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NORFOLK, Va. - The muffled noise of gunfire can be heard as you
approach the gun range at the Center for Security Forces
(CENSECFOR). A row of Sailors lay in prone position, guns aimed down
range, eyes on their targets.
These Sailors are enrolled at
CENSECFOR's Crew-Served Weapons Instructor Course, using innovative
training rounds at a new gun range on Joint Expeditionary Base
Little Creek-Fort Story.
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December 18, 2015 - All Hands Magazine graphic for CENSECFOR crew-served weapons instructor course. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy Starr)
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The course trains Sailors how to use several different
crew served weapons, such as the .50-caliber, MK48 and M240L
machine guns.They will also learn how to facilitate the
training they learn here when they return to their parent
commands.
“Once they get here, they learn to
effectively train fleet Sailors on how to operate, maintain
and employ these weapon systems,” said Chief Master-at-Arms
Thomas Pruter, course manager for CENSECFOR Operation and
Maintenance for the course. “The course is open to pretty
much anybody, as long as they have all of the prerequisites
for the class. Though, it's usually someone who's confident
with weapons.”
This new range
location enables students the opportunity to shoot targets
at a shorter range and allows for the use of new,
non-aerodynamic short-range training ammunition (SRTA) that
forces Sailors to shoot with greater precision.
“[The range] is a great tool for us,” said Pruter. “We don't
have to drive all the way to Quantico, we can just come out
here and shoot.”
The class aims to prevent deficiency
in weapons knowledge that could render ships inadequate to
defend themselves.
“Once I get back to my ship, I'm
going to be the only crew-served weapons instructor there,”
said Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Patrick Ramos, attached to the
Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).
“I'm going to be able to go back to my ship and teach
everyone how to use these guns the right way, from the
master-at-arms to security to everyone standing watches with
these machine guns.”
The course begins with Sailors
spending two weeks learning basic gun operation, such as how
to disassemble and assemble their weapons, condition codes
and preliminary aspects of gun use. Sailors spend the third
and fourth week using the guns at the ranges, learning how
to properly aim and troubleshoot the weapons.
“It's
awesome; I like the way the instructors teach the course
material,” said Ramos. “At times, it's a lot to take in, but
they put it in a way that you can retain it.”
CENSECFOR's Crew-Served Weapons Instructor Course draws in
over 200 students per year, training a high volume of
Sailors to operate small weapons both aboard ships and
ashore. Sailors who complete the course earn the navy
enlisted classification of crew-served weapons instructor
(NEC 0814) and the responsibility of teaching Sailors in the
fleet how to use some of its most common weapons within four
weeks.
By U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy Starr
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2016
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