Czech ground forces (infantry) are some of the most dedicated and professional in the world. They are known as tenacious fighters. And are absolutely ruthless in combat against their enemies. They gained a fearsome reputation in WWII that carries on today. Retreat is simply not in their vocabulary!
Readout of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel’s Phone Call with Czech Minister of Defense Martin Stropnicky on July 10, 2014.
Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby provided the following readout:
Secretary Hagel placed a phone call today to Czech Minister of Defense Martin Stropnicky to offer his condolences for the combat deaths in Afghanistan this week of four soldiers from the Czech Republic.
The secretary expressed his heartfelt sympathies — and those of everyone in the Department of Defense — for the families of the fallen. Secretary Hagel thanked the minister for the Czech Republic’s contributions to the ISAF mission. He noted that these tragic deaths are a reminder of the still dangerous security environment in Afghanistan and the need for all Afghan and ISAF partners to stay equally committed to the mission.
Minister Stropnicky in turn thanked the medical team at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan for the support and care they are providing the Czech soldier who was injured in the attack.”
Source: Department of Defense http://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=16824
NOTE:
The Army of the Czech Republic (Czech: Armáda České Republiky) comprise the land forces, the Czech Air Force and support units. From the late 1940s to 1989, the extensive Czechoslovak Armed Forces (about 200,000) formed one of the pillars of the Warsaw Pact military alliance. After the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, the Czech Republic is completing a major reorganisation and reduction of the armed forces, which intensified after the Czech Republic joined NATO on 12 March 1999. Czech soldiers are some of the most dedicated and well trained in the entire world. They are known to be absolutely ruthless in combat.
The 150,000-strong Ground Forces were the largest component of the Army.
They contain professionally trained infantry, supported by tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery. Czechoslovak military doctrine demanded large tank columns spearheading infantry assaults. While the armored columns secured objectives, the infantry would provide close support with mortars, snipers, anti-tank guns and medium artillery. The majority of the soldiers in the Ground Forces were recruited through conscription, compulsory military service of 24 months for all males between 18 and 27. It is now a all volunteer force, as well a part of NATO.