CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan -- Marines from 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, send rounds down range on Camp Hansen Sept. 27-30 in preparation for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.
“The purpose of this training is to help us be more technically and tactically proficient with crew-served and individual weapons so that once we are in country we can accomplish the mission more efficiently,” said an officer with 3rd Intel. Bn.
The third day of training consisted of 22 Marines using M4 carbines and M9 pistols with night vision goggles and PEQ-15 laser sights to engage targets during the Table 3 course of fire at night. The course of fire simulates real-life situations a Marine might encounter in combat and involves movement to contact drills with Marines firing at targets while moving, going from the standing to kneeling position and pivoting 90 degrees to face targets.
The Marines honed their marksmanship skills conducting hammered pairs, controlled pairs and failure to stop drills, from 25 to 7 meters. The drills consist of consecutive or separate shots to the chest or head of targets. The Marines also practiced transition firing, which involve switching from the rifle to pistol while shooting.
“We’re going to be patrolling at night in country with a chance that we might encounter enemy forces, so it’s good to familiarize ourselves with night firing,” said a staff noncommissioned officer with 3rd Intel. Bn.
The Marines’ fourth day of weapons training consisted of firing two machine guns, the M249 squad automatic weapon and the M240G medium machine gun.
“The most important thing for them to take from this training is be comfortable with the weapons so they can see how easy the weapons are operated when used properly,” said Staff Sgt. Leo A. Hunnicutt, a weapons and tactics instructor with Tactics and Readiness Training, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III MEF.
Marines practiced adjusting their sites to targets of various ranges while firing both of the weapons and changing position from standing and kneeling during the shoot with the SAW’s.
Overall, the training went very well with no safety or weapons issues, according to Hunnicutt.
“They did an outstanding job and made the most of the training,” he added. “Most of these guys are very well experienced so nothing less could be expected.”