Land Forces Training Center Drawsko

The Drawsko Land Forces Training Center, commonly known as the Drawsko Training Ground, is a major military training area located in the southern part of the Drawsko Pomorskie municipality and the northern part of the Kalisz Pomorski municipality. Opened on February 2, 1946, it covers an area of 33,968 hectares, of which 11,420 hectares are designated as the operational training area. The facility serves as a training site for both land forces and air forces, where tactical and shooting exercises are conducted. Historically, the unit has undergone several transformations, starting as the Artillery Training Ground Command in Jelenin, later becoming the II District Artillery Range, and then the Central Training Camp. The unofficial name "Drawsko Training Ground" was adopted in the 1950s. The facility has also hosted troops from other NATO countries, highlighting its international significance; the first NATO exercises took place here in 1996. The structure of the Drawsko Land Forces Training Center includes various training ranges and shooting ranges, such as Mielno, Bucierz, and Góra Hetmańska, as well as specialized centers for training in areas such as chemical defense and sapper engineering. The training ground has also been used for the launch of certain experimental rockets, demonstrating its versatility. An important cultural aspect is the unit’s adopted traditions, including the introduction of commemorative badges and the establishment of the unit’s holiday on May 29. Additionally, the training ground is home to the largest and best-preserved Wielbark culture burial site in Europe, adding historical value to the location. The commanders of the training ground have changed over the years, with the current commander, Lieutenant Colonel Andrzej Niegmański, serving since 2022. Due to its long history, diverse functions, and international significance, the Drawsko Training Ground is a fascinating example of a place where history, military traditions, and modern technology converge.