29 July, Vitebsk Region /Diana Kurilo - BELTA/. Members of the Permanent Council under the CSTO, led by CSTO Secretary General Nikolai Bordyuzha, are participating in observing the progress of trials for the right to be awarded the "Valor and Skill" badge. The trials are taking place at the training ground of the 103rd Guards Separate Mobile Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus, reports a BELTA correspondent. The "Valor and Skill" badge is awarded to the most deserving servicemen of the Belarusian army who have demonstrated excellent theoretical knowledge and superb physical fitness. The badge was established in 2004, and since then, a total of 43 servicemen have been awarded it. 31 candidates were admitted to the current trials. Only 6 individuals reached the final stage. Members of the Permanent Council under the CSTO will also familiarize themselves with the combat readiness level of the mobile brigade and its technical equipment. At the training ground, participants will observe the actions of servicemen of the special operations forces of the Armed Forces of Belarus, episodes of combat deployment of units, and tactical shooting. The trip is organized on the initiative of the Belarusian side within the framework of the ongoing presidency of the Republic of Belarus in the CSTO. The visit to the 103rd Guards Separate Mobile Brigade aims to continue familiarizing partners in the Organization with the capabilities of national armed forces in implementing practical tasks for ensuring collective security. A similar trip took place in April 2010 to the 98th Guards Airborne Division of the Armed Forces of Russia.-0-

BELTA