In early October, the Saint Martin International Reconnaissance Competition 2024 was held in Hungary. Sponsored by the HDF 2nd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Regiment (ISR), the competition has a tradition spanning more than a decade and annually hosts participants from various European countries. This year, the 102nd Reconnaissance Battalion excelled, with a seven-member team from Prostejov bringing home several gold trophies.

Several teams from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Slovenia, and host country Hungary competed in this year’s event. The competition spanned three days, with each day dedicated to specific disciplines and the announcement of daily winners. The first day focused on shooting after physical exertion within a limited time. The second day featured the "royal" discipline — a 35 km cross-country run with a 15 kg load and an elevation gain of nearly 2,000 meters. On the third day, teams completed a 6x1,000-meter relay run with a gun in adverse conditions. Each discipline tested the competitors' various abilities.

Explorer J.F. rated the "royal" discipline as the most challenging: "The hardest part was definitely the movement. Time was against us, and the disciplines consumed a significant part of it. Plus, the waterlogged ground, where running downhill sometimes felt like skiing, and non-existent roads made it even harder. Fallen trees were everywhere, and you had to climb over them. It was grueling." His colleague J.J. added: "At the end of the second day, we had two options: either complete the 5.5 km on the paved road within an hour or descend the cliff, shortening the journey by more than 3 km. The only thing mentioned was that the incline was so steep you couldn't calculate it from the map, but we knew we'd be sliding on our backsides. So, we started running, and it became clear... things were going well."

The 102nd Reconnaissance Battalion team consisted of seven competitors and one commander. The key to their success was their cohesion and ability to work together. In the marksmanship event, the "Hundred Troopers" secured two first places — one for overall placement and another for best shooter, won by competitor J.J. The Prostejov team also won the "royal" discipline and were the only ones to meet all the conditions, decisively securing first place overall. In the relay race, they outperformed most teams, finishing in fourth place. Altogether, they took home four gold trophies.

"It's just like sports. When you have a team, it shows. And that’s how it is with us. We know each other, we’re used to each other, we set our egos aside, we know how to ask for help, and we work together. That’s the right way," said M.J., reflecting on the team’s performance.

Despite tough competition, the 102nd Reconnaissance Battalion proved to be a formidable opponent, fully deserving their victory. Each competition offers valuable experience that enhances the level of training, which then serves as a foundation for similar performances in the future.