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Soldiers Sharpen Skills with New Marksmanship System
Mike Strasser
NCOs Graduate From Laser Marksmanship Training Course
"We have Soldiers in combat every day, and one of their most important items with them is their weapon. At any given time, a Soldier must be prepared to pick up that next weapon system, be familiar with it, and be able to fire with it. This system is a good way to train Soldiers to accomplish that."
- Command Sgt. Maj. Delice Liggon, NCOA Commandant
Conventional marksmanship training employs such methods as placing a dime washer at the end of a rifle barrel followed by countless trips up and down range to zero a rifle.
Technology has innovated this practice, and many noncommissioned officers saw the benefits of an advanced training system last week during a four day course on the Laser Marksmanship Training System.
Hosted by the Noncommissioned Officer Academy at their newest training facility on Rear Access Road, 23 NCOs graduated from the marksmanship course using the Laser Marksmanship Training System.
The LMTS uses a laser device which attaches to a weapon and electro-optic targets that detect the laser pulse from short or long distances. The system uses software that controls target functions and immediately displays training results.
"The LMTS is great because it reduces time spent on live fire ranges, saves live ammo, increases the number of first-time-go rates, and improves unit qualifications and readiness levels significantly," said NCOA Commandant Command Sgt. Maj. Delice Liggon. "This training is outstanding because Soldiers are afforded the opportunity to see, utilize and understand the system, and in some cases, learn to instruct others on LMTS."
During the four-day course, NCOs received instructions from the MPRI BeamHit system trainers before being tested on their ability to guide each other through the training. Familiarization with the system included equipment tests, troubleshooting and software instruction.
Senior trainer Steve Wellman, an Army Reservist and former drill instructor, said that time-tested methods are as important to Soldier training as technologically advanced ones. But the advantage of the LMTS is that it can pinpoint with accuracy and immediacy a Soldier's strengths and weaknesses in marksmanship.
Sgt 1st Class Gerald Daniel, NCOA instructor agreed that instant feedback is an invaluable feature. "With this system, we can evaluate and identify everything all at once, rather than having to do a separate drill for each technique," said Daniel. "It gives better results with instant feedback, and that installs more confidence in Soldiers when they have a greater capability of zeroing and qualifying with that weapon system."
The Soldiers rotated through different roles, playing the marksmen or the NCO in charge of observing the Soldiers firing, grading their marksmanship and using the system's software to show the Soldiers how they performed and what they need to adjust.
The Soldiers also trained on other weapons, including the 9-mm pistol and the M-249. Activities included indoor and outdoor weapons training with popup targets, and clearing a room with a three-Soldier team.
Liggon also emphasized the versatility of training that the LMTS will provide to Soldiers prior to live-fire qualification. "I think that's another great aspect of this system because often when you go to the range and try to zero your weapon, it takes so much time and so much ammunition," said Liggon. "This corrects those concerns and also affords Soldiers the opportunity to conduct the training anywhere, indoor or outdoors and in any weather condition."
Staff Sgt. Gwendolyn Beauford, NCOA, felt it was necessary training because one of the roles of an NCO is to become proficient in the latest equipment so they can teach other Soldiers. "Anytime we get the opportunity to enhance our readiness with our combat skills, it's an opportunity to increase Army readiness in the mission at hand," said Beauford.
Using advanced training systems like LMTS and virtual convoy training are assets that will strengthen Soldier skills, said Liggon. "I think it has been amazing how well Soldiers adapt to new technology," said Liggon. "As the Army continues to bring in technology into the training, it great to see Soldiers have an opportunity to train and learn from it."
Copyrighted (c) 2006 U.S. Army. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Reprinted courtesy of Ft. Lee. pao@lee.army.mil
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LMTS
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