastern Bohemia) was the last obstacle to a complete unification
of the Czech state. In 995, in order to strengthen the bonds of the political entity and to enhance its
position in international relations, Boleslav II undertook an armed raid against Libice, the residence of the
Slavník family, which resulted in a total annihilation of the Slavník power. The process of unification of
the tribes on the Czech territory under the Přemysl dynasty was thus completed.
At the turn of the 10th century the Přemysl state went through a serious crisis that culminated in
Boleslav II being expulsed from the country in 1002. For a short time, the Polish ruler Boleslav the Brave
took over Bohemia and Moravia in 1003. A period of internal strife, upheaval and a weakening power of the
Přemysl dynasty set in, which was used by the Germans and Polish for interventions into the development
of Bohemia and Moravia. The man of personality to bring a recovery of power of the Czech state was
Prince Břetislav I (1035-1055). He inherited Moravia together with Bohemia from his father Oldřich, and
by a campaign against Poland in 1039 and courageous resistance to the raids of the Roman King Henry III
to Bohemia he enhanced the importance of the Czech ruler in Central European region. Moreover,
Břetislav I issued the first laws regulating the status of Czech prince’s subjects.
Further consolidation of the Czech state’s position in Central Europe came under the rule of Vratislav II
(1061-1092), son of Břetislav I, who became the first Czech king. He was crowned in 1085; the title, though,
was bestowed upon him only and did not apply to his successors. He obtained the kingship for having
helped Emperor Henry IV in his struggle against the pope. Under his rule, the Vyšehrad Chapter was
established. Its provosts were serving as chancellors by the sovereign’s side. Moreover, the second bishopric
in the Czech lands was founded in Olomouc.
After Vratislav’s death, the Czech lands were again weakened by strife among individual members of
the Přemysl family. The first man to distinguish himself in succesion of rather mediocre rulers was
only Soběslav I (1125-1140). He was able to withstand the German brunt in the Battle of Chlumec in
1126, and he intervened in disputes on the succession to the Hungarian and even the imperial throne.
Through both military power and clever diplomacy he ensured the stability of the Czech state and
was also able to gain a due respect in neighbouring countries. His nephew and successor Vladislav II
(1140-1172) was himself a warrior of note. He took part e.g. in the second crusade (1147-1149), and for his help
to Emperor Frederic I Barbarossa in his campaign to Italy he was given a hereditary royal title in 1158.
After 1168, though, relations between the Czech king and the emperor have extremely deteriorated, and
in 1173 Vladislav II renounced the throne. New strife broke out among members of the much-ramified
Přemysl family, many a time influenced by interventions of the powerful Emperor Frederic. Not only did
he deny Vladislav’s successors the right to the royal title, but he also made every effort to break the
Czech state. He decided on the establishment of the Margraviate of Moravia, independent of Bohemia and
subordinated directly to the Empire (1182), and he promoted the bishop of Prague to an imperial prince
(1187). After many peripeteias, it was only under the rule of Přemysl Otakar I (1197-1230) that the final
re-unification of the Czech state was achieved.
Přemysl Otakar I became famous for his excellent diplomatic skills. He cleverly used the disputes over the
imperial throne, in which he actively intervened, to resolve the constitutional situation in Bohemia. In 1198

17
Czech state in 13th century he was crowned Czech king. Another Roman
territorial gains under
Přemysl II
Emperor, Frederic II, expressed his gratitude
territorial gains to Přemysl Otakar I for his help by issuing
under Wenceslas II
approximate extent
a significant privilege, the so-called Golden
Bull of Sicily, on 26 September 1212. The
of Wenceslas III’s real power
in Hungary 1305-1306
document confirmed the hereditary royal
EGERLAND title of the Czech sovereign for the king’s
LUSATIA POLAND oldest son, and the right of the kings to
appoint the bishops. Moreover, the territory
SILESIA of the Czech state was taken for indivisible,
and Roman rulers were to bestow Bohemia
BOHEMIA
MORAVIA in fief only to a king accepted in that land.
The king was given the title of an Elector,
AUSTRIA authorising him to elect the king of the so-
called Roman (German) Empire. Based on the
STYRIA HUNGARY Golden Bull, the Czech king was an important
CARINTHIA political agent in Europe of that time.
After Přemysl’s death in 1230, the
CARNIOLA governance over the Czech state was taken
over by his son Wenceslas I (Václav I). In
1241 he became deputy of the Emperor
Frederic II in the empire. He was succeeded by his son, Prince Přemysl Otakar II (1253-1278). Through his
marriage with Margaret of Babenberg, much older than him, in 1252 he gained Lower and Upper Austria
and Styria, and in 1269 he inherited Carinthia and Carniola (the today’s Slovenia) and other territories
from his cousin Ulrich of Sponnheim; he also added the region of Cheb (Egerland) to his kingdom.
Under Přemysl Otakar II, the Czech state extended as far as the Adriatic Sea; the legend on the Czech
king’s royal seal enumerated 9 countries governed by him. When in spring of 1272 the imperial throne
became vacant, Přemysl Otakar II felt strong enough to pretend to it. However, German feudal lords
did not favour a strong ruler and in 1273, without Přemysl’s knowing, they elected an originally
unimportant Swiss count Rudolf of Habsburg for their king.
A coalition of the newly elected Roman king, the Hungarian sovereign and a number of imperial princes
emerged against Přemysl Otakar II. Moreover, the Czech king’s position was undermined by his own
rebellious noblemen. In 1276 Přemysl Otakar II had to give up an overwhelming majority of earlier
territorial gains in favour of Rudolf Habsburg, and on 26 August 1278 he was defeated and killed in an
attempt to retaliate in the Battle of Marchfeld.
For five years after Přemysl’s death, the Czech lands were administered by Prince Otto Brandenburg in his
capacity as the guardian of the infant Wenceslas II, son of Přemysl Otakar II. A substantial part of Moravia
came under the temporary administration of Rudolf Habsburg. After the accession of the young Wenceslas
to the throne in 1283, the country was effectively ruled by the powerful Czech feudal lord Záviš of
Falkenstein, husband of the Dowager Queen, before he was captured by royalists and, in 1290, executed.
King Wenceslas II then ruled until 1305. In spite of his relative youth he managed to renew the power
of the Bohemian kingdom; he cleverly used the vacancy at the Polish throne, and by his marriage with
Eliška Rejčka (Richenza) in 1300 he acquired the Polish crown and, temporarily, even the Hungarian
throne for his son. Under his rule, silver mining began to flourish, and Prague groschen started to be
coined. Wenceslas II established a mining law, fairly advanced for his time, and only the opposition
of the pope prevented the establishment of a university in Prague. After his sudden death, his son
Wenceslas III (1305-1306), seventeen years old, acceded to the throne.
King Wenceslas III tried to follow his father’s steps. As the first important action he was preparing
a campaign against Poland. Before he crossed the Czech border, though, he was murdered in Olomouc
on 4 August 1306. By his death, the Přemysl dynasty, which had been at the head of the Czech state
from the very beginning, ended on the spear-side. The ambitious Přemysl family has ensured the Czech
state a firm position within the political system of the Central European region.

THE CLIMAX AND CRISIS OF THE CZECH STATEHOOD

After a great deal of political intrigue from the part of the Roman King Albrecht, Rudolf Habsburg (the
former Duke of Austria) was installed on the Czech throne. His reign, though, was a short one (1306-1307).

18
A weak rule of Henry of Carinthia followed (1307- Czech state in 14th century
1310), a sovereign without authority who was unable
to prevent the internal decay of the country.
In 1310, John (Jan) of Luxembourg, son of the
Roman emperor, husband of Eliška, sister of the
last ruler of Přemysl dynasty, entered the country in
decline. For this warrior king-knight, the Bohemian
kingdom became first and foremost an economic BRANDENBURG
base. Moreover, King John was using it for his war-
POLAND
fighting and diplomatic activities. He managed LUSATIA
to add the region of Cheb (1322) to his kingdom,
and a major part of Silesia. Since 1333, King John’s SAXONY
successor, his son Charles (Karel) also began to SILESIA
participate in the administration of the Bohemian
Kingdom; in the following year, Charles obtained the
title of Margrave of Moravia. In 1346, he became BOHEMIA
Roman and Bohemian king, and since 1355 he ruled MORAVIA
as Charles IV, the Roman Emperor.
In his politics, Charles IV of Luxembourg consciously HUNGARY
BAVARIA
acknowledged the Přemysl roots. The newly flourishing AUSTRIA
Bohemian Kingdom became the centre of the Holy Roman Empire. That is why he gained the archbishopric
for Prague (1344), and founded a university in his royal city (7 April 1348), the oldest institution of higher
learning east of the Rhine and north of the Alps. Charles University has been an important centre of
education in Central Europe up to the present day.
St Wenceslas Crown, whose fabrication was commanded by Charles IV, has become a symbol of the Czech state.
A notion of the Lands of the Czech Crown emerged, encompassing the Kingdom of Bohemia, Margraviate of
Moravia, the Duchies and Principalities of Silesia and the territory of Upper and Lower Lusatia (the regions
of Bautzen, Görlitz and Cottbus). Moreover, Brandenburg came into Charles’s possession in 1373.
By the Golden Bull of 1356, a document which made the Czech ruler foremost among the electors of
the emperor, Charles IV strengthened the Czech kings’ position towards the empire. In 1361, Charles’s
spouse Anna of Schweidnitz gave him son Wenceslas, whom he had crowned Czech king as a two-year
old boy in 1363. Later, in 1376, he enforced his election for Roman king.
Between 12th and 14th centuries – i.e. both under the Přemysl dynasty (particularly Vladislav II,
Přemysl Otakar I and his grandson Přemysl Otakar II) and later under the Luxembourgs (particularly the
Czech King and Roman Emperor Charles IV) – the Bohemian and Moravian lands enjoy a considerable
political, economic and cultural bloom. The Czech state became internally consolidated, economically
strong, and it took a prominent position among central European countries. Simultaneously, it also
occupied the largest area ever in its history.
An acute religious and political strife at the turn of the 14th century has thrown the Czech lands into
a deep social crisis. An attempt to find the way out came in the form of a religiously, nationally and
socially motivated movement – the Hussitism – that went through 3 stages of development:
In the first period (1402-1419) it focused on criticism of the church, as formulated by the reformist
scholars of the Prague University headed by Jan Hus. The popular character of the Hussite movement
evolved after the riots over the sale of indulgences (1412), and particularly after the Ecclesiastic Council
of Constance, which found certain articles of Jan Hus’s teaching heretical. By a verdict of the Council,
Hus was condemned to death and burned at the stake in Constance on 6 July 1415. Hus’s death
strengthened the reformist movement in the Czech lands.
In the second period (1419-1436), the developments spilled over into the Hussite revolution. Its end was
marked by the defeat of the radical streams of the Hussite movement – the Taborites and Orphans – in
the Battle of Lipany on 30 May 1434. Now it was the moderates, particularly the Praguers, who took
the initiative in the country. In 1436, they managed to enforce the key results of the Hussite revolution
by having negotiated the so-called Compact (an agreement between the Hussites and representatives
of the Council of Basle that proclaimed peace between the Hussite Czechs and Moravians and other
Christian nations). The territorial integrity of the original Lands of the Czech Crown was formally
preserved during the Hussite Wars. In spite of the immense heroism of the Hussite troops that were
facing superior enemy forces (particularly the crusaders led by Sigismund of Luxembourg), devastating
wars had an immense impact on the country’s economy.

19
The final period (1436-1485) was characterised by the struggle over the Compact; while the Catholics
were striving for its abolition, the Hussites wanted to enhance both its contents and application.
It was only under George of Poděbrady, the “Hussite king” elected by the Czech nobility (for the first
and the last time) from its ranks in February 1458, that the situation in the country became stabilised.
In order to be recognised by Rome, the new king had to swear a secret oath of allegiance to the pope.
King George was a master of diplomatic compromises, though, and this was but one of them. The
Holy See was ill-disposed towards George of Poděbrady; moreover, he had to struggle bitterly with the
Hungarians and his own domestic nobility. He strove to prevent possible isolation by proposing an anti-
Turkish coalition. In 1464, assisted by his counsellors, he developed a project of an alliance of Christian
kings, which was in certain regards ahead of its time and some of its features bore a resemblance to
the today’s United Nations.

BOHEMIA OF THE ESTATES AND CONSOLIDATION OF THE HABSBURG POWER

King George died on 22 March 1471. He left the Czech lands in the same state of internal disequilibrium as
they were at the time when he assumed their administration. The danger of division of the Lands of the
Czech Crown was averted by the accession of Vladislav Jagello (1471), who moreover became Hungarian
king in 1490. Under the Jagello dynasty, who had chosen Buda for their seat, the shaping of a Bohemia
of Estates was being completed. It was characterised by an increasing power of the Land Diets, with
a significant role of higher and lower nobility, towns and clergy. After Vladislav’s death in 1516, both
Czech and Hungarian crown went to his son Louis Jagello, ten years old at the time. The nobility didn’t
accept that the country be administrated by royal vice-regents during the time of his minority, and they
elected a Council of Regents, which further escalated the already fairly rooted superiority of the Estates
over the royal authority.
In 1526, the Habsburgs gained the Czech Crown and the Lands of the Czech Crown became part of the
Habsburg empire. Already in early 1547 the first resistance of the estates against the emerging Habsburg
centralisation and absolutism started. However, it was defeated and resulted in weakening of the power of
the non-Catholic nobility and towns. Following another unsuccessful revolt of the Czech Estates between
1618 and 1620 (an impulse to it provided the so-called Prague Defenestration on 23 May 1618, and it ended
by a defeat of the insurgent Estates
Emergence of the Habsburg monarchy – 1526 in the Battle of the White Mountain
in 1620) and the following Thirty
Lands of the Czech Crown Years’ War (1618-1648), a period of
and foreign fiefs
of the Czech Crown consolidation of the Habsburg power
SILESIA
started. The weakening of the Czech
Hungary in 1538 statehood within the Habsburg
after division between Ferdinand I
and Jan Zapolsky empire was accompanied by the
BOHEMIA
process of forced re-Catholisation
MORAVIA (only Catholic denomination was
allowed) and gradual Germanisation
of the Czech lands; the absolutism
AUSTRIA prevailed and the role of the estates
HUNGARY
was weakened.
Another dramatic restriction of
the Czech kingdom’s powers came
particularly in the period of the
enlightened, but at the same time
centralist and Germanizing rulers Maria Theresa (1740-1780), under whose rule the St Wenceslas Crown
lost a major part of Silesia and the whole region of Klodzko, and her son Joseph II (1780-1790).
Maria Theresa’s reforms even abolished the Bohemian Chancellery at Court in Prague in 1749; on the other
hand, they have regulated statutory labour, introduced obligatory school attendance etc. Other, even
more radical reforms were carried out by her successor Joseph II, who abolished serfdom, issued the Edict
of Toleration in 1781, emancipated Jewish inhabitants, restricted the power of the church in favour of
that of the state and abolished the majority of monasteries. The centralisation of the monarchical power
combined with Germanisation generated a counter-movement of the aristocracy advocating the privileges
of estates and lands. Joseph's successor Leopold II (1790-1792) gave in to the nobility and had himself
crowned Czech king (simultaneously he was Roman emperor and Hungarian king).

20
 Claudianus’s map of Bohemia – 1518

21
22
 Aretin’s map of Bohemia – 1619
23
Criginger’s map of Bohemia from 1570 Fabricius’s map of Moravia from 1575

A map of Bohemia from 17th century

Comenius’s map of Moravia from 1627

24
 An ethnographic map of the Austrian monarchy from 1855

THE PROCESS OF NATIONAL REVIVAL

The period of the turn of the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century is known as the Czech
National Revival. In its early stages, this process brought an awakening of the Czech nationalism which
manifested itself particularly in the field of language and science. With the revolution in 1848-1949,
Czechs entered the political scene as well. Besides the radical democrats, another dominating stream were
particularly the liberals.
The completion of the industrial revolution in the Austro-Hungarian confederation of states deepened
the existing status and social differences. Emancipation efforts and civil society brought a new political
differentiation – there were the so-called Old Czechs and Young Czechs. The Old Czechs were claiming
autonomy within the Habsburg monarchy for the Czech lands, whereas the Young Czechs had more
radical requirements consisting in democratisation of the election system, support for Czech education,
participation in the land and monarchy-wide forums.
The Jubilee Trade Fair in Prague (1891) confirmed the maturity of the Czech nation. The process of
differentiation of its political scene continued. Czech politicians participated in promoting the universal
and equal suffrage in the monarchy. The Czech nation’s emancipation influenced the regime of the Austrian
Empire. In that period, both the Czech Lands and the Austria-Hungary as a whole went through a complex
process of transformation of the old structures of aristocracy and estates into a modern civil society.
It was under the rule of members of the Habsburg-Lotharingian dynasty – Francis I (1792-1835),
Ferdinand V (1835-1848), and Francis Joseph I (1848-1916).
At the outbreak of the World War One in summer 1914, the Czech nation was fully developed in cultural,
political and economical respect, with all attributes of a nation on a high European level, except for an
independent state.

Bohemia and Moravia – 1896

Note: A more detailed information on all historical maps of the Czech lands can be found on page 159.

25
CZECHOSLOVAK UNITS IN WORLD WAR ONE:
FIGHTING FOR INDEPENDENCE ABROAD
For the Czech and Slovak nations, the World War One meant a qualitatively new situation. A real hope
emerged to escape from the bondage of three centuries of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and finally
to realise the most daring aspirations for establishment of an independent country.
The national campaign for independence had two major streams. The first was the foreign one, where the
cause of national liberation was taken up by T. G. Masaryk, M. R. Štefánik and E. Beneš, politicians living
in exile. They did not consider an autonomy of individual countries within the framework of a reformed
or federalised Habsburg monarchy. Instead, they insisted on a full disintegration of Austria-Hungary and
on creation of a single Czech and Slovak state, to be established as a result of a military defeat of the
Central Powers by the Allies assisted by foreign units of the future Czechoslovakia as well.
The second stream was domestic resistance. This was headed by leaders of political parties – Švehla,
Klofáč, Šmeral, Kramář, Rašín and others – and some other interest organisations (e.g. Sokol). Under the
influence of Masaryk ’s group, the originally heterogeneous domestic resistance became united, and on
13 July 1918, the Czechoslovak National Committee was established in Prague as the supreme political
authority that assumed the leadership of the revolution. The National Committee was in touch with the
exile resistance and was making arrangements for the establishment of an independent state.
As a result of T. G. Masaryk ’s and other representatives’ of the Czechoslovak National Council intensive
diplomatic activities, Czechoslovakia was recognised as a state already before it was effectively
established. A significant contribution to this development was also made by Czechoslovak foreign
troops represented by legions formed on territories of other states.
The first military formations fighting by the side of the Allies were formed by Czech compatriots living
in France and in the imperial Russia. Within the French army, a unit – the so-called “Nazdar” Company
– in the strength of almost 300 men was established already by the end of 1914.
On 11 October 1914 (on 28 September according to the old Russian calendar, i.e. on the day consecrated
to St Wenceslas, the Czech national patron saint), our first foreign unit on the territory of the imperial
Russia, the Czech Retinue, took the oath of allegiance. It was formed by Czech compatriots living in
Russia and in Ukraine and it had over 1100 men. After the February Revolution in Russia in 1917, a more
extensive recruitment of volunteers for the Czechoslovak Army was allowed; thousands of prisoners of
war and fellow countrymen dispersed all over the vast area from Petersburg to Central Asia and Siberia
started coming to recruitment centres. As a result, Czechoslovak units in Russia had almost 38,500
men by the end of 1917. On 9 October 1917, the Czechoslovak corps in Russia was established from
existing divisions. In the course of 1918, the strength of the Corps grew to almost 61,000. Czechoslovak

A Czech volunteer A Warrant Officer A Czech Lieutenant A Private

of the Foreign Legion’s of the Czech Retinue, serving in the Serbian of the 1st Czechoslovak
“Nazdar” Company, 1914 1914 Corps, 1916 Rifle Brigade, 1917

26
legionnaires fought many stern battles during the time
they spent on the front. The most important of them
include the victorious battle of Zborov (on 2 July 1917), and A Private
the rear-guard action at Bakhmatch in Ukraine (in March of the 21st Czechoslovak
Rifle Regiment in France,
1918). After the October Revolution in 1917, Czechoslovak 1918
legionnaires were doing their best to keep neutrality and
refrain from intervening in Russia’s internal strife. Part of
them were successfully transferred to the western front
in France; the rest had to go the way full of hardship and
combat through the Volga region over the Urals and Siberia
to Vladivostok. By the end of September 1920, they could
finally return aboard ships to the already independent
Czechoslovakia. Over 4000 legionnaires died in fighting for
the independent Czechoslovak republic.
In the first three years of the war, about 600 Czechs served
in various components of the French Army. By the end of
1917, the numbers of volunteers had grown to the strength
of a Czechoslovak brigade in France. It was particularly due
to the transfer of the legionnaires from Russia and the
arrival of American compatriots (2500 persons), a company
of prisoners of war from Romania, Czech officers from the
Serbian Army, and Austro-Hungarian prisoners from the
Serbian front. Czech legionnaires fought successfully at
Arras, Champagne and at Argonne near Terron, where they
were operating by the end of the war. During spring 1919,
about 9600 volunteers from the brigade came back home.
About 650 Czechoslovak soldiers were killed on the French
front.
Moreover, about a thousand of Czechs and Slovaks (half
of them officers) were operating in the Serbian Corps
of volunteers, which was engaged in fights in Dobrudja
(August 1916) and on the Thessaloniki front (1917); from
there they were transferred to France and Italy following A Warrant Officer
an intervention of the Czech National Council in Paris. of the Czechoslovak
On the Italian territory the government had no under- Legion in Italy, 1918
standing for the liberation efforts of the Austrian Slavs,
including naturally the Czechs and Slovaks, for a long
time. Only as late as in January 1917 the first Czechoslovak
scout units could be formed. In spring 1918, a Czechoslovak
division was established, followed by a Czechoslovak Army
Corps set up in December, which also started enlisting
Czechs and Slovaks in prisoner camps. Its strength achieved
some 20,000 soldiers. Czechoslovak legionnaires were highly
successful as scouts with the Italian Army; they took part
in heavy fights on the Piave River and at Doss Alto. After
the armistice was signed, the so-called landwehr battalions
were formed that have reached a strength of about
60,000 Czechoslovak volunteers. About 350 Czechoslovak
legionnaires died on the Italian front.
The decision to join the legions was an act of an immense
courage on the part of the Czech and Slovak patriots. All
of them were risking their lives; in case they were taken
prisoners they would be dealt with as traitors, and should
the Entente be defeated, they risked permanent exile. In spite
of that, tens of thousands of men joined the legions and
over 5000 of them had given their lives for an independent A corporal of the 1st “John Hus” Rifle Regiment
Czechoslovak Republic to be established. of the Czechoslovak Legion in Siberia, 1919

27
EMERGENCE OF THE INDEPENDENT CZECHOSLOVAK STATE
AND ITS FURTHER DEVELOPMENT
A favourable situation towards the end of the World War One in autumn 1918, combined with the
defeat and disintegration of the Habsburg monarchy, but also with the will of the Czech nation to
create its own independent state, manifested in open political and military resistance, resulted in the
emergence of an independent state of Czechs and Slovaks – the Czechoslovak Republic – on 28 October
1918. Its existence was definitively recognised by post-war peace agreements.

The first official symbols of the Czech state proclaimed in September 1918

By proclamation of the Czechoslovak Republic (unifying the historical Czech lands with parts of the
Hungarian kingdom – Slovakia and Subcarpathian Ruthenia), the former subordination to the monarchy
was replaced by a republic. Compared to the former monarchy, the newly created independent republic
was a state with much wider civil, social and national rights. What remained complex, though, was
the national arrangement. In compliance with the idea of “Czechoslovakism” of that time, the Czechs
and Slovaks formed one nation numbering 8.8 million inhabitants (i.e. 66.9 per cent of population).
Moreover, there were 3.2 million Germans, 800 thousand Hungarians, 450 thousand Ukrainians and
over 100 thousand Poles. The rich variety along with different levels of economic development of the
areas inhabited prevailingly by national minorities resulted in the emergence of nationalist tendencies
and movements.
The republic had a relatively advanced industry and agriculture with a high degree of monopolisation
in all sectors of economy. The first decade of its existence was characterised by an almost continuous
economic growth and top achievements in many branches of industry. In 1920s and 1930s, the republic
was afflicted by the Great Depression which spread across the world. Since the country was focused

BOHEMIA
POLAND

GERMANY MORAVIA-SILESIA

SLOVAKIA
SUBCARPATHIAN
AUSTRIA RUTHENIA

HUNGARY
ROMANIA

Czechoslovakia, 1920
The final arrangement of the national borders appeared on the agenda of the Supreme Council of the Peace Conference in
Versailles on 4 April 1919. Czechoslovakia was to encompass the historical Czech Lands (including the region of Egerland, or
Cheb in Czech) plus minor territories like the region of Feldsberg (Valtice) and the Weitra region (Vitorazsko) obtained from
Austria, the little region of Hultschin (Hlučín) from Germany, and Slovakia and Subcarpathian Ruthenia. Borders of the two
latter territories were precisely defined as late as in 1920 by the Sevres Peace Agreement.

28
 Czechoslovak state symbols, 1920

particularly on exports, the impact of the crisis was deeper and lasted longer than in other European
countries. In foreign politics, the Czechoslovak Republic was oriented on France and the Great Britain.
Further democratic development of the independent Czechoslovakia was forcefully interrupted by the
Munich agreement and subsequent occupation by the Fascist Germany. In 1938, separatist movement of
the German minority living in Czech border regions, supported by the Nazi Germany, led to the Munich
agreement and concession of the so-called Sudetenland to Germany. In March 1939 Hitler occupied
even the rest of territory, creating the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (1939-1945). Almost
simultaneously, a separate state was created on the territory of Slovakia that was totally dependent on
Germany. The territory of Subcarpathian Ruthenia, autonomous at that time, was fully occupied by the
pro-fascist Horthy’s Hungary.
The occupants managed to gain only a small part of the Czech nation for active collaboration; before long,
a number of resistance organisations started operating. Majority of Czechs and part of democratically
minded Slovaks never put up with the German occupation and they started leaving abroad to fight for
freedom and restoration of Czechoslovakia.

SUDETENLAND
POLAND
SUDETENLAND

PROTECTORATE OF BOHEMIA
AND MORAVIA

SLOVAK REPUBLIC

GERMANY
HUNGARY

Czechoslovakia, 1939
In the last two days of September 1938, representatives of Germany, Italy, France and England met in Munich and decided,
without participation of the Czechoslovak Republic, that the so-called Sudetenland (areas where the German minority population
prevailed) be conceded to the Hitler’s Germany within 10 days. However, the curtailed republic’s existence was short-lived.
On 15 March 1939, the Fascist Germany occupied the rest of Czechoslovakia, and the next day Hitler issued a decree on the
establishment of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. On the territory of Slovakia, a separate state was created that was
totally dependent on the Third Reich. The territory of Subcarpathian Ruthenia was occupied by the pro-fascist Hungary.

29
CZECHOSLOVAK MILITARY UNITS IN WORLD WAR TWO
In the initial stages of occupation by German troops and following the outbreak of the World War Two
(on 1 September 1939), the most important Czechoslovak resistance centres were established in France,
Great Britain, the United States of America, Poland, and in Yugoslavia. The struggle for the liberation of
Czechoslovakia was headed by Dr. E. Beneš, the last President of the pre-Munich Republic (1935-1938). In
1940, an exile government was established in London.
The first “Czechoslovak Foreign Military Group” was established in Poland. Shortly after that, the French
government allocated 4000 posts in its Foreign Legion and in its overseas forces for Czechoslovak soldiers.
Moreover, part of airmen was also included into the French colonial air force. Only the outbreak of the
Second World War made it possible to organise Czechoslovak armed forces directly on the French territory.
On 15 January 1940, the First Czechoslovak Division was constituted in the strength of 3500 men, and
by the end of May its numbers grew to 11,405. In the same period, about 50 Czechoslovak pilots were
re-trained for French aircraft types. These men scored altogether 166 victories in the French skies during
May and June, in spite of a considerable overall superiority of the German Luftwaffe. Czechoslovak ground
troops were employed in the fights on the Grand Morin river and in rear-guard action on the Seine and
Loire. After French capitulation, Czechoslovak soldiers made an organised retreat to the port of Sete, and
on 26 June1940 they were evacuated from there by allied vessels via Gibraltar to Great Britain.
The Czech and Slovak patriots who escaped from their occupied country by the southern route gathered
in Syria and Lebanon, later in Palestine, where the 11th “Eastern” Czechoslovak Infantry Battalion was
formed in December 1940. From May 1941, the Battalion fought in Syria, and by the end of the year it was
deployed to reinforce the defences of Tobruk against German and Italian troops. In May 1942, the Battalion
was transformed to the Czechoslovak 200th “Eastern” Light Anti-aircraft Regiment, which was deployed in
defence of Alexandria, Haifa and later once again Tobruk. After the allied victory over Marshall Rommel’s
troops in Africa, the regiment was transferred to England, and on 11 August 1943 it was incorporated
into the Independent Armoured Brigade.
In Great Britain, the 1st Czechoslovak Combined Brigade was formed on 12 August 1940; it was re-aligned
as of 1 July 1941 to become the 1st Czechoslovak Independent Brigade, and as of 1 September 1949, after
the arrival of the Czechoslovak units from the Middle East and Africa, it was extended to the Czechoslovak
Independent Armoured Brigade. In early September 1944 the brigade was transferred to France; it took
up combat position at Dunkirk and till the end of the war in Europe participated in the siege of a much
stronger German force protected by three defence lines and a flooded area.
Czechoslovak airmen in England were incorporated directly into the Royal Air Force’s Volunteer Reserve.
Within its framework, the 310th Czechoslovak Fighter Squadron and 311th Bomber Squadron were formed

A Czech volunteer A Major of the 11th A Lance Corporal A Lance Corporal of the
holding a rank of Corporal Czechoslovak “Eastern” of the Czechoslovak 1st Czechoslovak
in the Foreign Legion, Infantry Battalion, military units in France, Independent Battalion
1939 1940 1940 in the Soviet Union, 1942

30
on 12 July 1940; in early October, the 312th Fighter Squadron began its combat
activities, and in May 1941 the 313th Czechoslovak Fighter Squadron was
established. A year later, the Czechoslovak Fighter Wing was created when all
fighter squadrons were combined into one force. Some 1000 Czechoslovak airmen
took part in the Battle of Britain. They also participated in the raid on Dieppe in
August 1942, they provided air support for the invasion troops in July 1944, and
for some of them their active duty ended as late as on 4 June 1945.
Between August 1940 and May 1945, Czechoslovak airmen carried out more
than 40,000 combat sorties; they destroyed over 300 German aircraft, sank
several ships and submarines and dropped over a million kilograms of bombs
on targets of war importance. Six years of war took a heavy toll on the
Czechoslovak air force. More than 500 of its members were killed.
Czechoslovak military resistance on the territory of the Soviet Union first found
its expression in the establishment of the 1st Czechoslovak Independent Field
Battalion in 1942. The unit fought its first engagement at Sokolovo in March
1943, then it was re-organised and completed to form the 1st Czechoslovak
Independent Brigade that has distinguished itself during the liberation of Kiev
and in fights of Byelaya Tserekev and Zhashkov. In the course of 1944, with the
numbers of volunteers from the liberated territories growing, a build-up of the 1st
Czechoslovak Army Corps started. It included the 1st Czechoslovak Independent
Air Force Regiment and the 2nd Czechoslovak Independent Airborne Brigade
as well, both of them later deployed to help the Slovak National Uprising that A Czechoslovak Captain
with the insignia of an R.A.F.
started in late August 1944. Czech and Slovak soldiers serving in these two units Flight Lieutenant, 1944
were the first regular soldiers to start open fight on their home territory. The
Czechoslovak Army Corps was engaged in heavy fights during the Dukla Pass Operation in the Carpathian
Mountains, and from January 1945 its main forces pursued German units retreating from the eastern
Slovakia. In early May, soldiers of the 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps advanced as far as to Moravia.
With the front coming nearer, the May Uprising of the Czech people broke out as a result of the organised
domestic resistance and hatred of the population towards German occupiers. The core of the uprising was
in Prague, where the fighters on barricades faced heavily armed and well-trained Nazi soldiers.
Members of both the Czechoslovak foreign military resistance and the domestic resistance had gone through
prolonged and heavy struggles before the final victory over Hitler’s fascism could be achieved. Thousands
of them gave their lives for the liberation of their native country, tens of thousands were injured. Some
233,000 inhabitants of Czechoslovakia died in jails and concentration camps of the Nazi Germany.

A Warrant Officer A tank crewman A Staff Captain A Private of the

of the 1st Czechoslovak of the Czechoslovak of the 1st Czechoslovak 1st Czechoslovak Army
Independent Battalion Independent Armoured Army Corps in the Soviet Corps in the Soviet Union,
in the Soviet Union, 1943 Brigade, 1944 Union, 1944 1945

31
CZECHOSLOVAKIA BETWEEN 1945 AND 1989
Complete liberation of the Czechoslovak Republic from German fascism in May of 1945 was not only a matter
of the Allies’ military operations but also a subject of political interest of great powers. In particular the
then Soviet Union was pursuing territorial and political ends, the underlying goal of its liberation efforts
being the enlargement of its sphere of influence on further development in Czechoslovakia.
After the war, Czechoslovakia was re-established, but already without the Subcarpathian Ruthenia
(based on a Czechoslovak-Soviet agreement of 29 June 1945, the region, under the name of Subcarpathian
Ukraine, was included in the Ukrainian SSR.) Moreover, based on the so-called Beneš decrees, about
3 million ethnic Germans were transferred from the country. In the first year after the war, as a result
of Czechoslovak diplomacy’s efforts, Czechoslovakia has become one of the founding members of the
United Nations Organisation (UN was founded on 24 September 1945).
However, the Communist coup in February 1948 put an end to further after-war democratic development
of Czechoslovakia. All attributes of a parliamentary and democratic country were removed and CPC
dictatorship in political, economic and cultural life of the Czechoslovak society was implemented. The
republic became a component of the Soviet power block, and the Communist party introduced a regime
that was mechanically copying the experience of building of socialism in the Soviet Union in totally
different conditions of the Czechoslovak state. In fabricated political processes between 1949 and 1957,
many opposition members and church dignitaries were sentenced to long terms in prison or executed.
Gradually, the industry and trade were nationalised and a forced collectivisation of agriculture started.
Basic rights, freedoms and religious beliefs of citizens were suppressed, culture and art were dominated by
Communist ideology. In 1949, the republic became a member of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance,
a political and economic organisation; and in 1955 it joined the military-political Warsaw Pact.
Between 1960-1990, the country’s official name was the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic. The 1960s
brought certain reforms and a partial relaxation, particularly in the area of culture and social life. The
democratisation efforts culminated in the so-called Prague Spring in 1968; however, a direct military
intervention of Warsaw Pact armies in August 1968 and the subsequent Soviet occupation put an end
to it. On 27 October 1968, the National Assembly passed the Act on Federation: Czechoslovakia became
a federation consisting of two equal republics, the Czech Socialist Republic and the Slovak Socialist
Republic. However, the Act became valid as of 1 January 1969, in a totally different political situation.
An era known as “normalisation” began. This entailed a consolidation of one-party (Communist)
governance, and growth of chronic problems in the society. In mid-1980s, under the influence of the
reform movement in the Soviet Union, certain efforts were being made even in the CSSR to reform while
maintain the power monopoly of the Communist party. The internal political tensions of many years
have resulted in an open rally of the broadest masses of population against the regime in November
1989. The Communist representation, deprived of its foreign support, gave in to the pressure of protests
and demonstrations and handed over to the opposition. A prospect of essential changes based on the
principles of freedom, democracy and humanism opened for the society.

POLAND

C Z
E C
H O
S L
O V SOVIET UNION
GERMANY A K
I A

SUBCA
R
RUTH PATHIAN
AUSTRIA ENIA
HUNGARY
ROMANIA
Czechoslovakia since July 1945
The after-war arrangement of the liberated Czechoslovak Republic was also influenced by political and territorial interests of
great powers, particularly the Soviet Union. A serious intervention into Czechoslovakia’s internal affairs was a declaration
of the USSR on the will of inhabitants of the Subcarpathian Ruthenia to join the Soviet Union. With reference to the fact
that the region had been part of the Kiev Russia in 10th and 11th centuries, the Subcarpathian Ruthenia was included in the
USSR. This was confirmed by a Czechoslovak-Soviet agreement of 29 June 1945.

32
TRANSITIONTO A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY
AND EMERGENCE OF TWO SOVEREIGN STATES
The revolutionary events of November 1989 resulted in a collapse of the totalitarian regime in
Czechoslovakia. As early as in December 1989, the leading role of the CPC and the monopoly of the
official Marxist-Leninist ideology were abolished, and a prominent member of the dissent, Václav Havel,
was elected for president. In the following year, parliamentary democracy was gradually re-established,
free elections took place, and the name of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic was changed to the Czech
and Slovak Federative Republic (CSFR).

State coat of arms of the Czech and Slovak Federative Republic

The first free election of 1990, which became in fact an anti-Communist referendum, has brought to
power two broadly based civic movements – the Civic Forum in the Czech Republic and the Public against
Violence in Slovakia (46 per cent of votes compared with something less than 14 per cent for the CPC).
Besides starting the economic reforms (with the aim of fully re-establishing the market economy), the most
significant enterprises of this “non-political” representation included the adoption of the Constitutional Act
No. 23/1991, which has made the Bill of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms a part of the Czechoslovak
law, and the establishment of the Czechoslovak Constitutional Court. Moreover, the reform of the state
administration began.
As for the foreign-political orientation of the state, there was a fundamental change that was aimed
at resuming the pre-war republic’s standing and democratic traditions in order to “return to Europe”.
However, before it was possible to start the integration in European political, economic and security
structures, it was necessary to get rid of the dependence on the Soviet Union. In this area, the new
Czechoslovak diplomacy was doing fairly well. Already in late February 1990, an Agreement on the
departure of the Soviet troops from the territory of the CSFR was signed in Moscow on the highest
political level. Based on it, a gradual withdrawal of the Soviet troops started; it was definitively
completed in June 1991. Shortly after that, the Warsaw Pact was abolished on 1 July 1991.
Simultaneously, CSFR foreign policy launched considerable efforts to become involved in activities of
bodies forming the framework of European democracy and security – the Council of Europe, CSCE/OSCE,
EC/EU, WEU and NATO.
Since 1991, Czechoslovak foreign and domestic policy was increasingly hampered by disputes over Czech
and Slovak and federal competencies within the common state. After parliamentary elections in 1992,
proposals to create a con-federation submitted by Slovak representation resulted in Czechoslovakia’s
division into two independent states. As a result, as of 1 January 1993, the Czech Republic and the
Slovak Republic went their own way as two sovereign states.

33
 HISTORICAL
MONUMENTS
WITNESSES OF RICH HISTORY

The Czech Republic is rich in cultural and historical monuments that are the evidence of its diverse
and eventful history – ancient towns, majestic Gothic castles and churches, Renaissance chateaus,
monasteries, folk architecture and interesting technical and industrial constructions. The total number
of registered immovable monuments exceeds 40,000 (196 of which are National Cultural Monuments),
and there are over 800,000 registered movable artistic objects.
The most beautiful and unique historical monuments are listed in the UNESCO List of World Cultural
Heritage. Currently it includes 12 Czech historical monuments – the historical cores of Prague, Telč and
Kutná Hora, the medieval town of Český Krumlov, the Pilgrimage Church of St John Nepomuk at Zelená
Hora (near Žďár nad Sázavou), the Jewish ghetto and St Prokopius basilica in Třebíč, the Lednice–Valtice
chateau and natural park in Southern Moravia, the Archbishop Chateau in Kroměříž with its gardens,
the village of Holašovice in Southern Bohemia, the Renaissance chateau in Litomyšl, the Holy Trinity
Column in Olomouc and the Tugendhat Villa designed by Mies van der Rohe in Brno.
Other remarkable sights include the Gothic castle of Karlštejn, the Romantic castle of Hluboká and
many more historically interesting towns, castles and chateaus. The most visited towns are undoubtedly
Prague and Český Krumlov.

Baroque Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc

34
 Hluboká Château

35
36
 Český Krumlov

37
 HOLIDAYS AND IMPORTANT DAYS
IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
National holidays
• 1 January Restoration of Czech Independence Day
• 8 May Liberation Day
• 5 July Cyril and Methodeus Day
• 6 July Jan Hus Day
• 28 September St Wenceslas Day (Czech Statehood Day)
• 28 October Independent Czechoslovak State Day
• 17 November Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day

Other public holidays

• 1 January New Year’s Day
• Easter Monday
• 1 May Labour Day
• 24 December Christmas Eve
• 25 December Christmas Day
• 26 December St Stephen’s Day

Important Days*)
• 27 January Memory of the victims of the holocaust and preventing crimes against humanity
• 8 March International Women’s Day
• 12 March Czech Republic’s accession to NATO
• 5 May The May Uprising of the Czech nation
• 27 June Memory of the victims of the Communist regime
• 11 November Veterans’ Day
*)
these are working days
Prague in October 1918

38
 30 JUNE – THE CZECH REPUBLIC'S
ARMED FORCES DAY

Since 2002, the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic celebrate the Day of the Armed Forces commemorating
an event following the recognition of Czechoslovak claims for independence by the Allied powers in
1918. On 30 June 1918, a military parade of the Czechoslovak foreign resistance units took place at
Darney, France, in which both regiments of the Czechoslovak infantry brigade in France (about 6000
soldiers) took part. They were respectively the 21st Czechoslovak rifle regiment formed in January 1918
in Cognac with volunteers from Russia, Romania, the USA, Italy, the French Foreign Legion and POWs
from Serbia, and the 22nd Czechoslovak rifle regiment formed on 20 May 1918 in Jarnac from detached
sections of the 21st regiment.
The concentration of the brigade at Darney was mainly due to its planned departure for the front. However,
it was suggested to take advantage of the situation and organise a ceremony including presentation of
a flag to the 21st Czechoslovak rifle regiment and a parade of the whole brigade.
Besides Edvard Beneš and representatives of the Czechoslovak National Council, the French President,
members of the French government and representatives of the Allied armies were present at the parade.
At this occasion, French President Raymond Poincaré presented the 21st regiment a flag made according
to a design by the great Czech painter František Kupka, donated by the city of Paris. In his speech to the
Czechoslovak legionnaires, the French president appreciated their patriotism and emphasised the fact that
they did not hesitate when they “were to choose between law and violence, truth and lie, and between
light and darkness”. The legionnaires’ choir sang a patriotic song “Bývali Čechové” and all the legionnaires
spontaneously joined in.
This was followed by an oath that also stated: “In the name of our national honor we swear to fight
by the side of our allies against all our enemies until our Czech and Slovak countries join into an
independent Czechoslovak state…”
The ceremony was ended by a march of all the brigade members. It left a deep impression on all present
– the Chief Commander of the Czechoslovak Army Pierre Janin even issued a special order in which he
congratulated the brigade on the parade’s excellence.
Afterwards, the soldiers left to fight on the front in northeastern France. There they participated in
heavy fighting in September and October 1918 and distinguished themselves particularly at Terron
(21st regiment) and Chestres (22nd regiment).
To commemorate the oath at Darney, in 1938 a memorial was erected there at the parade site. It was destroyed
by the Nazis in 1940, but in 1968 was restored thanks to contributions from Czechoslovak expatriates.

39
The Day of the Armed Forces is celebrated not only by soldiers but also by the public – including children
accompanied by their parents. Many military units and facilities organise Open Days and other events
presenting military training and daily routines of the soldiers to the public. The biggest event at this
occasion is a two-day presentation that takes place at Vypich in Prague, called The Army for Children and
Young Adults; its programme includes presentation of military equipment and training. In 2005, a fully
professional army presented itself to the public for the first time. The expositions of a temporary military
camp contained many points of interest to satisfy admirers of military equipment. For example, a shooting
range simulator generated much larger interest than it could accommodate. A similar situation occurred
in case of competitions of various military specialties. The attention of the public was also captured by
demonstrations of dog handling, MUSADO martial arts, military police operations, paratrooper jumps, etc.
Last but not least, all participants were invited to taste a proper military goulash.

40
41
42
 THE ARMED FORCES
OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC

The essential mission of the armed forces is to prepare for defence of the Czech Republic and to defend
it against an outside attack. Simultaneously they meet other tasks that arise from collective defence
commitments the Czech Republic has assumed as a signatory of international agreements. To that purpose
they develop their capabilities, including build-up of units integrated in NATO Response Force (NRF). They
continuously ensure active participation in NATINADS (NATO Integrated Air Defence System) and the
capability to host, if necessary, the Allied forces on domestic territory. Within the framework of the Czech
Republic’s participation in developing European Union’s European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), the
armed forces of the Czech Republic are involved in development of EU military capabilities, including rapid
reaction forces, that are being built as compatible with and complementary to NATO forces.
The above key missions of the armed forces follow from the obligation to participate in ensuring
the Czech Republic’s security interests that are as a whole defined in the Czech Republic’s Security
Strategy:
• vital interests – ensuring the Czech Republic’s existence, its sovereignty, territorial integrity and
political independence; defence of democracy and state of law, protection of basic human rights and
freedoms of its inhabitants;
• strategic interests – security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area; keeping UN’s global stabilisation
role and increasing its effectiveness; a firm transatlantic link within NATO and building of strategic
partnership between NATO and EU; complementary development of NATO and EU defence capabilities;
development of OSCE role in prevention of armed conflicts; stabilisation and democratisation; fighting
international terrorism; reduction of the risks related to WMD proliferation, including their carriers;
elimination of organised crime and illegal migration; support to regional cooperation; ensuring the CR’s
economic security; strengthening domestic defence industry competitiveness, and ensuring adequate
level of reserves; propagation of freedom and democracy and principles of law;
• other important interests – prevention and readiness in relation to unpredictable natural, ecological
and industrial disasters and accidents; environmental protection; awareness of possible global climatic
changes, food and water shortage, lack of industrial potential and energy etc.

The Czech Republic's military defence builds on three pillars

1st pillar – defence of domestic territory, including mobilisation arrangements; also included is
operational preparation of the national territory, assistance to the Police of the Czech
Republic and the Integrated Rescue System; and readiness to host, in case of necessity, Allied
forces on the territory of the Czech Republic
2nd pillar – protection and defence of the Czech Republic’s air space, especially through active participation
in NATINADS;
3rd pillar – capability to participate in NATO and EU operations by fully trained and equipped mobile forces,
including employment of earmarked forces, depending on the character and scope of the crisis, in
NATO-led and EU-led operations and operations of ad hoc coalitions (“coalitions of the willing”).

43
The conceptual framework for the armed forces to meet the military tasks of national defence, commitments
of collective defence of the NATO countries, and participation in NATO, EU and coalition-led operations
is defined by the basic security document, The Military Strategy of the Czech Republic, which is a set of
key principles of ensuring the Czech Republic’s defence and principles of build-up and employment of the
armed forces. The document also says that together with the armed forces, the armed security corps,
rescue corps and emergency services also participate in ensuring the defence tasks in cooperation with the
government, regional and municipal authorities, and other corporations and natural persons.

44
45
 THE REFORM OF THE ARMED FORCES
OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC

In order to meet the new defence strategy of the Czech Republic it is

necessary that the armed forces gradually and systematically achieve the
requested level of operational capabilities. This requirement has necessitated
a radical reform of the armed forces.
The goals of the reform and missions of the armed forces of the Czech
Republic are primarily based on the current security situation and
prognoses of its development. It is true that the Czech Republic is situated
in a favourable security environment (good neighbourly relations, NATO
and EU membership), however, the security situation on the global level
has deteriorated. The proliferation threat and terrorist attacks at the
beginning of the 21st century testify to the fact that in the future these
factors are not going to work locally and in an isolated way but in a global
and coordinated manner.
Therefore, the political and military ambition of the Czech Republic to
cover the risks consists in ensuring a full-strength participation in Article 5 common defence operations,
and ensuring a full-scale meeting of the tasks ensuing from the Constitution of the Czech Republic and
other laws. The Armed Forces of the Czech Republic have to be reformed so that they have operational
capabilities that will ensure practical realisation of these goals with a high level of effectiveness.
The reform of the armed forces consists in a change of the hitherto applied principles in the social,
economic, control and, last but not least, organisational areas. It is a long-term process that is expected
to result in the armed forces that are in all respects comparable with those of the other NATO member
countries, with a structure, equipment, armament and personnel numbers corresponding to the Czech
Republic’s realistic possibilities.
The armed forces’ operational capabilities will primarily mean an availability of forces and assets necessary
to meet the tasks in operations; effectiveness of the command and control system, communication,
information, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; transportability by strategic transport assets
in the full area of possible operations; effectiveness of combat deployment and reconnaissance; long-term
sustainability of the forces in the area of deployment; effective protection of the forces deployed and
their resistance against enemy attacks. Stress will be laid on achieving a high degree of interoperability
with NATO forces and assets.
The achievement of the required level of the above-mentioned key capabilities of the armed forces of the
Czech Republic is going to be planned in two subsequent stages. The target state of the first stage is
defined as the achievement of the initial operational capabilities of the armed forces of the Czech Republic
by 31 December 2006. It will include building and achievement of readiness of one mechanised brigade and
units of artillery, air defence, helicopter air force, reconnaissance, EW, NBC, engineer, logistic, medical and
police support necessary to form a brigade task force. In this stage, conscription duty has already been
abolished (by the end of 2004); the armed forces of the Czech Republic are now fully professional, and
a number of significant modernisation projects of development and construction are being implemented.
The target state of the second stage will be the achievement of the target operational capabilities of the
armed forces of the Czech Republic. The exact term when it is to be achieved has not been set, regarding
the fact that it depends on real development of budgetary possibilities after 2006 and beyond. It will be
detailed in the process of the Czech Republic’s defence planning. The preliminary intention is to achieve
the target operational capabilities in the horizon of 2010-2012.
The process of achieving the requested level of operational capabilities continues according to the
schedule. The process of build-up of the armed forces includes the Medium-term plan of activities
and development of the defence department and Programs of development of the armed forces. These
documents are intended to “balance” a purposeful and cost-effective utilisation of the allocated resources
to achieve the requested operational capabilities so that the armed forces of the Czech republic are
developed in compliance with the principles defined by the Concept of development of the professional
Armed Forces of the Czech Republic and mobilisation of the armed forces of the Czech Republic.

46
The overall expenditures allocated in the national budget for the Ministry of Defence in separate years
have been determined in the amount that guarantees the coverage of expenditures necessary for the
Concept to be implemented. The expenditures for the period 2004 to 2006 have been allocated in the form
of a medium-term framework of expenditures in relation to the reform of public finance (see table).

Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

CZK billion 50.7 52.9 58.4 61.3 64.2 67.4 70.3

The expenditures stated in the table after 2006 reflect a minimum level of funds indispensable for
implementation of the goals defined by the Concept. In order to maintain the principle of a development
sustainable over a long period, an optimal distribution of the funds is as follows: 50 per cent personnel
(mandatory expenditures), 20 to 25 per cent investment and 25 to 30 per cent current and related
expenditures of the defence department. Besides other things, these facts also define certain limits as
to the personnel numbers of the military; the target figure should not exceed 35,000 personnel.

47
48
 MODERNISATION
PROJECTS
OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARMED FORCES

The armed forces’ material assets consist of weapons, weapon systems,

military equipment, material and infrastructure. A state-of-the-art equipment,
armament and high-quality logistic support is a precondition to achieving
the requested key military capabilities that are defined by the reform of the
armed forces of the Czech Republic.
The required operational capabilities defined in the form of programs
including requirements for strategic acquisitions of military materiel are
materialised in the process of armament. The medium-term plan of activities
and development of the defence department is a basic tool facilitating the
fulfilment of goals defined in the Concept of the development of the Armed
Forces of the Czech Republic and mobilisation of the armed forces of the
Czech Republic adjusted to a changed framework of funding.
The process of armament is closely connected with defence planning and
requirements of harmonisation with the NATO and EU trends in the area of armament, communication
information systems and infrastructure. The armament strategy is expressed in the form of modernisation
projects. The most important of them in the area of armament and equipment include:
• renewal of personal weapons and equipment of soldiers based on experience from deployment on
international missions;
• replacement of technologically obsolete equipment and material in the light of current development
trends;
• purchase and unification of a medium off-road truck, a more extensive application of containarisation;
• re-armament of mechanised troops with wheeled armoured carriers;
• modernisation of armament and equipment intended for joint forces’ support units (particularly for
the NBC troops);
• modernisation and purchase of assets for airport, operational and communication support related to
operation of the newly acquired air equipment;
• implementation of key projects related to individual services and department-wide projects (stressing
passive surveillance systems, communication infrastructure, military, chemical, biological and medical
specialisations, development of military science and theory and requirements placed on a soldier of
the 21st century).

Key priorities in the area of infrastructure include:

• construction and modernisation of centres, bases (Čáslav, Náměšť nad Oslavou, Bechyně, Jince, Žatec,
Přáslavice), laboratories and training grounds in the area of chemical and biological protection, and
facilities in the area of passive surveillance systems;
• development and modernisation of ground forces’ training areas and facilities for professional soldiers’
basic training;
• development and modernisation of facilities of air space protection that are part of NATINADS, and to
ensure projects that are being implemented within the framework of NSIP (NATO Security Investment
Programme);
• construction of buildings and facilities for command and control, and accommodation facilities for
soldiers, as defined in the Concept implementation schedule.

Key projects of armament of individual services

Acquisition of the JAS-39 Gripen supersonic fighter aircraft
The aim of the project is to ensure the continuity of the Czech Republic’s air space protection by
supersonic aircraft capable of operating under all weather conditions, day and night, in cooperation
with other NATO services. The first aircraft have been delivered in April 2005, and since 1 July 2005 they
are meeting the tasks within NATINADS.

49
 Mi-171Š

JAS-39 Gripen T-72M4 CZ

Re-armament of the ACR with armoured carriers

The aim of the project is to re-equip two mechanised battalions and selected special units of the
brigade with new wheeled combat vehicles and wheeled armoured personnel carriers to meet the
tasks of prevention and elimination of crises in national, and particularly in Allied extent in Article 5
operations and beyond. The deliveries are planned for 2007 to 2012, including related assets necessary
for education, training and logistic support.

Modernisation of the T-72M4 CZ main battle tank
The aim of modernisation is to achieve combat parameters and manufacture qualities on the level of
a 3rd to 4th generation tank. The modernisation is more cost-effective compared to purchase of new
tanks of that generation. The tanks have been delivered to the ACR since 2004; by 2006 their number
will grow to 30 (3 of them with command equipment). The contract includes delivery of educational
and training assets and logistic support.

Acquisition of the L-159 system
The aim of the project was to equip the tactical air force with the L-159 subsonic aircraft including
necessary systems that would enable it to carry out combat activities under all weather conditions,
day and night, and that would be compatible with NATO weapon systems and armaments, and with
interoperability assets for communication and data transmission. Within the framework of the project,
the concept of introduction of simulation equipment in service with the ACR is being implemented, in
coordination with the newly introduced weapon systems.

Modernisation of helicopter aviation
The aim of the project is to ensure interoperability in meeting joint combat tasks and rescue activities
with armies of NATO member countries. To achieve this, 16 Mi-171Š helicopters and up to 10 Mi-24V
(Mi-35) helicopters are to be acquired between 2003 and 2006 within the framework of the Russian
debt settlement.

ARTHUR (Artillery Hunting Radar)
The aim of the project is to equip the ACR with highly mobile and state-of-the-art weapon locating and
fire control assets enabling early warning and location of enemy artillery fire. Within the framework of
modernisation of ACR artillery it was decided to purchase 3 pieces of radar and one simulator between
2005 and 2008; operational use in ACR is planned from 2007.

50
 L-159 ALCA

51
 Radar Tower at Nepolisy

NATO Security Investment Programme (NSIP)

Besides budgetary finance, other (non-budgetary) funds, particularly those of NATO and the European
Union, are also used for providing necessary resources for the armed forces. The Czech Republic has
joined NSIP as of 12 March 1999 (accession to NATO). The NATO Security Investment Programme is
intended for joint funding of the defence infrastructure necessary for deployment and training of
NATO forces on the territories of individual member nations and, when appropriate, in other areas of
operation. The programme provides for joint funding of stationary facilities like airports, communication
and information systems, headquarters, pipelines and fuel depots, radar and navigation assets, support
auxiliary facilities etc. Moreover, it also enables funding of activities like exercises, training and support
(logistics). A jointly funded NATO infrastructure on the territory of a member country can also be used
in favour of the given member country.

52
 NSIP funded infrastructure

Permanent Communication
facilities intended Air defence Logistics and information
to host allied troops systems

In the Czech Republic, a total of about CZK 6.15 billion has been envisaged for NSIP by the end of 2008.
From that amount, CZK 2.5 billion is to come from CR budget, CZK 3.65 billion from NATO funds. These
funds will be used for projects focused on development of jointly exploited allied infrastructure, i.e.
HNS-related (host nation support) projects and those intended for completion of the NATO Integrated
Air Defence System.

Participation in NSIP is executed through so-called Capability Packages. There are three groups of
projects:
• Package No. 1 deals with acquisition of two backbone 3D long-range radars. These will significantly
influence the quality of information on CR airspace and, as a result, its defence and security.
• Package No. 2 concerns NATINADS.
• Package No. 3 deals with the development of HNS infrastructure, i.e. defence infrastructure necessary
for hosting NATO troops on the territory of the Czech Republic in case of a crisis, including support for
their operational deployment. The projects include particularly completion of the air bases at Čáslav
and Náměšť nad Oslavou to comply with NATO minimum military requirements.

Future Air Base at Čáslav

53
 THE ARMED FORCES' PEACETIME STRUCTURE

The key subject of implementation of our nation’s defence goals are the armed forces of the Czech
Republic in general (in the sense used in current legislation) and its core – the Armed Forces of the
Czech Republic (denoting the Armed Forces proper, or ACR). Besides the ACR, the armed forces also
include the Military Office of the President of the Republic, and the Castle Guards.

Structure of the armed forces of the Czech Republic

Armed Forces Military Office

of the Czech Republic of the President Castle Guards
(ACR) of the Republic

The aim of the reform of the armed forces is to achieve that the ACR is a compact, balanced and
efficient part of the Allied forces. This must be equally reflected in its peacetime structure. The wartime
structure of the ACR will be based on the scenario of its employment within the framework of an
Article 5 operation in case of a direct threat to the Czech Republic’s territory.
The Czech Republic is committed to development of such a military potential that is able, in cooperation
with the Allies, to respond to any crisis, both military and non-military, threatening the national
interests and those of the Alliance on domestic, Allied or, if appropriate, some other territory.

54
55
THE MILITARY OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC
AND THE CASTLE GUARDS
The Military Office of the President of the Republic is a military formation of the armed forces of the
Czech Republic that is responsible for tasks related to the exercise of the authority of the President of
the Republic as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and for the control of the Castle Guards.
The Military Office is headed by a chief that is appointed and recalled by the President. The Chief of the
Military Office is directly subordinated to the President.

56
 Appointment of generals at the Prague Castle on 28 October 2005

Since 22 December 2004, the Castle Guards have been a fully professional component of the armed forces
of the Czech Republic. Its servicemen fulfil standard duties of professional soldiers. The key parts of
the Castle Guards’ organisational structure are two guard battalions, a support company and the Castle
Guards Band.

The Castle Guards provide for ceremonies involving the President of the Republic that are defined by the
Constitution of the Czech Republic and other acts, particularly appointments of:
• the Prime Minister and other members of government,
• president, vice-presidents and judges of the Constitutional Court,
• governor, vice-governors and other members of the Bank Board of the Czech National Bank,
• president and vice-presidents of the Supreme Court,
• judges,
• chairman and vice-chairmen of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
• rectors of universities,
• generals and their promotions,
• chairman and inspectors of the Office for Personal Data Protection.

Moreover, the Castle Guards arrange and perform military honours during visits of heads of state, heads
of diplomatic missions, parliamentarians, prime ministers, ministers of foreign affairs, EU and NATO
representatives etc. to the President of the Republic.
The Castle Guards are also in charge of external protection and defence of the Prague Castle, the
Castle of Lány and other buildings that become a temporary residence of the President and his guests.
Simultaneously they also meet the tasks related to representation of the Office of the President of the
Republic in public.

57
58
 DEFENCE DEPARTMENT

The Defence Department involves the Ministry of Defence, the Joint Forces, Support and Training Forces,
Military Police, Military Intelligence, administrative authorities established under respective laws, state
enterprises and allowance organisations established by the Ministry of Defence, and other subjects
whose activities and utilisation specifically distinguish them from other forces.

59
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
The Ministry of Defence is the central authority of the state administration for ensuring
the defence of the Czech Republic; it controls the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic
and administers military regions. As the authority for ensuring the national defence, it
participates in development of a strategy for the national military defence policy, prepares
a concept for operations planning of the national territory, suggests necessary defence measures to the
Government of the Czech Republic, the Security Council of the Czech Republic, and the President of the
Czech Republic.
In addition to other duties related to the country’s defence, it ensures fulfilment of the Czech Republic’s
commitments resulting from international military and political security documents that were assigned
into its sphere of competence by the resolution of the Government of the Czech Republic. Within the
framework of the European security structures it organises cooperation with the armed forces of other
countries.

Organisational structure of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic

Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic

Military
Intelligence
Cabinet of the Minister
1st Deputy Minister of Defence
of Defence

Military
Police

Deputy
Minister Deputy
Deputy Deputy
of Defence Minister Chief MoD
Minister Minister
– Director of Defence of the ACR Security
of Defence of Defence for
of the Office for Defence General Staff Department
for Personnel Armaments
of the Ministry Policy
of Defence

Inspectorate
of the
Office Minister
of the Ministry of Defence
of Defence
MoD MoD
MoD MoD
Defence Policy Economic
MoD Personnel Armaments Department
and Strategy Affairs
Assets Division Division of Internal
Division Division
Administration Audit
Division

Note: the diagram shows the major components only (down to the level of divisions; without going into detailed structures
of departments and subordinated institutes, formations and facilities)

Basic data on the budget of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic in recent years

Year MoD Budget Share of the MoD expenditure in overall expenditure of the State Budget

2002 CZK 47,505,502,000 6.6 %

2003 CZK 52,320,280,000 6.6 %

2004 CZK 50,725,985,000 5.8 %

2005 CZK 52,961,193,000 5.8 %

60
MILITARY INTELLIGENCE
The Act 153/1994 Coll., on Intelligence Services of the Czech Republic, in the wording of later regulations,
in article 2 stipulates that “the intelligence services are governmental agencies intended for collection,
gathering and evaluation of information of importance for protection of constitutional order, important
economic interests, security and defence of the Czech Republic”.

Intelligence Services of the Czech Republic

Office for Foreign Relations

Security Information Service Military Intelligence
and Information

Under the law, the Military Intelligence secures information on intentions and activities representing
military threats to the Czech Republic, on foreign powers’ intelligence services in the area of defence,
on intentions and activities aimed against ensuring the defence of the Czech Republic, and on activities
endangering classified matters in the field of the defence of the Czech Republic. It also collects, gathers
and evaluates information providing evidence of risks of terrorism, organised crime and sabotage.
Military Intelligence is headed by a director, appointed and dismissed by the Minister of Defence with
the Government ’s approval after discussion in the Security Committee of the Chamber of Deputies of
the Parliament. While performing this function, the Director of Military Intelligence is accountable to
the Minister of Defence.

601st Special Force Group training

61
MILITARY POLICE
The Military Police (MP) was established on 21 January 1991. Within the scope defined by
the law they are responsible for police protection of the armed forces, military facilities,
military material and other state property controlled by the Ministry of Defence of the
Czech Republic. The Military Police is fully professional. They focus on prevention of
serious illegal activities, phenomena and events, and pay increased attention to the issues of drugs,
protection of weapons, ammunition and explosives. Besides prevention, which is considered to be one
of the crucial activities to decrease criminal activities in the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic, their
tasks include criminal prosecution.
The Military Police is headed by a chief, who is directly subordinated to the Minister of Defence of the
Czech Republic. The organisational structure of the Military Police is based on the territorial principle.
It consists of several commands located in garrisons in Prague, Stará Boleslav, Tábor and Olomouc.

The organisational structure of the Military Police (valid from 1 November 2004)

Minister of Defence
of the Czech Republic

Chief of the Military Police

Main Headquarters
of the Military
Police
PRAGUE

Military Police Military Police Military Police Military Police

Protective Service Command Command Command
Command STARÁ BOLESLAV TÁBOR OLOMOUC
PRAGUE

Military Police
Special Operations
Unit

Note: The Chief of the Military Police also methodologically controls the Military Police Technical School of the Military Academy
in Vyškov, which is subordinated to the ACR General Staff, and Military Police units deployed on missions abroad.

62
Military Police Main Headquarters in Prague is an authority responsible for development of the concept
and for control of the police protection of the armed forces, military facilities, military material and
other government property within the competence of the Ministry of Defence. It has the role of superior
authority in relation to territorial commands. Military Police units organise and provide coordination
with the bodies of the Ministry of Defence, law-enforcement bodies, state administration and self-
administration authorities, and other authorities within the territory assigned for the police protection
by the Military Police. The MP officers are assigned directly to military units and currently they also
serve in ACR military contingents in missions on the territory of Iraq and in the Balkans.
While the Military Police officers deployed on missions in the Balkans rotate every six months, the turn
of duty of MP contingents operating in Iraq in the structure of the Multinational Forces (MNF) is three
months.
The main tasks of the Czech Military Police officers in the Operation KFOR (in Kosovo) and ALTHEA (in
Bosnia and Herzegovina) missions consist in police protection of the locally operating ACR contingents.
In Iraq, they also supervise the activities of the Iraqi police personnel, help with their training and
prepare instructors of the Iraqi Police.

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Service of Detection and Documentation of Criminal Activities is methodologically controlled by
a department of the Main Headquarters of the Military Police. The executive component for detection
of cases of serious economic and organised crime is the Special Department of the Main Headquarters
of the Military Police. A specialised office for criminological investigation is a section of criminological
techniques and expertise. The responsibilities of the Service of Detection and Documentation of Criminal
Activities also include the activities of the Military Police EOD service.

Traffic, Disciplinary and Protection Service (TDPS) is methodologically controlled by a department

of the Main Headquarters of the Military Police that bears the same name. On the level of individual
MP headquarters there are TDPS sections, sections of protection of buildings, emergency sections and
specific sections of the MP Protective Service Command Prague, like the section of protection and escort,
section of personnel protection and section of aircraft protection. There is also an independent section
tasked with protection of the minister of defence and a special section of the Special Operations Unit of
the Military Police Prague. In selected garrisons there are TDPS branch offices and task groups.
Members of both Traffic, Disciplinary and Protection Service and the Service of Detection and
Documentation of Criminal Activities often use dogs. The Military Police has both guard dogs and those
trained for special work, like detection of arms, ammunitions and drugs.

64
The Military Police also includes specialised workplaces that are in charge of specific technical activities
– like criminological techniques and expertise, analytical and information office, automation of control,
office for selection, training and education of military police officers, logistic support.
The command staff and police work is supported by a Military Police information system that is operated
with the MP Main Headquarters and subordinated formations. It provides an independent information
flow from subordinated formations via MP Headquarters to the defence minister.

Graduation ceremony at the Military Police Technical School at Vyškov

The Military Police Technical School at the Military Academy at Vyškov provides comprehensive
technical education of professional soldiers for positions with the Military Police. The school not only
provides education in basic, technical and specialised courses for personnel appointed to posts within
the structure of the Military Police; it is also in charge of development of reserves earmarked for
fulfilling Military Police tasks during crises or at the time of a conflict.
The contents of practical police training of professional soldiers as future MP members is adequate to
that of the training of future police officers at police high schools of the Police of the Czech Republic. The
school’s graduates, when they retire from the military, are fully adaptable for activities in formations
of the Police of the Czech Republic, in the Integrated Rescue System and in state administration bodies,
particularly in public administration.
The Military Police Technical School at the Military Academy at Vyškov provides training particularly
in the following areas: detection and documentation of criminal activities, traffic, disciplinary and
protective service, special physical training and special firearms training. The school also actively
participates in preparation of military police officers prior to their participation in units deployed on
international peace missions.

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ACCREDITED MILITARY EDUCATION
The predominant role in the system of military education is played by military schools that are part
of the nationwide educational system and abide by the valid legal regulations. The following three
educational facilities are under the direct control of the Deputy Minister of Defence for Personnel:

The University of Defence in Brno

The University is an institution with a new face. It was established as of 1 September
2004 by a merger of three independent educational facilities – the Military College of
the Ground Forces at Vyškov, the Military Academy in Brno, and the Jan Evangelista
Purkyně Military Medical Academy in Hradec Králové.
The university teaches and trains military professionals and other experts active in
the field of security and national defence as required by the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic, state
administration and contractual commitments to other democratic countries. The education is based on
the newest knowledge on the military affairs, research and development in national and international
scope, and the University’s own research activities. It is aimed at providing a comprehensive professional
education which ensures a better chance of employment and career growth for the graduates in the
changing environment within the armed forces.
Under the Act 118/1998 on Universities, the University of Defence provides accredited university
education in the following degree programmes: Bachelor’s (Bc.) – 3 and 4 year programme, follow-
up Master’s (Ing.) – 2 year programme, Master’s (MUDr., Mgr.) – 5 and 6 year programmes, Doctorate
(Ph.D.) – 3 year programme.
The Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degree programmes include military, military-management,
economic, technological and medical specialisations. Emphasis is also put on training and research
activities in military medicine, chemistry, biology and passive surveillance systems, i.e. areas that the
Czech Republic has declared as its fields of specialty to NATO. Moreover, the University of Defence
is a life-long education centre, and also provides non-accredited education, highest available in the
department, for senior officers in the form of qualification courses. The University is also open to
civilians and foreign students. It has an invaluable place in the Czech university system and provides
education comparable to that provided by Czech civilian universities.

66
Its organisational structure includes three faculties and three university institutes:
• Faculty of Economics and Management
The faculty’s mission is to teach and train military professionals, i.e. career officers for the
Armed Forces of the Czech Republic as qualified experts with military background trained
to work for the armed forces. The graduates are able to assume managerial and economic
positions within all organisational structures of the armed forces.
The university education is provided in accredited majors structured in Bachelor’s,
Master’s and Doctoral programmes. The majors are Military Management and National
Defence Economy. The mentioned majors are specified into particular modules as required by the
Ministry of Defence. These enable complex development and forming of qualification eligibility and
requirements necessary for the military professional in a symbiosis of university and departmental
life-long training.

• Faculty of Military Technology

Its mission is to educate military professionals mainly for the Czech armed forces but
also for the defence industry. After finishing their studies, graduates are able to find
employment in all kinds of command, technical and technical-managerial functions in the
armed forces.
The training is provided in accredited degree programmes and in life-long education
programmes. From 1 September 2005 the faculty began offering Military Technologies as
a newly accredited study major. The educational and research activities within this programme include
fields like mechanical, electrical, civil, geodetic, cartographic engineering and informatics in military
environment.
The following majors are offered in Bachelor’s, follow-up Master’s and Doctoral programmes (some
of which will start at a later date, according to the needs of Ministry of Defence): Weapons and
Ammunition, Combat and Special Vehicles, Engineer Technologies, Aerospace and Rocket Technologies,
Air Traffic, Aerospace Electrical Systems, Radar Technologies, Air Defence Systems, Communication and
Information Systems, Military Geography and Meteorology etc.
The long-term orientation of research activities is reflected in the faculty’s research projects, specific
research, research organised by ACR authorities, and in joint research projects with domestic and
foreign partners. To ensure perspective development of the research and development activities, the
Faculty maintains an intensive international cooperation with the scientific community of the NATO
countries, emphasizing the scientific support of the NATO Target Force Goals.

• Faculty of Military Medicine

This faculty acts as an educational and research centre for the Czech armed forces’ Medical
Service, providing education to students in accredited Bachelor’ s, Master’ s and Doctoral
degree programmes. It educates its graduates, i.e. physicians and pharmacists within
specialist studies, and provides life-long education of doctors, pharmacists and other
military medical service professionals, including the postgraduate attestations in defined
fields.
To educate military medical professionals, the faculty offers the following study programmes and majors:
Bachelor’s degree programme in Military Medical Service Management; Master’s degree programmes

67
in Military General Medicine, Military Stomatology and Military Pharmacy; Doctoral degree programmes
in Epidemiology, Medical Microbiology, Molecular Pathology, Toxicology, Military Hygiene, War Surgery,
Military Radiobiology and War Internal Medicine.
The faculty is the only training centre within the Czech armed forces in the area of urgent medicine in
field conditions, and the provider of military medical research in the area of NBC issues within NATO
and the EU. One of specific achievements that have resulted from the Faculty’s research projects has
been the development of antidotes at the toxicology department.

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• The Institute of Operational and Tactical Studies
The institute provides military professional training in accordance with the armed forces
reform within the non-accredited courses emphasizing the senior officers corps. The
institute’s tasks include developing the theory of the military science and contributing to
the issues of forces’ build-up and employment at both strategic and tactical levels.

• The Institute of Strategic Studies

The institute serves mainly as a research workplace of the University of Defence. Its
efforts are focused on basic and applied research, educational activities, research and
information activities, coordination of research, advisory and expertise activities. It trains
workers for state administration, military and civilian professionals in fields related to
the strategic level of the national security and defence management.

• The Institute of NBC Defence

The institute forms an independent element of the University of Defence whose scope
includes basic and applied research, education and research services. It trains military
specialists of the NBC troops and state administration staff specialised in the NBC
protection within a comprehensive system of university courses and in career and special
courses including courses for foreign specialists.

69
The Military Sports Department at Charles University in Prague
The Department, within the framework of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, provides daily,
combined and postgraduate forms of study, including cooperation in doctoral studies of members of
the armed forces of the Czech Republic, and particularly ACR members. The key subjects are theory
and didactics of physical education in ACR, which is the main part of the Military Physical Education
major within the framework of an accredited study programme called Physical Education and Sports.
The contents of the major and the profile of the graduate make it possible for the members of the
armed forces to apply their skills and knowledge even after their retirement from the military without
the need to re-qualify. The teaching of the Theory and Didactics of Physical Education in ACR includes
particularly: theoretical education within the ACR comprehensive physical training system, and practical
training in special physical skills (close fight, military climbing, military swimming, survival basics,
surmounting obstacles, throwing, mobility, airdrops etc.)
The Department ’s research and technical activities are focused on the following areas: developing of
theoretical fundaments of the physical culture and education within the system of service physical
education and didactics of basic and special physical training; applied research focused on optimisation
of military physical education process; support of conceptual and normative activities of top military
authorities in the area of physical education; system of training and certification of instructors of
special physical training for ACR; cooperation in sports training and preparation of ACR national teams
in CISM military multicontests.

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Technical High School of the Ministry of Defence
at Moravská Třebová
The tradition of the military school at Moravská Třebová goes back to 1935;
in 1996, the Technical High School of the Ministry of Defence was established
there; since 1997 it bears a honorific title of “The School of the Czechoslovak
Association of Legionnaires”. The school develops future professional soldiers. It provides full secondary
education, prepares pupils for further studies at the Defence University and for service with ACR
formations in Warrant Officer ranks.

The school currently offers following educational programmes:

Daily study (four years) – for elementary school leavers, boys and girls. A graduate has a full secondary
education completed by leaving examination, a school-leaving certificate about having passed a language
test in compliance with the STANAG 6001, an ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) certificate and
a driving licence (group B).

Extension / distance courses intended for vocational school leavers – both professional soldiers and
civilian personnel.

Language courses for professional soldiers and civilian personnel (preparing ACR personnel for STANAG
6001 tests in English and German).

Computer courses for professional soldiers and civilian personnel (preparing them for ECDL tests).

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72
 THE ARMED FORCES
OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC

The Armed Forces (ACR) are the main subject of the Czech Republic’s defence aims. In compliance with
the NATO strategic principles, operational independence and cooperation capability of ground and air
forces and other ACR components are being developed, individually and jointly, in a continual process
of effective training. The Armed Forces are included in NATO integrated military structure, in defence,
operational and civil emergency planning systems, in procedural and organisational aspects of nuclear
consultations and in joint exercises and operations.
The Armed Forces of the Czech Republic are being prepared to be able, independently or with an Allied
support, to effectively respond to all security threats of both military and non-military character.
Simultaneously they participate in peacekeeping operations led by the international community with
trained, mobile and logistically self-sustained forces.

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Organisational structure of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic

Chief of the ACR General Staff

First Deputy Chief Office of the Chief

of the General Staff of the General Staff

Prague Garrison Command

MoD Military Aviation

Authority

MoD Reconnaissance
and EW Department

MoD Division
MoD
MoD for Development MoD MoD
Communication
Joint Operations of Forces Branches Support Policy Force Planning
and Information
Centre – Operations Division Division
Systems Division
Division

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 FULLY PROFESSIONAL ARMED FORCES

Since 1 January 2005 the Czech Republic has fully professional armed forces. The last conscripts left the
military on 22 December 2004. The conscript duty and civilian duty have been abolished by a Military Act
amendment passed by the House of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic on 24 September
2004 and by the Senate on 4 November 2004. As stipulated by the current legislation, military duty will
be required only in situations of a threat to national security or state of war.
In the context of the recent extensive reform of the armed forces the proportion of professional soldiers
and conscripts had gradually changed in favour of the former: in 2003 for the first time the professional
soldiers outnumbered conscripts serving in the armed forces. After the abolition of the conscript duty,
the reduction of personnel numbers has continued. The target numbers are 26,200 soldiers and 8800
civilian employees in 2008. As of 1 January 2006, the ACR had 39,084 personnel (23,092 professional
soldiers, 15,992 civilian employees).

Numbers of conscripts (in the last years before abolition of the conscript duty)
Year Conscript duty Substitutional duty Total
1999 33,023 1 178 34,201
2000 26,212 1 181 27,393
2001 22,503 1 117 23,620
2002 21,218 1 094 22,312
2003 9 971 636 10,607
2004 1 596 116 1 712

With the gradual implementation of the reform there is also a structural change in the ranks corps, i.e.
reduction of personnel in the Officer Corps and civilian personnel, and an increase of numbers in the
Sergeant and Warrant Officer Corps.

Envisaged composition of the corps of ranks: 10 to 25 per cent Officers, 25 to 35 per cent Warrant
Officers, 40 to 60 per cent Sergeants.

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Recent changes in composition of the corps of ranks

Officers and Generals

Warrant Officers and Sergeants
Candidates

16,000

14,000

12,000

10,000

8 000

6 000

4 000

2 000

0
Year 2003 2004 2005

The current ACR is being built on the principle of effective sufficiency that ensues from the real
impact of the Czech Republic’s full-fledged NATO and EU membership. Due to their new structure,
mobility, modernisation and a larger space for training, the armed forces will maintain or increase
their preparedness and combat value of individual military components even with significantly lower
personnel numbers.

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 JOINT FORCES

They are designed to establish, develop, rotate and disband the task forces intended
for tactical or operational and tactical tasks on the territory of the Czech Republic and
beyond, and for other tasks on the territory of the Czech Republic that are defined by
law. They consist of the Joint Forces Command, formations and units of ground forces,
formations and units of the air force, and support formations, units and facilities.

Joint Forces Command

Ground Forces Air Force Support Units

The Joint Forces Command is in charge of planning and control of development, preparation, training
and earmarking of subordinated forces and assets for task forces in order to support military political
ambitions of the Czech Republic, and it meets tasks to that purpose. It is located at Olomouc, a city of
a rich military tradition that ranks among the most important centres in the Czech Republic.
The Joint Forces are a co-organiser of the event called “BAHNA”, or The Joint Forces Day, which has been
held at the military training ground at Strašice every year since 1990. The “BAHNA” has become one of
the largest ACR presentations in the public.

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78
GROUND FORCES
They are designed to carry out defensive and offensive combat activities, protection of communications,
buildings and premises beyond the area of direct combat activities, monitoring of situation in the
assigned area; other tasks include keeping peace and order and protecting civilian population in peace
operations and other non-standard operations beyond national territory, enhancing protection of the
national border, guarding of important facilities and buildings on the territory of the Czech Republic
and meeting tasks in favour of the Police of the Czech Republic. Moreover, they are also intended to
meet tasks of crisis prevention and response in both national and Allied scope. In 2005, a brigade task
force has been established based on the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade.

Key modernisation programmes and projects implemented with the Ground Forces within the
framework of the reform of the armed forces:
• Deliveries of the T-72M4 CZ main battle tanks for the 73rd Tank Battalion (28 pieces) in 2005. The
modernisation project is to be completed in mid-2006.
• Delivery of night vision equipment: in 2005 to 2007 for the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade (c. 360 pieces),
in 2008 for the 7th Mechanised Bde (c. 200 pieces).
• Acquisition of medium off-road trucks as from 2006.
• Continuation of acquisition of ARTHUR artillery radars.
• Delivery of wheeled armoured personnel carriers in 2006 to 2009 for the 4th Rapid Deployment Bde.
• Delivery of wheeled armoured personnel carriers in special versions between 2007 and 2010 for the
7th Mechanised Bde.
• Purchase of a portable anti-tank system in 2007 to 2008 for 4th Rapid Deployment Bde.
• Purchase of small anti-tank weapons in 2009 to 2010 for the 7th Mechanised Bde.
• Purchase of “21st century soldier” equipment after 2010.
• Continuation of construction and modernisation of the Ground Forces’ bases at Žatec, Jince, Bechyně;
initial preparatory phase of construction of a Ground Forces’ base at Přáslavice.

Organisational structure

Ground Forces

4th Rapid 102nd Reconnaissance

Deployment Bde 7th Mechanised Bde 13th Artillery Bde Battalion

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4th Rapid Deployment Brigade
A brigade is a ground forces’ formation intended for a wide range of the most
important tasks met by the ground forces. Its organisation enables it to build cores
of task forces necessary to meet tactical tasks and operations by parts or all strength
of the brigade, independently or within an Allied force structure on the territory of the Czech Republic
and beyond. Its members have participated in meeting tasks in almost all international missions.
A brigade’s high mobility is reflected in its organisation, equipment and training.

Organisational structure
4th Rapid Deployment Bde
commander and staff

41st Mechanised 42nd Mechanised 43rd Airborne

Battalion Battalion Mechanised Battalion

Both mechanised battalions are characterised by a high degree of readiness, mobility and fire power,
capability of quick transfers (including partial air transportation), and capability of meeting special tasks.
This is reflected in their structure, in which the individual elements are integrated in three basic groups:
a combat component, combat support component, and a logistic and medical support component.
An airborne mechanised battalion is a unit intended for tactical tasks (including those of a special
character) within the mechanised brigade’s battle structure or independently; with its high mobility,
it is the main expeditionary force of the mechanised troops. It is characterised by a high degree of
readiness, capability of air transfers and capability of meeting special tasks by airdrops on parachutes
or from helicopters. It is earmarked for NATO rapid reaction forces.
A communications company provides for a permanent communication of the brigade commander
and staff with the superior level of command and subordinated units, using radio and telephone
communication assets.
An operations platoon of the command provides a permanent support of the brigade command both in
peacetime and in combat conditions, using light Land Rover vehicles and Tatra trucks.

Currently the brigade operates the following equipment:

Infantry fighting vehicle (BVP-2), 9K 111 anti-tank missile complex, AGS-17 grenade launcher, 82mm
mortar (model 52), off-road Land Rover DEFENDER etc.

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7th Mechanised Brigade
It is a ground forces’ structure intended to meet all key tasks of the ground forces on the
territory of the Czech Republic and beyond. Its organisation enables it to build cores of task
forces necessary to meet tactical tasks and operations by parts or all forces of the brigade, independently
or within an Allied force structure.

Organisational structure

7th Mechanised Bde

commander and staff

71st Mechanised 72nd Mechanised 73rd Tank

Battalion Battalion Battalion

The brigade’s mechanised battalions are basic tactical formations of mechanised troops intended for
meeting tactical tasks within its structure or independently. They are characterised by a high degree of
readiness, partial capability of air transportation and a high mobility
A tank battalion is intended for meeting tactical tasks independently or within a brigade structure.
It is characterised by a high cross-country capability, a considerable fire power and a high resistance
to enemy strikes. It differs from the mechanised battalions in the internal structure of its combat
support.

Main types of the brigade’s equipment:

Infantry fighting vehicle (BVP-2), modernised T-72M4 CZ tank, 120mm mortar.

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13th Artillery Brigade
It is a basic asset of the ground forces intended for destruction of enemy forces on ground.
Artillery and mortar units’ activities are an inherent part of a multi-service combat and
one of prerequisites of success in combat. Its tasks consist in fighting the enemy artillery,
providing direct and general fire support to combat forces by fire destruction of the enemy, in non-lethal
fire with demonstration, psychological or other effects limiting enemy activities, and in using special
smoke or illuminating ammunition (incendiary, blinding). It carries out reconnaissance in the zone
of activities and passes its results for further exploitation. The brigade’s units ensure the traditional
presentation of the Armed Forces at the annual “BAHNA” event with a high degree of professionalism.

Organisational structure

13th Artillery Bde

commander and staff

131st Combined Artillery Section 132nd Combined Artillery Section

The artillery development till 2020 and beyond will focus on the introduction of the ARTHUR artillery
search and fire radar, and introduction of precision ammunition, replacement of artillery reconnaissance
tracked assets, modernisation of LOS and SNĚŽKA reconnaissance assets or their replacement,
modernisation or replacement of the SONDA meteorological station, purchase of new fire assets for
mortar batteries of mechanised battalions, modernisation and integration of the ASPRO fire control
system into the ASCA programme, and purchase of new topographical assets for artillery units.

Main types of equipment:

SNĚŽKA reconnaissance and observation set, LOS light reconnaissance and observation system, 152mm
ShKH DANA type 77 self-propelled cannon howitzer, 122mm GRAD type 70 rocket launcher.

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102nd Reconnaissance
Battalion
It is a joint forces’ formation in-
tended for combat, in-depth and air
reconnaissance, including strikes, monitoring
of situation in assigned areas, search and
destruction of enemy reconnaissance and
diversion units and terrorist groups, and, if
appropriate, it is employed to enhance national
border protection, guard significant facilities
and meet tasks in favour of the Police of the
Czech Republic.
It provides allocation of defined reconnaissance
forces and assets for brigade task forces to
be formed. Its units are tasked with getting
information on the enemy, terrain and weather
from the area of combat activities, necessary for
decision-making by commanders of all levels.
The battalion is equipped with tracked
combat reconnaissance vehicles (BpzV) that
are intended for combat reconnaissance
using ground radars, and SOJKA III TV/TVM
unmanned reconnaissance assets that enable
it to carry out air reconnaissance of ground targets within the range of reconnaissance responsibility of
the brigade task force. Other equipment used by the reconnaissance battalion includes off-road vehicles,
heavy and medium off-road trucks.

83
GROUND FORCES TRAINING
In 2005, new Programmes of preparation for professional units were developed and passed, and conditions
were created to start training in a two-year system of training and readiness. Training of the ground
forces’ units is focused particularly on development of command corps of all levels, and harmonisation
of units’ activities on the levels of platoon, company and battalion with gradual cooperation training
on brigade level.
Training and development of ACR contingents for international activities (KFOR and EUFOR) was
completed by technical and tactical exercises in military training areas. As of 1 January 2006, all training
of the ground forces units is being carried out in the two-year cycle of training and readiness.

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85
MAIN TYPES OF GROUND FORCES' EQUIPMENT
(tactical and technical data)

Infantry fighting vehicle (BVP-2):

crew 3 + 6, weight 14,000kg, max. speed on road 65kph, off road
45kph, floating speed 7kph, armament: 30mm 2A42 gun, coaxial
7.62mm PKT machine gun, anti-tank missile system.

Modernised T-72M4 CZ tank:

crew 3, weight 48,000kg, max. speed on road 61kph, off road 42kph,
armament: 125mm 2A46M gun, a coaxial 7.62mm PKT machine gun,
a 12.7mm NSV anti-aircraft machine gun.

AGS-17 grenade launcher:

weight (including mount) 31kg, calibre 30mm, effective range 1700m,
rate of fire 50 to 100 rpm.

120mm mortar:
crew 1+3, rate of fire 10 to 12 rpm.

SNĚŽKA reconnaissance and observation set:

height of sensors in combat position 14.25m, max. speed on road
5kph, off road 20kph, swimming 7kph, target detection by radar
27km, target detection by surveillance camera 5km (day camera 10km,
IR camera – narrow field of vision 9km), laser range finder operation
range 20km, voice communication up to 20km, data transfer to a fire
control system up to 14km range, crew 4, combat weight 17,400kg.

86
LOS light reconnaissance and surveillance system:
max. height of sensors 4.3m, height in transport position 2.1m, target
detection by a day camera 10km (IR camera 6km), laser range finder
operation range 15km, data transfer range 20km, combat weight
11,500kg, max. speed on road 55 kph (off road 35 kph), max. range
300km, crew of 4.

Self-propelled cannon howitzer

152mm ShKH DANA type 77:
combat weight 29,000 kg, crew 5, max. range of fire 20km, rate of fire
4 rpm, preparation for fire up to 2 minutes.

Rocket launcher 122mm RM type 70 GRAD:

combat weight 5500kg, crew 4, max. effective fire 20km, fire
preparation time 2.5 minutes.

SVATAVA combat reconnaissance vehicle (BPzV)

enables day and night driving and fire; it provides protection
against infantry weapons and shells. Crew of 6, range 600 to 750km;
armament: 73mm 2A28 gun, coaxial 7.62 PKT machine gun, 9M 14M
MALYUTKA anti-tank missile.

SOJKA III TV/TVM system

consists of 4 unmanned aerial vehicles and four ground vehicles
(mobile control station, launching track vehicle, transport vehicle
and maintenance container, and a vehicle used to search for landed
drones).
UAV technical data SOJKA III TV SOJKA III TVM
Max. speed of flight 180kph 200kph
Max. ceiling 2000m 2000m

Land Rover DEFENDER:

a British-made off-road vehicle intended for transport of personnel or
material up to 1000kg; weight 2000kg, max. speed 120kph, climbing
45 per cent.

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AIR FORCE
As of 1 December 2003, the Air Force has been subordinated to the newly created Joint Forces Command.
Its main task is to ensure the integrity of the Czech Republic’s airspace; it is meeting it within the
framework of NATINADS and, if appropriate, by assets of the Czech Republic’s national enhanced air
defence system. Moreover, the Air Force also has a specific role to play in ground support, in ensuring
mobility of troops, capability of quick manoeuvre, and transport tasks. In peacetime conditions the Air
Force participates with defined forces and assets in meeting the tasks ensuing from existing legislation
and interdepartmental agreements.

Modernisation programmes and projects of the Air Force between 2006 and 2011 (key development
projects necessary to achieve target operational capabilities defined by the reform of the armed forces):
• lease of supersonic aircraft and personnel training,
• Mi-17/171Š and Mi-24/35 helicopter modernisation to NATO standards,
• acquisition of AMRAAM missiles,
• modernisation of radionavigation equipment of transport aircraft,
• communication systems – IATCC (air traffic control operators),
• portable anti-aircraft missile system,
• operational and tactical system of ACR Air Force command and control,
• development of air bases at Čáslav, Náměšť nad Oslavou, Praha-Kbely,
• replacement of the 2K12 KUB anti-aircraft missile system,
• acquisition of mobile 3D radars,
• acquisition of self-propelled anti-aircraft gun,
• renewal of the transport aviation fleet.

Organisational structure

Air Force

21st Tactical Air Force Base 24th Transportation Air Base

22nd Air Force Base 25th Anti-aircraft Missile Brigade

26th Command, Control

23rd Helicopter Base
and Surveillance Brigade

Airport Authority

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89
21st Tactical Air Force Base
It is one of the main combat components of ACR Air Force. Since 12 March 1999 it has been
integrated in NATINADS (NATO Integrated Air Defence System), which is the key task of this
formation. Moreover, it
provides pilot training,
conversion of pilots
and support personnel to the new
JAS-39 Gripen supersonic fighter;
it ensures preparation of base
elements earmarked and assigned
for NATO, ensures the air traffic,
radio and communications assets
and infrastructure in compliance
with NATO standards.

Organisational structure
Currently the base is divided in the
command, staff, tactical wing, two
tactical squadrons (211 and 212),
air logistics and general logistics.
It is equipped with JAS-39 Gripen
and L-159 ALCA aircraft. The air
logistics provides operability and
combat service availability of aircraft and their special systems. Airport technical support is in charge
of continual service availability of the airport, and general logistics units provide and support the air
base operation.
Since 2003 the air base is being re-built to comply with NATO standards. The aim of the project
called “Generel LZ Čáslav” is to develop the air base infrastructure in compliance with NATO STANAG
criteria; the air base is to be fully comparable to other Allied air bases, to provide optimum conditions
for meeting the tasks of air force training, combat activities and physical regeneration of air base
personnel. The project is to be completed by 2008.

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22nd Air Force Base
The air base meets the Force Goals – the tasks of Forward Air Controllers, increases the
level of training and preparedness of a CSAR unit, provides for flying personnel training on
L-39ZA Albatros, earmarks assets for Czech Republic’s air space protection and protection
of important facilities in national responsibility following activation of the readiness system, and it
monitors the air space in the no-fly zone and immediate surroundings of the Dukovany nuclear power
station.

Organisational structure
The command is divided into the air base staff and separate sections, groups and services whose task
is to provide technical and administrative support to the following individual components of the air
base:
• The tactical squadron meets the tasks of air force training, pilot development and ensuring the
operability and combat capability of air equipment and special systems.
• The command support squadron concentrates ground personnel experts for the air operation proper
of the base; it provides services for air rescue service, civilian aircraft and aircraft in distress.
• The combat support squadron is divided into flights. A Forward Air Controllers flight is in charge of
development and training of TACPs (Tactical Air Control Party). A SAR/CSAR flight consists of a search
and rescue group and CSAR groups.
• The logistic support squadron provides the air base’s daily routine operation by maintaining permanent
service availability of take-off and landing surfaces for air traffic and providing technical assets
necessary to prepare the aircraft for take-off.
The main type of air equipment in service with the base is the L-39ZA Albatros two-seater subsonic jet
aircraft that is capable of meeting even some combat tasks.

Currently, the base is being re-constructed; the project entitled “Generel LZ Náměšť nad Oslavou” is
aimed at completing the infrastructure of the base in compliance with NATO STANAGs. In its final form,
the base will be divided into three zones: combat, support and public. At the same time the base is also
being modified to the specific needs of helicopter aviation that is to be stationed there as of 2008.

91
23rd Helicopter Base
It has a status of a non-public international airport with combined operation and it is
intended for direct support of ACR units’ combat activities.

Main tasks:
fire support, airdrops of reconnaissance groups, transportation of personnel and material, air
reconnaissance, CASEVAC, MEDEVAC, CSAR, command and communication support.

Organisational structure
Main units are three squadrons:
• 231st Helicopter Squadron, whose main task involves training flights and preparation for combat
tasks. It is equipped with Mi-24 helicopters that are being gradually replaced by a more modern
Mi-24V version (within the framework of the Russian debt settlement).
• 232nd Helicopter Squadron, whose tasks include air transportation and search and rescue service
(SAR). It is equipped with W-3A and Mi-17 helicopters that are equally being replaced by more modern
Mi-17Š (of Russian provenance, too).
• 233rd Helicopter Squadron is equipped with W-3A Sokol helicopters and is tasked with providing
round-the-clock rescue service.

92
24th Transportation Air Base
It is intended for air transportation by transport aircraft and helicopters on the territory
of the Czech Republic and abroad.
Main tasks:
transportation of personnel and material for ACR, participation in humanitarian transportation of
passengers and humanitarian aid from and to afflicted areas, transportation of government and national
representatives and MoD top officials. Moreover, it provides for transportation of human organs for
transplantations, and it also participates in the Integrated Rescue System.

Organisational structure Base Command

• 24th Wing – provides air force activities and training.
• 241st Transport and Special Squadron – carries out air force activities and air training on operated
types of aircraft.
• 242nd Helicopter Squadron – carries out air force activities and air training on operated types of
helicopters.
Base support units
• 243rd Command Support Squadron – ensures air traffic control in CTR and TMA, flight planning,
hydrometeorological support, WOC activities, operation, maintenance and repairs of communication
assets and radio systems used at the base.
• 244th Combat Support Squadron – is in charge of physical protection and defence of the base,
including by dogs and birds, and fire security of the airport.
• 245th Technical Squadron – is in charge of operation and maintenance of the operated aircraft.
• 246th Technical Squadron – is in charge of operation and maintenance of the operated helicopters.
• 247th Air Equipment Repair Squadron – carries out routine maintenance and repairs of the operated
air equipment.
• 248th Logistic Support Squadron – provides ground support of the air traffic, repairs and maintenance
of the reinforced and grass strips, material and technical support of the base.
• 249 Support Squadron Ruzyně – provides operation and maintenance of aircraft, ground support of
the air traffic and base activities from the Ruzyně-Jih airport.
The air base operates the following aircraft and helicopters: Tu-154, CL 601, Jak-40, An-26, L 410, Mi-8,
Mi-17 and W3A Sokol.

93
25th Anti-aircraft Missile Brigade
It is intended for the tasks of Czech Republic’s air space defence. It protects facilities and
buildings of key importance for national defence, e.g. the Capital of Prague, or nuclear
power stations. Its main tasks include air defence of ACR operational force structures.
It also meets obligations ensuing from integration of the brigade’s units in the NATO
integrated air defence system.
The brigade’s combat equipment is capable of efficiently operating under all weather conditions, night
and day, and under enemy electronic jamming. Its combat components are capable of taking fire positions
at a short notice, get ready to strike back against the air enemy, and to quickly leave the position after
his destruction. This minimises the enemy’s chance to locate and destroy the air defence systems.

Organisational structure
The brigade consists of two anti-aircraft missile groups and a support battalion. The 251st KUB Anti-
aircraft Missile Group is based on the 2K12 KUB system. The 252nd SHORAD (Short-range Air Defence)
Group’s equipment is intended particularly for direct air defence of units and ground forces.
Currently the brigade is equipped with the self-propelled 2K12 KUB missile system (SA-6 Gainful in
NATO code), self-propelled 9K 33M OSA-AKM missile system (SA-8 Gecko), 9K35 STRELA-10M missile
system (SA-13 Gopher), and a portable 9K32M STRELA-2M system (SA-7 Grail).

94
26th Command, Control and Surveillance Brigade
The unit is designated primarily to provide all-round support, cooperation and training
of selected ACR units that have been assigned by the Parliament to be permanently
subordinated to NATO Supreme Allied Commander in Europe (SACEUR).

Key tasks:
providing earmarked forces to NATINADS, ensuring continual air space protection by assigned forces
and assets, meeting tasks within the national enhancement system, providing protection and defence
of important facilities and buildings by the national enhancement system, providing military air traffic
control.

Organisational structure
Subordinated to the Brigade Command are
• Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) with the task of providing tactical control within the air space to
forces and assets of superior level of command within NATO, and to selected forces and assets under
national command.
• Remote Radar Posts (RRP) with the task of carrying out air space radar surveillance and contributing
to the integrated information on air situation over the territory of the Czech Republic and beyond, as
requested by the superior level within NATO.
• Air National Command Centre (ANCC) with the task of providing coordination among forces
permanently assigned under NATO command and those under national command, and providing
continuous information flow to superior and subordinated components within ACR organisational
structure.
• Military Air Control Centre (MACC) with the task of controlling the air force’s air traffic and coordinating
it with other air traffic in the Czech Republic’s air space.
• Support battalion with the task of providing protection, defence and combat capability restoration
of brigade units.
• The brigade’s radar equipment includes the RL-4AS surveillance radar, PRV-17 radar altimeter, 1L22-1/IFF
radar, ST-68U CZ 3D radar and P-37 radar.

95
TRAINING OF AIR FORCE COMPONENTS
In the context of introduction of the new JAS-39 Gripen multirole supersonic aircraft in service with the
ACR, the main task of the ACR Air Force was to train and convert both flying and ground personnel to
the new equipment and make sure that the Air Force is capable of taking over protection of the Czech
Republic’s air space and meeting its tasks within NATINADS with the new aircraft. This task spills over
to 2006.
In 2005, members of ACR tactical, helicopter and transport air bases have logged about 19,000 flight
hours on all types of aircraft. Besides pilot training, many of them also participated in exercises and
joint training with foreign partners within the framework of NATO and PfP. The most important of
the events included the international Czech-British FLYING RHINO 2005 exercise (Czech Republic’s air
space), BALT 2005, a tactical exercise (including combat fire) of the 25th Air Defence Missile Brigade
task force (Poland, USTKA range), CLEAN HUNTER 2005 international exercise (NATO air space), NATO
AIR MEET 2005 international exercise (Orland Air Base in Norway) etc.

96
97
AIR FORCE EQUIPMENT AND ARMAMENT
(tactical and technical data)
JAS-39C Gripen – single-seat single-engine multirole
supersonic 4th generation aircraft. It is capable to meet all
tasks of air combat, ground/naval target destruction and
reconnaissance. Its instrument board contains three multi-
purpose and one head-up displays. The aircraft has an
extended refuelling probe in its nose and other improvements.
Armaments consist of a 27mm gun and 7 armament pods on
which it can carry short-range and medium-range air-to-air missiles and a number of air-to-ground
missiles, bombs and precision ammunition types. Max. speed is 2250kph, range about 3000km (it can
be prolonged by in-flight refuelling).

L-159A – a light multirole single-seat subsonic combat

aircraft; a combination of a modified airframe of the well-tried
L-39/59 series of aircraft, state-of-the-art avionics and a new
engine. It is primarily intended for direct ground support; it
can also meet air combat tasks against some types of targets.
It is equipped with an inertial navigation system, GPS receiver
and a modular auto-defence system. The cockpit has been
fitted with composite/ceramic ballistic protection on bottom and sides. Max. speed is 935kph, tactical
range 415 to 950km depending on load.

L-39C Albatros – a two-seat single-engine training aircraft

intended for basic, advanced and operational training of pilots
on jet aircraft. Moreover, the L-39ZA version can serve as a light
combat aircraft. A two-barrel 23mm gun with 150 rounds of
ammunition can be fitted under the fuselage; rockets, light
bombs and auxiliary external fuel tanks can be mounted on
4 underwing pods. The L-59 version has a more powerful engine, reinforced airframe and improved
avionics. It achieves a max. speed of 750kph and a range up to 1200km.

Mi-24V – a two-engine assault helicopter capable of destroying

a wide range of ground targets, including tanks. Simultaneously
it can transport an airdrop of up to 8 personnel on its board. It
is equipped with a nose-mounted movable four-barrel 12.7mm
machine gun with up to 1470 rounds of ammunition. More
armaments, like anti-tank missiles, rockets, bombs, special
weapon containers of auxiliary fuel tanks, can be mounted on
6 pods under the short wings. It is an improved version of the Mi-24D helicopter, equipped with more
powerful engines and the Šturm-V weapon system. Max. speed is 320kph, tactical range is 450km.

Mi-171Š – a new multirole transport helicopter; it differs from

the Mi-17 in a number of modifications that have significantly
improved its performance and operational capabilities. The key
difference are the engines that can maintain high performance up
to a considerable flight height, an APU of domestic provenance,
or side consoles with altogether 6 pods for auxiliary fuel tanks
that can prolong the endurance up to 6 hours. Loading and
unloading of personnel, equipment or material is facilitated by a hydraulic rear ramp (a feature to be
applied on 8 of altogether 16 machines intended for the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic). In the right
side there is a new wide door, while the door on the left side of the cabin has remained the same. Security
in conflict areas is increased by exhaust gas cooling, armouring of the cabin, engine compartment and the
main reduction gear. Max. speed is 250kph, tactical range 600km.

98
W-3A Sokol – a two-engine light helicopter of Polish
provenance intended primarily for transport, search and
rescue tasks (SAR) or medical evacuation. Max. 12 persons
(10 armed soldiers) or a cargo up to 2100kg can be transported
in the cabin. Modern avionics and instrumentation enables
it to operate in adverse weather conditions or at night.
Max. speed is 260kph, range up to 760km.

An-26 – a two-engine turbopropeller multirole tactical

transport aircraft intended for transport on short to medium
distances. Its freight cabin (11.5m long, 2.8m wide, 1.91m
high) features a tip-up rear loading ramp. It can accommodate
cargoes up to 4500kg including a Land Rover or up to 40
passengers. The cabin can be fairly quickly adjusted for
transportation of up to 22 patients on stretchers plus medical
staff. Besides the basic transport version, there is also an An-
26S version modified for VIP transport, an An-26D version with a prolonged range and other specialised
modifications. Max. speed is 440kph, range with payload is up to 1100km.

Tu-154M – a three-engine jet transport aircraft designed

particularly for transportation of personnel or small cargoes. The
Air Force operates two Tu-154M aircraft. As different from the
basic Tu-154A/B version, this version has improved engines and
other minor improvements. The aircraft that were introduced in
the Air Force in 1999 and 2000 can accommodate 120 passengers
in standard configuration; reconfigured for VIP transportation
it can transport up to 97 passengers. Its max. cruise speed is
935kph and the range with full load up to 3460km.

Jak-40 – a light three-engine jet transport aircraft for medium

range flights. The Armed Forces operate 2 machines of this
type, one in VIP configuration for 18 passengers, the other in
standard configuration can accommodate up to 26 passengers.
Its max. cruise speed is 500kph, range up to 1750km.

L-410 – a light transport two-engine turbopropeller short-

range aircraft. Besides a VIP version that can accommodate
9 passengers, other three machines in basic version are
operated that are capable of transporting 18 passengers; the
range with full load is 320 and 370km respectively. Max. cruise
speed is 300kph, range up to 1200km.

CL-601 Challenger – a two-engine aircraft designed for

long-distance flights is intended for VIP transport. It can
accommodate up to 17 passengers. Max. cruise speed is 820kph,
max. range 5800km.

99
2K12 KUB – a self-propelled tactical surface-to-air missile
system is intended for destruction of aircraft, cruise missiles
and assault helicopters on low and medium heights (it can
destroy even highly manoeuvring air targets). The system
includes a fire control and homing radar, a launching device
on APC chassis (3 missiles on one vehicle), transport and
supply vehicles. Probability of target destruction is about 95
per cent. Max. effective fire range is 25km.

9K35M STRELA-10M – a self-propelled surface-to-air

missile system is intended to combat air enemy in all kinds
of combat activities of the defended troops. The system’s
combat assets consist of combat tracked vehicles and surface-
to-air missiles. E.g. a 9M37 missile with IR homing system
and a solid-fuel engine has a max. speed of Mach 2 and it is
capable to hit a target flying on a speed of up to Mach 1.25.
Range is defined between 1.5 and 10km.

9K33M OSA-AKM – it is the most advanced asset

intended for air target destruction currently in service with
the air defence troops. A combat vehicle consists of electronic
devices mounted on a revolving superstructure and inside of
a BAZ 5937 vehicle. The missiles are located in containers. The
combat vehicle enables the crew to carry out combat activities
both from a fixed position and in motion and to hit targets
from a fixed position or underway (during a short stop). Water
obstacles can be crossed by swimming.

9K32M STRELA-2M – a portable short range surface-to-

air missile system intended for destruction of subsonic and
supersonic air targets (aircraft, helicopters, UAVs) on ground
and low levels. The missile has a passive IR homing system and
a contact fuse; it is navigated on a highly contrastive source
of heat, usually an exhaust jet of an air engine. Max. effective
range is 4200m and height up to 2300m.

RBS 70 – a portable anti-aircraft missile system intended for

direct defence of manoeuvring ground units. It uses a system
on laser homing, which enables it a longer range, higher
resistance against jamming, and a possibility to change target
during flight, as different from other types of this weapon
category. The system contains a state-of-the-art identification
device, a 3rd generation night sight, and missiles with
a horizontal range of 8km and vertical up to 5km.

100
RAT-31DL – a modern 3D radar (FADR, or fixed air defence
radar) is being funded by NATO. It provides continuous
surveillance of the air situation up to the range of 470km. It
is earmarked for integration in NATINADS. The total height of
the radar tower including the radom is 25.5m, radom diameter
is 18m.

RL-4AS – a surveillance radar is intended for reconnaissance

of air targets and for support of air defence’s active assets. It
detects air targets and identifies their coordinates (azimuth
and slant range). It is capable of tracking the targets on low
levels, in adverse weather conditions and under jamming.

PRV-17 – a radar altimeter (in cooperation with the

surveillance radar) detects the altitude of flying targets.
It serves for radar surveillance of low-flying targets in the
altimeter regime, for determining azimuth and elevation of an
active jammer, for detection of nuclear blasts, and for passing
the target coordinates to active assets (fighter aircraft units
and air-defence missile troops).

1L22-1/IFF – a radar that is intended for air target

surveillance and support of active assets.

ST-68U CZ – a 3-D radar is a mobile radar asset intended for

surveillance and detection particularly of low-flying targets.
The radar performs measuring in three coordinates (azimuth,
slant range, elevation), and it enables to determine the position
of the active jamming source.

101
JOINT FORCES SUPPORT UNITS
They are intended to support activities particularly of ground and air forces on operations in which they
are to take part. The individual components provide particularly the following tasks: transportation,
repairs of wheeled and tracked equipment, engineer support of task forces, generalisation of biological
and chemical information, deployment of communication systems and operation of tactical system
of command and control of mobile elements of the Joint Forces Command and MoD Joint Operations
Centre; they also provide cooperation with local authorities in the area of task force deployment abroad,
carry out continuous covert radio reconnaissance, rescue operations etc.

Modernisation projects:
• radio system modernisation,
• MPP 100p mobile access workstation,
• Tatra 815 CAP-6M tank truck,
• containerisation development.
Organisational structure

Joint Forces Support Units

14th Logistic Support Brigade 101st Communications Battalion

15th Engineer Rescue Brigade 103rd CIMIC/PSYOPS Centre

31st NBC Protection Brigade 104th Support Battalion

53rd Passive Systems and EW Centre

102
14th Logistic Support Brigade
It is intended for 2nd level logistic support to ACR units, provides support and contracting activities within
multinational force structures, provides forces and assets for transportation and handling of national
material resources intended for crisis management within the system of emergency economics.

Organisational structure

Brigade Command

141st Supply Battalion 142nd Service Battalion

Main types of equipment:

Transport equipment – T 815 6x6 VVN, T 815 8x8 VVN, T 815 8x8 VPR 9, PV 16.12 trucks.
Transport and handling equipment – T 815 260 R 81 Multilift, T 815 8x8 Klaus, T 815 6x6 NK vehicles,
PV 18LP container trailer.
Special equipment – T 815 6x6 CA 18, T 815 6x6 CAP 6 vehicles, CP 11, T 815 6x6 Citra, PV 06.04 Vesna
fuel tank trailer.
Handling equipment – T 815 6x6 AD 20 truck, DVHM 3522T high-lift truck.

103
15th Engineer Rescue Brigade
The brigade is intended for engineer support of troops and for assistance to civil population.

Engineer support of troops:

• engineer support to task forces (engineer reconnaissance, obstacle crossing, de-mining, de-blocking
and levelling of roads, blocking and destruction, advanced air force support, maintenance of areas of
deployment of units and commands, camouflage etc.),
• unexploded ordnance removal and disposal (EOD squad activities),
• engineer support to troops on international missions.

Assistance to population:
• humanitarian assistance tasks of civil protection, rescue, extrication and other emergency tasks
related to disaster relief or in other serious situations where lives, health, property or environment
are at risk (fires, floods, mass disasters, industrial accidents etc.),
• support and complement to basic components of the integrated rescue system, before other military
units and facilities are employed.

Organisational structure

Brigade Command

152nd Rescue Battalion 155th Rescue Battalion

Kutná Hora Bučovice

153rd Rescue Battalion 156th Rescue Battalion

Jindřichův Hradec Olomouc

154th Rescue Battalion 157th Rescue Battalion

Rakovník Hlučín

151st Engineer Battalion

Bechyně

104
MAIN TYPES OF EQUIPMENT

AM-50 (bridge layer) is intended for construction of simple bridges

on fixed supports over dry or water obstacles; a bridge can be formed
from up to 8 of these bridge spans. Length of a bridge is 13.5m, width
4m, it can support a weight of 50 tons; crew of 3.

MT 55 A (bridge tank) is intended for quick launching of bridges

over man-made and natural obstacles directly in combat situations on
the front edge of a combat structure. Max. length of a bridge span is
17m, it can carry a load of 50 tons; crew of 2.

PTS (tracked amphibious carrier) is a self-propelled transport asset

for transport of personnel, material and some types of military
equipment in water. It can carry a max. load of 5000kg on road,
1000kg on water surface; a crew of 2.

KN 251 (wheeled loader) is a two-axle machine with a joint frame

on giant tyres. It is intended for ground excavating and de-blocking
tasks; it can also be used as a towing vehicle for improvised lifting and
handling of loads. Bucket content is 2.6m3, performance (excavation)
up to 150m3 per hour, crew of two.

SPOT 55 (firefighting) is intended for extinguishing of all kinds

of ground fires in difficult terrain; i.e. forest fires, accidents on gas
pipelines, refineries, surface mines, nuclear power plants, etc. It is
equipped with a large water tank, two water guns, an extinguishing
foam generator, two powder extinguishers, its own cooling system
and a blade (plough). Communication assets and an industrial camera
with a monitor provide for coordination of a crew of three.

tEODor (robot) is intended for examination, removal or disposal of

dangerous objects that involve a risk of an explosion.

T-815 (truck) is intended for transport of various loads up to 15,000kg

in difficult terrain. It can be modified for snowplough tasks.

105
31st NBC Protection Brigade
Its task include: radiological, biological and chemical reconnaissance, decontamination of personnel and
equipment, detection of dangerous and toxic agents, warning of troops and civilian population, control
of the system of monitoring of radiation and chemical situation in ACR, participation in NATO Response
Force operations.

Organisational structure

Brigade Command

311th NBC Protection Battalion 312th NBC Protection Battalion

314th WMD Warning Centre

106
MAIN TYPES OF EQUIPMENT

LR130 – Land Rover 130RCH vehicle equipped with state-of-the-art

devices for a radiation and chemical reconnaissance squad. It makes it
possible to meet all tasks of radiation and chemical reconnaissance.

BRDM-2rch armoured wheeled vehicle is equipped with devices

enabling to meet all tasks of nuclear and chemical reconnaissance
including navigation in terrain.

SONDA mobile laboratory is equipped with the most advanced

devices for chemical and radiological analysis.

ACHR-90 chemical spraying vehicle is intended for decontamination

of external surfaces of vehicles, weapons and personnel in field
conditions. It can operate independently or in combination with
a POR-82 spraying frame.

107
101st Communications Battalion
It is a component of ACR Joint Forces intended for support of Joint Forces
Command and Joint Operations Centre (JOC) in the area of communications
and information systems. Moreover, it is responsible for establishing a support
communications network for ground-based air defence of the Czech Republic
within NATINADS. The battalion can meet tasks in JOC structure (on the
territory of the Czech Republic and beyond) and within a task force (on the
territory of the Czech Republic and beyond).

Main types of equipment:

They include MPP 40p mobile access workstation on PV3S chassis, R6Mp mobile
command post, and RF 13 radio.

53rd Passive Systems and EW Centre

It is intended for covert electronic reconnaissance of a wide range of enemy air, ground and surface
targets, including search, location and a thorough technical and intelligence analysis of signals in
support of decision-making of commanders of all services on tactical and strategic level of command.
A PSS Věra S/M is earmarked for NATO high readiness forces. The unit covers ACR priority specialisation
in NATO (passive surveillance systems).

108
MAIN TYPES OF EQUIPMENT
OF THE 53RD PASSIVE SYSTEMS
AND EW CENTRE

Věra S/M – a system based on a TDOA (time difference of

arrival) positioning. The system has four stations; it locates
signals emitted by SIF, TACAN, and radar pulse signals 1-18
GHz. Four stations (10-60km) are capable of 3D target location;
range 120 degrees/450km, limited by radio horizon; pulse and
intrapulse signal analysis.

SDD (long-range station) uses a monopulse technique of

signal location. One station 1D (direction finding only), two and
more stations 2D (50-200km) provide for target location. It can
handle signals emitted by ground radars (airport, air-defence,
naval) in 0.8-8 GHz; range up to 600km (beyond radio horizon
using tropospheric signal propagation), +/- 185 degrees, pulse
and intrapulse signal analysis.

BORAP (KRTP-96), an ELINT system that uses an interferometric

technique of signal location. The system consists of two or just
one station. It is able to handle all types of signals emitted by
SIF, TACAN, pulse and CW (continuous wave) radar signals within
the 1-18 GHz bandwidth. One station 1D (direction finding),
2 stations 2D (target location); range 120 degrees/400km,
limited by radio horizon; pulse and intrapulse signal analysis.

109
103rd CIMIC/PSYOPS Centre
As a ground forces’ support element it is intended for planning, command, control and evaluation of
civilian and military cooperation (CIMIC) tasks and psychological operations in support of combat and
non-combat operations.

In compliance with the Concept of development of professional ACR it meets the following tasks:
• facilitating cooperation with local
administration, inhabitants, both
government authorities and NGOs
in the area of deployment of a task
force;
• supporting of significant events in
which ACR components cooperate
with civilian agencies (e.g. CIHELNA,
A Day Without Barriers etc.);
• conducting media campaigns in
support of a task force deployed
– in cooperation with public
information bodies;
• evaluation of weak points of target
groups; planning of suitable forms
of addressing the target groups;
• evaluation of psyops products
• production and distribution of psyops
products;
• broadcasting direct calls and announcements.
To be able to meet the given tasks, the Centre is equipped particularly with transportation equipment
and equipment for information gathering and processing.

110
104th Support Battalion
The main task of the battalion consists in fully supporting the superior Joint Forces Command. Its
members are being sent on missions to areas like the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq.

The main types of equipment in service with the battalion include:

T-815 VVN – service weight 12,700kg, length 8350mm, width 2500mm, height 3650mm.
PV3S – service weight 5550kg, length 6910mm, width 2320mm, height 3650mm.
UAZ 469 – service weight 1700kg, length 4025mm, width 1785mm, height 2050mm.
Š-Fabia – service weight 1200kg, length 3960mm, width 1646mm, height 1466mm.

111
112
 SUPPORT AND TRAINING FORCES

They are intended particularly for providing personnel, financial, logistic, medical veterinary,
communication and information support to all components within the competence of the
Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic and, within the framework of HNS (host nation
support) tasks, to Allied forces deployed temporarily on the Czech territory. Moreover,
they are in charge of cooperation with civilian territorial administration authorities and
both corporate and physical persons on the territory of the Czech Republic or, if appropriate, beyond
this territory. They are also in charge of development of ACR doctrine system and of training and
professional development of active and reserve soldiers.
The above tasks are met both in peacetime and in situations of threat to national security or at war.
From the very definition, the Support and Training Forces are an element of territorial character;
therefore, as a rule – with the exception of assigned elements –, they operate in stationary facilities. The
largest annual presentation of the forces for the public is the Support and Training Forces’ Day known
as “CIHELNA” that takes place in Králíky fortification area every year since 1999.
In 2005, transformation of logistic support was underway within the Support and Training Forces. All
logistics bases have been re-organised to new organisation structures.

Organisational structure

Support and Training Forces

Logistic and Medical Support 14

Directorate Regional Military Commands

directly subordinated
units and facilities 34th Communication and
Information Systems Base

Training and Doctrines Directorate

Information Security Centre
Prague
directly subordinated
units and facilities

9
Personnel Support Directorate Regional Finance Department

directly subordinated
Support Battalion
units and facilities

3
Garrison Band

The Czech Army Central Band

Ondráš Military Art Ensemble

113
SUPPORT AND TRAINING FORCES COMMAND
It is in charge of planning and control of development of individual subordinated directorates and
independent units. In cooperation with them it organises and provides comprehensive support to
all components within the competence of the Ministry of Defence, and it participates in HNS tasks.
Therefore, the Support and Training Forces Command is not a classic example of an element intended
for tactical operation command; the commander, staff and heads of individual directorates are rather
managers of human, material or financial resources and services for the needs of the military. The
command, via subordinated regional financial bodies, also manages the complex system of financial
flows within the MoD competence, including accounting, financial reporting, and performance of tax
liabilities. The Support and Training Forces Command is located at Stará Boleslav.

Organisational structure

Support and Training Forces

Commander

Deputy Commander

Personnel Staff Chief of Staff

Deputy Chief of Staff

Support Department

Communication
Perspective Planning Department and Information Systems
Department

Personnel Department Economic Department

Operations Division

Main tasks of the Support and Training Forces Command

• It plans and controls development and training of support and training forces.
• It plans and controls providing of personnel, financial, logistic, medical, veterinary, communication
and information support to components within the competence of the Ministry of Defence and, within
the framework of HNS, to Allied forces.
• It plans and controls providing of support to components within the competence of the Ministry of
Defence in the area of training.
• Through regional military commands it controls cooperation with civilian authorities.
• Through regional financial bodies it provides financing of MoD components by clearing or cash
settlements; it manages existing bank accounts, keeps double-entry accounting and reporting. It
provides processing of salaries, calculation, collecting and payments of advance taxes, social and
health insurance, and it performs financial control and management via controllers.

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115
LOGISTIC AND MEDICAL SUPPORT DIRECTORATE
It is an executive element of Support and Training Forces tasked with providing
comprehensive logistic and medical support of the armed forces of the Czech Republic in
peacetime and in crisis. Its mission is to provide efficient and effective implementation of
logistic concepts, planning and control of operational logistics, with the aim of providing
logistic support and medical and veterinary support as requested by units and facilities
on the territory of the Czech Republic and beyond. Moreover, the directorate’s forces and assets must
also be able of providing logistic, medical and veterinary support to Allied forces deployed on Czech
territory within the framework of HNS tasks.
In 2005, within the framework of optimisation of logistic facilities, two garrison medical points (České
Budějovice, Stříbro), supply bases (Chotěboř-Bílek, Mikulovice), a surplus equipment depot (Litoměřice)
and surplus property depot (Čáslav) were disbanded.

Organisational structure

Logistic and Medical Support

Directorate

Medical Material Base Repaired Material Base

Hospital Base Non-Repaired Material Base

Aeromedical Rescue Service Centre Ammunition Base

Section of Medical Support Repair Base

to Top-level Military Sports

Distribution Centre
Central Military Medical Institute

Regional Offices
Central Military Veterinary of the Military Transport Centre (3)
Institute

Veterinary Base Garrison Medical Points (30)

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Main tasks of the Logistic and Medical Support Directorate
• It provides logistic, medical and veterinary support to ACR units on the territory of the Czech Republic
and beyond.
• It deals with acquisition of material and services.
• It manages individual property groups and carries out control and auditing activities.
• It plans, coordinates, controls and supports military transports.
• It controls environment protection, fire prevention, and occupational safety and health protection.
• Through subordinated elements it provides primary and specialised medical care to ACR personnel and
to Allied personnel deployed on the Czech Republic’s territory.
• It evaluates and rates ACR members state of health in terms of their service capability.
• It organises and controls preventive medical campaigns.
• It executes national administration in the area of veterinary support in military training facilities
and with ACR units.
• It organises and controls military dog handling and training of specialists.
• It controls technical aspects of the aeromedical rescue service.

117
Repaired Material Base is an executive facility subordinated
to the Logistic and Medical Support Directorate. It is responsible for
providing logistic support to ACR troops (all services) in the area of
material investment property and stocks of property groups 2.2, 2.3,
2.4, 6.2 and defined groups of material and equipment in other property
groups, including registration and audit.

Non-repaired Material Base is a central facility that is in charge

of providing continuous supply of the following types of material to ACR
formations, units and facilities: food, personnel equipment (including
related services), fuels and lubricants, gas, expendable supplies (non-
repaired), construction and fortification material (selected items).

Ammunition Base is a central supply and storage facility intended

to provide continuous supply of ammunition, missiles and explosives to
ACR units and facilities.

118
Repair Base is in charge of ACR equipment, armament and material
repairs, checkups of defined technological devices, training of engineering
inspectors for electric, pressure, lifting and gas appliances, metrological
services, and engineering supervision for ACR formations, units and
facilities.

Distribution Centre is a supply and transport facility intended for

development, planning, control and organisation of logistic support of
ACR units abroad; it is also in charge of training and education of ACR
fire protection specialists.

Regional Offices (Plzeň, Olomouc, Hradec Králové) of the Military

Transport Centre meet the tasks of overall transport support with
responsibilities in assigned territorial areas of regions. They provide,
control and monitor military railway transport within the given area
of responsibility.

Veterinary Base provides army-wide cynological services and provides

training in dog handling specialties.

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TRAINING AND DOCTRINES DIRECTORATE
It is one of the three directorates of the Support and Training Forces. It is divided into
Training Department, Training Support Department and Doctrine Centre.

Main tasks:
Training Department
• It is responsible for basic and specialised training of military professionals and their further technical
and career development.
• It is a control and conceptual authority in the area of basic, technical and special training of military
professionals, their technical and career education, and basic training of reserves.
• It develops and implements the concept of training and education development in training centres,
the training base and departmental school.
• It controls, technically and methodologically, the Military Academy (an ACR educational facility),
training base and training centres subordinated to the Training and Doctrines Directorate.
Training Support Department
• It provides conceptual and executive control of the education and training base for joint forces.
• It coordinates training in military regions, training facilities, and in the Simulation and Trainer
Technologies Centre for units and formations of the Czech Republic’s armed forces and for NATO
armies.
• It provides conceptual control of development, modernisation, distribution and commissioning of
simulation equipment.
Doctrine Centre
• It is a technical and theoretical element of the Directorate with operational and tactical significance.
• It controls development of doctrines, regulations and aids for the armed forces based on analyses of
current development in military affairs and application of new military technologies.
• Simultaneously it is an executive element of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic tasked with the
development of military theory, development, review and amendment of doctrines, regulations and
aids in the area of operational and combat employment of troops and in the area of training.

Organisational structure

Units and facilities of the Training

and Doctrines Directorate

Simulation
Military Academy
and Trainer Technologies Centre

CBRN Training
Centre of Excellence Facilities Service Centre (5)

Training Centre Defence Language Institute

Support Base Centre for Self-study of English

Training Base

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121
Military Academy Vyškov provides non-accredited military
technical education for Warrant Officers and Junior Commissioned
Officers (up to the rank of Captain) for command, technical
and staff positions. Moreover, it provides professional training
of officers and WO of ACR, NATO and PfP and other armies in
the area of NBC protection; development of personnel of ACR
contingents, missions, and observers; development and training
of active reserves.

CBRN Centre of Excellence Vyškov is intended for improving

professional skills and knowledge of officers and WO of ACR,
NATO, PfP and other armies, and selected state administration
staff in management of NBC protection measures and nuclear and
chemical accident management.

Simulation and Trainer Technologies Centre Brno

and Vyškov provides training of military professionals using
modern simulation and trainer technologies; it also provides
courses for military schools’ students and it participates in
research activities.

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Vyškov Support Base provides comprehensive logistic services for
all units of the garrison and for other units, including foreign, that
participate in various kinds of training in Dědice Military Training Area
(mostly led by the Military Academy Vyškov).

Přerov Training Centre trains mostly military professionals

– Air Force specialists for basic positions and specialties in aeronautical
engineer services, airport operational support, air force radio support,
and air defence missile troops.

Vyškov Training Base provides basic training of soldiers, Sergeant

Corps staff in basic technical and special courses, and active reserves’
training.

Defence Language Institute Vyškov is an independent ACR

component that deals with conceptual educational, normative, testing
and methodological activities in the area of language training. Based
on Ministry of Defence requests that ensue from NATO Force Goals, its
task is to train a sufficient number of soldiers and civilian employees in
language proficiency.

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PERSONNEL SUPPORT DIRECTORATE
One of the three directorates of the Support and Training Forces, it is intended to provide
overall personnel support to components within the competence of the Ministry of
Defence with particular focus on everyday routine tasks related to military activities.

Organisational structure

Director

Deputy Director Education Department

Chief of Staff Quality of Life Department

Staff

Career Management Department Military History Institute

Personnel Recruitment Department

Information Department

Main tasks of the Personnel Support Directorate

• It carries out recruitment and supports
professionalisation of the armed forces; it recruits
and selects military personnel and is in charge of
calling them up to service.
• It controls personnel work and service careers of ACR
soldiers and civilian employees of the components
within the competence of the Ministry of Defence.
• It processes statistics and personnel agenda of MoD
personnel; performs the duties of a central body in
keeping personnel records, it carries out personnel
analyses, handles statistic data outputs etc.
• It is in charge of educational activities in the
Czech Republic and abroad, develops standards for
educational programmes, organisation and administration necessary for sending soldiers to courses
and for soldiers re-qualification at the time of their retirement from the military.
• It implements a programme of crime prevention.
• It takes care of veterans and retired soldiers.
• It supports sports and cultural activities and programmes and their creation; it organises leisure time
activities including clubs.
• It is in charge of maintenance of cultural and historical values of the armed forces of the Czech
Republic, including professional interpretation and processing of historical information, museum-
related activities and expertise etc.

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Regional Military Commands
A Regional Military Command is a military administration authority responsible for ensuring defence
and protection of a defined territorial area. It is a military administration authority of first degree; in
its territorial area it executes state administration as defined by the Act 585/2004 Coll. and special
acts. After disbandment of territorial military administrations, the Regional Military Commands have
assumed their tasks in the area of registration of citizens liable to conscript duty, records on ACR
mobilisation reserves, mobilisation recruitment and crisis management.
As of 1 January 2006, recruitment centres, formerly subordinated to the Recruitment and
Professionalisation Agency, have been integrated in the structures of the Regional Military Commands.
Each Regional Military Command is headed by a director.
On the territory of the Czech Republic there are 14 Regional Military Commands; they are directly
subordinated to the Support and Training Forces Command. They are tasked with providing protection
of the given territory and coordinating tasks related to crisis management within the given area of
responsibility.

Main tasks of a Regional Military Command

• It plans and supports preparations for mobilisation and the mobilisation itself; it discusses the related
matters with regional state administration and local self-administration bodies.
• It plans and carries out recruitment of mobilisation reserves and replenishment of material assets for
the armed forces of the Czech Republic.
• It provides care of military veterans, retired soldiers and rehabilitated soldiers under the Act 170/2002
Coll., on veterans of war, including support of military hobby activities on the regional level.
• It keeps files on active reserves, carries out their selection and assignment to positions in active
reserve units; it keeps a survey of contracts. It deals with requests of volunteers who wish to assume
military duty and with prolongation of military duty of citizens, if they carry out extraordinary duty
in situation of threat or war.
• It provides for planning of employment of ACR forces and assets, military units and facilities located
on the territory of a given region in rescue activities in coordination with the components of the
Integrated Rescue System within the framework of relevant emergency (distress) plans of the given
region.
• It controls ACR forces and assets deployed on the territory of the region in coordination with the
components of the Integrated Rescue System or to meet police tasks in case more than one ACR
component is employed.
• It coordinates and performs logistic support of Allied forces operating on the territory of the region.

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Regional Military Command Regional Military Command
CAPITAL CITY OF PRAGUE PRAGUE
Capital City of Prague Central Bohemia Region

Regional Military Command Regional Military Command

HRADEC KRÁLOVÉ LIBEREC
Hradec Králové Region Liberec Region

Regional Military Command Regional Military Command

ÚSTÍ NAD LABEM KARLOVY VARY
Ústí nad Labem Region Karlovy Vary Region

Regional Military Command Regional Military Command

PLZEŇ ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE
Plzeň Region Southern Bohemia Region

Regional Military Command Regional Military Command

JIHLAVA PARDUBICE
Vysočina Region Pardubice Region

Regional Military Command Regional Military Command

OSTRAVA OLOMOUC
Moravia-Silesia Region Olomouc Region

Regional Military Command Regional Military Command

ZLÍN BRNO
Zlín Region Southern Moravia Region

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Active Reserve of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic
The Active Reserve is being created under the Act 585/2004 Coll., on conscription (Defence Act). It is
used particularly for replenishment of the armed forces in situation of national threat, state of war, or
following non-military crises and emergency situations – particularly in order to provide assistance to
population in the aftermath of natural and environmental disasters.
Officially, the Active Reserve has been established as of 1 January 2004, based on the needs of the Armed
Forces of the Czech Republic and the interest of reserve soldiers in serving in its units. However, prior
to its establishment, so-called “voluntary military exercises” were being held since 1999 with the aim
of reserves’ refresher training.
Under the Defence Act amendment currently in force, a Czech citizen (man, woman, regular reserve
soldier) aged 18 to 60 can submit a written application to a relevant Regional Military Command
according to his/her place of residence, expressing his/her wish to voluntarily assume the military
duty and to join the Active Reserve. Other conditions and criteria necessary for a citizen to qualify for
the Active Reserve include his/her health fitness, integrity, a need on the part of the armed forces, and
signing of a contract on joining the Active Reserve. The contract is concluded between the citizen and
the Regional Military Command for 3 years. The contract also specifies the military unit for which the
soldier is being trained, his service position, the extent of military exercises and his/her preliminary
consent to being called up to professional military service for two years.

Active Reserve Training

Since 2005, the training has been organised in duration of up to 3 weeks. Reserve members who signed
their contract after 1 January 2005 and have not passed basic or substitution duty will go through basic
training of up to 8 weeks in training centres of the Training and Doctrines Directorate.
Training of assigned Sergeants, Warrant Officers and Officers takes place at the Military Academy
Vyškov and in assigned units. Training is organised particularly in field and it follows a methodological
subsequence. The first week is focused on specialty training in training centres of the Training and
Doctrines Directorate. The next two weeks are spent in a military training area (Libavá, Hradiště,
Boletice), the first week being focused on individual and squad training, second on platoon training.
Members of infantry squads go through a two-week specialty field training in some of the military
regions’ training facilities.

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 MILITARY REGIONS AND TRAINING FACILITIES

A Military Region is a defined part of the national territory, a territorial administrative entity intended
for defence of the country and for military training. Currently the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic
use five Military Regions.

MR
Hradiště
PRAHA
KARLOVY VARY
MR MR
Brdy Libavá

OLOMOUC
PŘÍBRAM
MR
Březina
VYŠKOV
MR BRNO
Boletice
ČESKÝ
KRUMLOV

Survey of military regions

Name Location/Region Area Training facilities

A training area for tank, mechanised and special units’
Boletice Český Krumlov 21,935 ha training; a water and engineer training ground; training
Southern Bohemia of units for foreign missions.
A training area with a specialised artillery and air firing
Brdy Příbram 26,009 ha range; a facility for drivers’ training; infantry shooting
Central Bohemia range.

Vyškov A training area intended for training of students of military

Březina 15,870 ha high schools and colleges.
Southern Moravia

Karlovy Vary An all-service training ground with the largest tactical

Hradiště 33,161 ha
Karlovy Vary area, suitable for air defence training.
Region

An all-service training ground with an air, tank, artillery,

Libavá Olomouc 32,733 ha engineer and infantry shooting range; a water training
Olomouc Region ground; combat vehicle drivers’ training, live fire training.

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State administration on the territory of a Military Region is executed by a Regional Office headed by
a chief. Economic exploitation of the region is fully in competence of the Military Forests and Farms of
the Czech Republic, a state enterprise, and the head of the Regional Office.
Military Forests and Farms of the Czech Republic is a state-owned enterprise that is in charge of the
regions’ landscape, and it deals with economic activities that are to contribute to environmental and
biological balance on the territory of the Military Region in compliance with the needs of military
training.
On the territory of the Military Regions there are defined training areas including equipment and
support for field training of ACR, Police of the Czech Republic, the Integrated Rescue System, and, if
necessary, Allied armies. The training areas play a significant role within the framework of tactical and
operational training of troops, that is why they usually extend on vast areas almost inaccessible to the
public. The landscape of all military regions is characterised by vast forests and special training surfaces
(tank, infantry and artillery shooting ranges, grounds intended for training in combat vehicle handling,
water and engineer training grounds etc.) The forests, on one hand, fulfil a role of a protective shield in
order not to endanger the population; on the other they serve for training of soldiers in field conditions
and for camouflage of military facilities that are subject to a certain degree of classification.
The operational capability of training facilities in Military Regions is maintained by service centres that
are subordinated to the Training and Doctrine Directorate. These centres are also in charge of developing
schedules in order to fully use the capacity of the training facilities during the year.

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130
 ACR
ENGAGEMENT IN MULTINATIONAL
OPERATIONS, OBSERVER MISSIONS
AND INTERNATIONAL MILITARY STRUCTURES

Czech soldiers’ participation in peacekeeping missions has a tradition of many years. Its beginnings date
back to late 1990 and it has continued ever since. In 2005, the year when the Armed Forces of the Czech
Republic have become fully professional, ACR personnel participated in five foreign operations on the
territories of Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Kosovo and Pakistan. In total, 1822 soldiers
have been deployed on international missions.

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ISAF Mission – Afghanistan
Two ACR contingents were deployed on this mission in
2005. The first of them, in strength of up to 20 personnel,
was stationed at the Kabul International Airport. Its main
element consisted of an Explosive Ordnance Detachment
(EOD) with the tasks of ordnance reconnaissance and
disposal of unexploded ordnance and booby traps.
Another element was the METEO Group that provided meteorological
service to the air traffic control personnel. The second ACR contingent
of 50 personnel was deployed at Fayzabad in north-eastern region of
Afghanistan; its soldiers were primarily in charge of guarding the base,
patrolling within the assigned areas of responsibility and protecting
the personnel of the provincial reconstruction team while meeting their
tasks outside the base. Czech soldiers also fulfilled the tasks related to
the national elections that were held there at that time.
Czech military professionals were engaged in an anti-terrorist operation
on the territory of Afghanistan as early as in April 2004; a special force’s contingent included in the
Special Forces CJTF structure operated there, meeting particularly reconnaissance tasks.
Currently Czech soldiers are included in units operating at Kabul International Airport and in the
Fayzabad area.

Operation ALTHEA (EUFOR) – Bosnia and Herzegovina

In 2005, the ACR contributed a contingent consisting
of soldiers stationed at EUFOR Headquarters (Sarajevo),
NATO Forces HQ (Sarajevo), and a joint Czech-Austrian
Guard Company at the EAGLE BASE (Tuzla). From April
to mid-December 2005, the contingent was enhanced by
a helicopter unit (2x Mi-17). The main tasks of the Czech soldiers include
guarding and protecting the Multinational Task Force North (MNTF N) Headquarters. The contingent is
in strength of 90 personnel.
The ACR contingent has been part of EU-led military peacekeeping forces since December 2004.

Operations MNF-I and NTM-I – Iraq

In the operations on Iraqi territory, the ACR
contributed a Military Police contingent of
100 personnel. Czech military policemen,
integrated in the force structure of the
Multinational Division Southeast (MND
SE), were stationed at Shaiba Base located
in the province of Basra. Their key tasks included training the Iraqi police
personnel at the Az-Zubayr Police Academy and Shaiba Base; training the
instructors of Iraqi police stations and the personnel of the Iraqi traffic
police and border police. Moreover, Czech soldiers were engaged in escorting,
protecting and guarding tasks as well as providing police support to MND
SE. Until the end of 2005, the contingent also included a field surgery
team of six; they were operating within the framework of the British
field hospital. From March 2005, the contingent was reinforced by six ACR
personnel who were sent to Baghdad to meet tasks within the Multinational Security Transition Command
in Iraq (MNSTC-I) and the NATO Training Mission in Iraq (NTM-I). The key task of NTM-I is to train selected
groups of commanders, provide assistance in building the police academy and the Training Education and
Doctrine Centre (TEDC), and help developing Iraqi security structures.
Czech military police officers have been operating in Iraq since December 2003. Already 8 MP contingents
have rotated there since then, having trained hundreds of Iraqi policemen in various technical courses.

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Operation JOINT ENTERPRISE OPERATION (KFOR) – Kosovo
In the first half of 2005, the ACR sent a contingent of
up to 400 personnel to the operation. In addition to
the mechanised company, the ACR was also represented
by soldiers assigned to KFOR HQ, Headquarters of the
Multinational Brigade Centre – MNB (C), to Pristina
Airport, to the Multinational Transport Company and
the Military Police Multinational Company. As of 31 July 2005, the Czech
Republic assumed the role of the MNB (C) lead nation after Finland.
For the first time in the modern history of our armed forces, a Czech
officer became commander of a multinational brigade. Simultaneously,
the number of soldiers in the Czech contingent was increased to 500.
Czech soldiers have been stationed at the following three bases: Šajkovac,
Gazala Lines and Camp Ville. The ACR area of responsibility covers 966
square kilometres. The key tasks assigned to Czech soldiers include
ensuring secure environment in their area of responsibility, guarding and
monitoring the 112 km long provincial border between Kosovo and Serbia.
Czech soldiers have been operating in this mission since July 1999, first in strength of a reconnaissance
company, later an enhanced recce company, and between 2002 and 2005 within the framework of
a Czech-Slovak battalion.

Humanitarian mission – Pakistan

Between 1 November 2005 and 10 January 2006, the ACR has engaged
in the humanitarian aid effort to clear the aftermath of a disastrous
earthquake in Pakistan with a contingent of 30 personnel (11 doctors, 14
medics and a support team of five). Czech specialists were incorporated
into a Dutch field hospital operating in the Bagh region, 100 km north-
east of Islamabad.
During their mission of ten weeks, Czech medical team has treated over 3000 patients, performed about
60 operations and assisted to 11 deliveries. The mission was conducted under the auspices of NATO.

Participation in observer missions

Military observers – monitors – have also been contributing to the Czech Republic’s
good reputation abroad. In 2005, 17 ACR military observers were engaged in six UN
and OSCE missions taking place in Georgia, Ethiopia-Eritrea, Congo, Kosovo, Liberia and
Sierra Leone.

Czech soldiers in multinational structures

In 2005, 170 members of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic have
served on international military staffs of individual NATO commands.
In order to meet the requirements for the 5th rotation
of the NATO Response Force (NRF), the ACR earmarked
an ad hoc NBC task force in strength of 35 personnel,
which has been incorporated into the NRF six-month
rotation system as of 1 July 2005.
An ACR CIMIC unit that has been earmarked for the 6th NRF rotation has achieved full
operational capabilities by 10 January 2006 and it has been included into the six-month
turn of readiness. It operates within the structure of the NATO multinational task force under British
command and it is capable of deployment anywhere across the world. In case of deployment, the unit’s
key task is to implement the civilian aspects of peace agreements and to support normal functioning
of municipal authorities in given areas of operation.

133
 MILITARY OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

“I, a soldier of the Armed Forces, realising my civil and patriotic

duties, do solemnly swear that I will be faithful to the Czech
Republic. I will be a brave and disciplined soldier, and I will obey
the articles of military regulations. I will conscientiously learn to
operate military equipment and weapons, I will be preparing for
the defence of the Czech Republic and defend it against external
attack. I am ready to give even my life in defence of my country.”
So I swear!

Wording of the military oath of allegiance valid as of 1 January 1993

134
“So we swear!”
resounded at the Prague Castle on 28 October 2005
In presence of Václav Klaus, President of the Republic and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces
of the Czech Republic, the new professional soldiers (the new students of individual faculties of the
University of Defence) took the festive oath of allegiance.

135
 MILITARY DECORATIONS

Since 1997, in addition to state orders and medals, military decorations can be awarded to honour
acts of merit and military-related achievements in security, humanitarian and other efforts of both
international and national character in support of democracy and peace.
Military decorations are awarded by the Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic; he confers them
on the occasion of national holidays on 8 May and 28 October. In justified cases, he can present the
decorations even on other occasions.

The highest military decoration is the Cross of Merit of the Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic.
The minister awards it to soldiers in active service and to civilian employees of military administration
who deserve recognition for bravery and courage, for successful command in combat, and for merits in
combat activities, for exemplary military leadership and excellent fulfilment of service or work duties,
for exemplary representation of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic, and for other significant
achievements related to the defence department and its development. He can also award it to other
citizens of the Czech Republic and foreign nationals for their significant cooperation with the defence
department, efforts made to ensure the combat capability and readiness of the Armed Forces of the
Czech Republic, and accomplishing tasks in favour of ACR.
The Cross of Merit has three classes, the first being the highest. The 1st class is made of metal in colour
of gold, 2nd class of silver-coloured metal, and the 3rd class of bronze-coloured metal. The ribbons of
individual classes are differentiated by a Cross of Merit miniature minted in metal in colour of the
respective class.

Other military departmental decorations are medals. The Medal For Injury is awarded by the minister to
soldiers in active service who have sustained, not by their own fault, serious injuries in fulfilling their

136
duties. The Medal can also be awarded to civilian employees
of the military administration under the same terms as
to soldiers in active service, if the injury occurred during
performance of particularly important work assignments.
The medal For Injury is made of bronze.

The Medal For Service Abroad is awarded by the minister

to soldiers in active service and to civilian employees of
the military administration for successful accomplishment
of tasks in United Nations peacekeeping forces, in other
international military corps or in peace and humanitarian
missions of the international community, or for
a significant contribution to these tasks. The Medal can
also be awarded to members of the armed forces of foreign
nations and to other persons for significant cooperation
efforts and activities with the ACR and the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic in the above-
mentioned activities.
The Medal For Service Abroad is made of bronze.

The Medal of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic is awarded by the minister to career soldiers
for achieving very good results in professional activities depending on their service time. Only regular
service since 1 January 1993 is being taken into account for purposes of service duration necessary for
being awarded the Medal.
The ACR Medal has three classes, the first being the highest. The 1st class is awarded for 15 years of
service and is made of gold-coloured metal. The 2nd class, awarded for 10 years of service, is made of
silver-coloured metal, the 3rd class, for 5 years of service, is made of bronze-coloured metal. On the ribbon
of the ACR Medal of the 1st class is the symbol of “XV”, on the ribbon of the 2nd class the “X” and on the
3rd class ribbon the “V”. The symbols are made of metal corresponding with the class of the medal.

With the military decorations, the holders receive a certificate attesting to the fact that the specific
decoration has been conferred on them. At festive occasions, the decoration is worn on the uniform
(left) in natura, otherwise in ribbons. The military departmental decorations are not state decorations
in the sense of the Act No. 157/1994, on State Decorations of the Czech Republic.

137
 Cross of Merit Cross of Merit Cross of Merit
of the Minister of Defence of the Minister of Defence of the Minister of Defence
of the Czech Republic, of the Czech Republic, of the Czech Republic,
1st class, 2nd class, 3rd class,
obverse and reverse obverse and reverse obverse and reverse

138
 Medal Medal Medal
For Injury, For Service Abroad, of the Armed Forces
obverse and reverse obverse and reverse of the Czech Republic,
3rd class,
obverse and reverse

2nd class

1st class

139
 UNIFORMS OF THE ARMED FORCES
OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Head dress according to arms

and services

Ground Forces Air Force

Reconnaissance Logistics
Troops

Airborne Troops Civil Defence

UN Peacekeeping Military Police

Force

Uniform 95

140
Uniform 97– service uniform for men

141
Uniform 97 – service uniform for female officers

142
Uniform 97 – dress and evening uniform

143
144
 PROSPECTIVE MILITARY GARRISONS
OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Liberec

Žatec Hradec Králové

Rakovník Stará Boleslav
Kutná Hora Pardubice
PRAHA Hlučín
Jince Čáslav
0lomouc Přáslavice
Prostějov
Klatovy
Náměšť Vyškov
Strakonice Bechyně nad Oslavou
Jindřichův Bučovice
Hradec BRNO

Bechyně
It is one of the latest garrison towns in the Czech Republic. The first military formation to be stationed
there was the 19th Fighter Air Regiment in 1955. The local airfield was used till 1993. As of 1995,
the 44th Recce Battalion of the Rapid Deployment Bde was temporarily stationed there. Currently,
the 15th Engineer Rescue Brigade Command with a subordinated engineer battalion has been stationed
at Bechyně.

145
Brandýs nad Labem – Stará Boleslav
A traditional military town (or twin-town). After WWII, a number of military formations and facilities
were stationed there. Until 30 December 2003 it was home to the Logistics Headquarters and Air Force
Headquarters. Currently it houses one of the two ACR operational commands, the Support and Training
Forces Command.

Brno
The city’s recent military history has been linked with the 6th Infantry Division (till 1958), 83th Anti-
aircraft Division (1951–1969), 34th Battle Division (1950–1958), 22nd Fighter Division (1958–1961),
the following 2nd Air Defence Division (1961–1994) etc. Currently, since 1 September 2004, the most
significant formation located at Brno has been the University of Defence.

146
Bučovice
The town has had a military garrison since 1936. Between 1938–1939 there was 2nd Bicycle Battalion,
after the war it housed components of artillery and anti-aircraft troops. Subsequently, a Civil Defence
formation was stationed there, re-organised to 74th Rescue and Training Base, as of 1 January 2005
re-designated 155th Rescue Battalion.

Čáslav
The history of the today’s 21st Tactical Air Base goes back to the 1950s. The first aircraft landed at
Čáslav-Chotusice on 26 October 1955. Recently, the airport has been extensively re-constructed. Since
12 March 1999 the base has been the first ACR component to start meeting air defence tasks within
NATINADS.

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Hlučín
The town’s military history goes back to 1935, when permanent fortification of the Czechoslovak border
started to be constructed. After the war, infantry, artillery, tank, anti-aircraft, and automobile units
were located there, and in 1995 to 1997 a garrison formation. Currently, 157th Rescue Battalion is
stationed at Hlučín.

Hradec Králové
In the recent history of the town, there is a long tradition of formations, like the 10th Air Army
Headquarters and the J. E. Purkyně Military Medical Academy. Following re-organisation of military
education, the Academy’s role has been assumed by the Military Medical Faculty of the University
of Defence. The town also houses the Hospital Base and its 7th Field Hospital.

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Jince
The village’s development after WWI has been significantly influenced by a military garrison newly
established there, with a number of artillery formations and construction of a large artillery range in the
forests of Brdy mountains. After WWII, the garrison consisted particularly of artillery units. Currently,
Jince is housing the Command of the 13th Artillery Brigade and its 132nd Artillery Battalion.

Jindřichův Hradec
The military history of the town began in 1882 when the city barracks were built. In various periods
they were housing a dragoon, infantry, rifle, motorised, and 7th “Jan Žižka” Tank Regiment. Today’s
professional soldiers are stationed at the Žižka Barracks. The garrison consists of the 153rd Rescue
Battalion and the 15th Engineer Rescue Brigade.

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Klatovy
After WWII, the 35th Infantry Battalion (later 11th Mobile Rifle Regiment), 8th Artillery Regiment,
2nd Repair Battalion, and since 1976 the 2nd Rocket Launcher Battalion were stationed at Klatovy.
Currently, besides the building of the garrison medical point, the army utilises the Dragoon Barracks;
142nd Repair Battalion is stationed here (subordinated to the Logistic Support Brigade).

Kutná Hora
The beginnings of the town’s recent military history date back to 1955 when 1st Civil Defence Battalion
was re-deployed from Prague to Kutná Hora. In 1990s, the formation was re-formed to 71st Rescue and
Training Base. Within the ACR re-organisation, the base was transformed into 152nd Rescue Battalion
as of 1 April 2004.

150
Liberec
After WWII, two infantry regiments were stationed here. In 1952, the first chemical units arrived;
in 1989 they formed the 1st Chemical Protection Brigade. Currently the garrison accommodates the
31st NBC Protection Brigade Command with subordinated battalions.

Náměšť nad Oslavou

The first unit to be located at Náměšť was the 20th Fighter Regiment in 1959, in July 1961 renamed the
20th Fighter Bomber Regiment. Following air force transformation in 1990s and in 2003, the 22nd Air
Base has remained to be stationed here. Since July 2005 it operates an airport that has gone through
an extensive modernisation.

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Olomouc
The history of the garrison in this town since 1718 is closely connected with military headquarters. The
first was the Military HQ Moravia, in 1990s the Central Military District HQ (1994–1997), ACR Army
HQ (1997–1999), ACR Ground Forces HQ (1999–2003), and the Joint Forces Command has been located
in Olomouc since 1 December 2003.

Pardubice
Military history of this town goes back to 17th century. After WWII, an engineer brigade was stationed
here, and the airfield was used by several air force formations. Currently the 14th Logistic Support
Brigade Command is located there, together with its subordinated 141st Supply Battalion. Future
aircraft and helicopter pilots are being trained at the Air Training Centre.

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Praha
The capital also has a particularly rich military history. The first permanent garrison was stationed
here in 1621. Today, besides the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic and the ACR General Staff,
the Prague Garrison consists of the 24th Transport Aviation Base, Garrison Command Praha, Regional
Military Commands for Prague and Central Bohemian Region, Military Police Main Headquarters, Central
Military Hospital and other formations and facilities.

153
Prostějov
Recent history of the town is connected particularly with airborne troops and helicopter aviation. Today
the Prostějov garrison houses the 601st Special Forces group and the 102nd Reconnaissance Battalion
of the Joint Forces Command. Both formations follow up the tradition of airborne troops fighting side
by side with the Allies in WWII.

Přáslavice
The local military garrison was officially established in 1935; at the time, part of the 2nd and 3rd
Armoured Battalion was located there. Subsequently, a tank battalion was stationed at Přáslavice;
the tradition was assumed by two mechanised battalions. Since 2006, a modern military base will be
constructed near Přáslavice. It is envisaged to accommodate the 7th Mechanised Brigade after 2010.

154
Rakovník
The town’s recent military history is connected with artillery, tank and automobile troops and a civil
defence rescue battalion. From 1996, the 73rd Civil Defence Rescue and Training Base was operating there.
As of 1 January 2005 it was renamed the 154th Rescue Battalion, subordinated to the 15th Engineer
Rescue Brigade.

Strakonice
The local military garrison’s tradition is not long. The town has gained military importance in 1985
when the 9th Anti-aircraft Regiment was relocated there from Lešany and Rožmitál. Subsequently
it went through many transformations, to be replaced by 43rd Anti-aircraft Missile Brigade as of
1 January 2000, which was in July 2003 re-numbered to 25th Anti-aircraft Missile Brigade.

155
Vyškov
A military garrison was established there in 1936, when the 2nd Armoured Mobile Regiment was relocated
and stationed there. A year later, the Armoured Troops Training Facility was relocated to Vyškov; its
tradition and expertise was resumed after WWII by military training institutes and later Ground Forces’
College. Currently the garrison houses the Military Academy and the Training and Doctrines Directorate.

Žatec
The first military garrison was stationed there in 1935. The local airport was built in 1951; from
that year, fighter air force formation had been operating there until 1993. In addition to air force,
formations of anti-aircraft and tank troops were located there. Currently, Žatec houses the command of the
4th Rapid Deployment Brigade and its 41st Mechanised Battalion.

156
157
 CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 3
THE CZECH REPUBLIC 7
BASIC DATA ON THE CZECH REPUBLIC 8
STATE SYMBOLS OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC 10
THE CZECH REPUBLIC’S MEMBERSHIP IN IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS 11
HISTORICAL MILESTONES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CZECH NATIONHOOD 16
Bohemia under the Přemysl dynasty 16
The climax and crisis of the Czech statehood 18
Bohemia of the Estates and consolidation of the Habsburg power 20
The process of National Revival 25
Czechoslovak units in World War One: fighting for independence abroad 26
Emergence of the independent Czechoslovak state and its further development 28
Czechoslovak military units in World War Two 30
Czechoslovakia between 1945 and 1989 32
Transition to a democratic society and emergence of two sovereign states 33
HISTORICAL MONUMENTS – WITNESSES OF RICH HISTORY 34
HOLIDAYS AND IMPORTANT DAYS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC 38
30 JUNE – THE CZECH REPUBLIC’S ARMED FORCES DAY 39

THE ARMED FORCES OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC 43

THE REFORM OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC 46
MODERNISATION PROJECTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARMED FORCES 49
THE ARMED FORCES’ PEACETIME STRUCTURE 54
The Military Office of the President of the Republic and the Castle Guards 56
DEFENCE DEPARTMENT 59
Ministry of Defence 60
Military Intelligence 61
Military Police 62
Accredited Military Education 66

THE ARMED FORCES OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC 73

FULLY PROFESSIONAL ARMED FORCES 75
JOINT FORCES 77
Ground Forces 79
4th Rapid Deployment Brigade 80
7th Mechanised Brigade 81
13th Artillery Brigade 82
102nd Reconnaissance Battalion 83
Ground Forces training 84
Main types of Ground Forces’ equipment 86
Air Force 88
21st Tactical Air Force Base 90
22nd Air Force Base 91
23rd Helicopter Base 92
24th Transportation Air Base 93
25th Anti-aircraft Missile Brigade 94
26th Command, Control and Surveillance Brigade 95

158
 Training of Air Force components 96
Air Force equipment and armament 98
Joint Forces Support Units 102
14th Logistic Support Brigade 103
15th Engineer Rescue Brigade 104
31st NBC Protection Brigade 106
101st Communications Battalion 108
53rd Passive Systems and EW Centre 108
103rd CIMIC/PSYOPS Centre 110
104th Support Battalion 111
SUPPORT AND TRAINING FORCES 113
Support and Training Forces Command 114
Logistic and Medical Support Directorate 116
Training and Doctrines Directorate 120
Personnel Support Directorate 124
Regional Military Commands 125
Active Reserve of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic 127
MILITARY REGIONS AND TRAINING FACILITIES 128
ACR ENGAGEMENT IN MULTINATIONAL OPERATIONS, OBSERVER MISSIONS
AND INTERNATIONAL MILITARY STRUCTURES 131
MILITARY OATH OF ALLEGIANCE 134
MILITARY DECORATIONS 136
UNIFORMS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC 140
PROSPECTIVE MILITARY GARRISONS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC 145

On historical map works

P. 21 – A map of Bohemia by Nicolas Claudianus is the first map of the territorial entity in Central Europe. It is oriented with
south at top; its pictorial part allegorically illustrates the conflicting religious and political situation in the then Bohemian
Kingdom. The map has neither graphic nor ratio scale, and no coordinate frame; an approximate scale is 1 : 650 000.

Pp. 22 and 23 – A map by Paul Aretin has served for more than a century; it was published in just several editions. The author
took into account not only topography, mountains and rivers, but he attempted to record even the territorial division of the
country. The map’s decorativeness is underlined by figural motives – 12 figures in period costumes.
P. 24 – A map by Jan Criginger is the second separate map of Bohemia; it was published by Abraham Ortel in Antwerp. The
map has no coordinate frame, but it is already oriented with north at top. Its approximate scale is 1 : 683 500 and it contains
292 settlements, main rivers and other bodies of water, and also the Říp mountain.

The map by Paul Fabricius is the oldest map of Moravia. Originally it was drawn in a 1 : 288 000 scale, in quite a detailed
manner. The author even conducted astronomical measurements from 1568. This version was published in 1595, again by
Abraham Ortel in Antwerp. The map includes a Latin legend, a scale, and a coordinate frame.

The map from 17th century is made after the Paul Aretin map from 1619 with the orientation towards North. It contains
settlements, main waters, signs of a relief shown by hillocks, vegetation, borders of Bohemia and the then administrative
division into regions. The map has guide lines of a coordinate frame, it is decorated with a two-headed imperial eagle and
a two-tailed Bohemian lion.

An engraving of the map by Jan Amos Komenský (Comenius) was made for the then Dutch atlases. It has a rich informative
contents; it defines the scale and coordinates frame, the terrain is shown by hillocks. It contains almost 500 settlements
differentiated according to their importance. Its scale is about 1 : 470 000.

P. 25 – A map of the Austrian monarchy, created by Karl Czoernig, Freiherr von Czernhausen, was produced and published in
Vienna based on the results of the activities of the Statistics Office between 1829 and1853 (Czoernig was its head). Different
colours stand for individual nationalities settled on the territory of the monarchy.

A general synoptical map of Bohemia and Moravia from a late 19th century atlas. It shows the historical lands of the Czech
state in a 1 : 750 000 scale. It indicates the boundaries of the state and lands, settlements, important roads and railways
and water bodies. The terrain is marked by hatching.
By Drahomír Dušátko

Source: collection of reproductions, Military Geographical Institute Prague.

159
Jaroslav Roušar
THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND ITS PROFESSIONAL ARMED FORCES
The military part of the book was prepared based on AVIS archives and documents provided
by components within the competence of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic.
Expert adviser: Col Václav Vavřich (Ret)

Published by the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic – Military Information and Service Agency (AVIS)
Rooseveltova 23, 161 05 Prague 6
http://www.army.cz

Special Purpose Publications Editorial Office

Project Supervisor: Jiří Šuba
Editor: Jarmila Xaverová
Layout: Jaroslava Lažanová
Translation: Alena Breuerová
Photos: Jiří Hokův, Radko Janata, Jan Kouba, Marie Křížová, Vladimír Marek, Jaroslav Pajer,
Jan Procházka, Jaroslav Roušar, Tomáš Soušek, Michal Zdobinský, archives of ACR components and AVIS
Dispatched to printer: 22 March 2006
Printed by: BARAS – Východočeská tiskárna, spol. s r. o., Sezemice

It is prohibited to copy, translate and multiply this publication

without prior consent of the publisher.
NOT FOR SALE