MP Co., Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Camp Courtney SAF, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, combined to put 66 Marines through an M1014 joint service combat shotgun course of fire as part of their unit training and readiness program. 

“The purpose of the range was to help the Marines refine their handling and employment of the weapons system, as well as improve their proficiency and accuracy,” said 2nd Lt. Eric Russell, a platoon commander with MP Co.

The Marines of MP Co. became familiar with the M1014 shotgun to expand their operational capabilities in a forward-deployed environment and allow them to tailor their weapon to the requirements of each mission.

“As field MPs, we don’t operate the shotgun as much as SAF or (Provost Marshal’s Office MPs), but we still employ the weapon for clearing and breaching in country,” said Russell. “On raids, we can use the shotgun to shoot out the lock and hinges on a door and use the weapon for room clearing.”

MP Co. Marines could also employ M1014s at entry control and vehicle checkpoints in forward-deployed environments similar to how SAF Marines provide gate security in garrison, according to Russell.

The Marines of SAF joined MP Co. to meet quarterly SAF shotgun qualification requirements, according to 2nd Lt. Daniel E. English, a platoon commander with SAF.

SAF carries the M1014 while augmenting existing Camp Courtney security at the gates and during patrols, according to Sgt. Tracy L. Jones, sergeant of the guard, SAF. Learning how to operate the shotgun is a part of every SAF Marine’s training, added Jones.

The shotgun training evolution consisted of both classroom and practical application sessions.

“We went over the nomenclature of the weapon, weapons function, (disassembly and assembly), weapons handling and immediate and remedial action for malfunctions in a classroom environment, before coming out here for the (familiarization fire),” said Russell.

The Marines of both units utilized the standing position to fire from ranges of 12-and 30-yards, using bird shot and slugs, to engage silhouette targets during the live fire.

The Marines would not use bird shot during security or combat operations, but would instead choose between buckshot and slug ammunition depending on mission requirements, according to English.

Being able to use specialized rounds depending on the operating environment adds to the versatility of the M1014 and grants the Marines of SAF and MP Co. an even greater ability to adapt to their environment, carrying the best weapons system possible for the mission, he said. 

“We utilize weapons systems based on the mission,” said Russel. “The shotgun adds to our operational capabilities and allows us to tailor our weapons for the mission at hand.”