Only theoretical knowledge

N. Korean armored vehicle overturns during military exercise, leading to injuries

“With somebody unused to armored vehicles taking the wheel, an accident was inevitable,” a source told Daily NK

As for the cause of the accident, the source said the soldiers in question ordinarily learn only theoretical knowledge about armored vehicles; they had been unable to engage in proper driving practice due to fuel shortages.

Hmm – so the accident may have occurred because the driver only had theoretical knowledge. In a much wider context this seems to be a global problem. The parallels become even more marked.

The source said North Korean mechanized units do not ordinarily carry out driving exercises or drills because armored vehicles guzzle fuel, adding that commanders are busy filling their own pockets by selling the oil they receive for drills.

“This being the case, it’s difficult to imagine soldiers improving their driving skills,” he said.

The source further explained that simply serving in a technical branch of the military does not ensure that soldiers actually learn the skills they are supposed to learn.