thedrifter
09-02-05, 12:21 PM
Not just a video game
2nd Force Service Support Group
Story by Lance Cpl. Joel Abshier
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC (Sept. 2, 2005) -- Marines deploying within 2nd Force Service Support Group for Operation Iraqi Freedom III hold tight schedules everyday with pre-deployment training, obtaining gear, as well as various personal issues, which can make it difficult for service members to make it to the range in order to hone their weapon skills.
Luckily, there is a place that enables service members to school-up on the weapon systems they may use in Iraq without signing for a weapon at the armory, waiting at zero-dark-thirty for the bus to arrive or worrying about whether or not your groups are tight enough.
The 2nd FSSG Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer-Enhanced is the opportune place for Marines to build their confidence with weapons such as the M-16A2 service rifle, M-4 carbine assault rifle, M-9 service pistol, M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon, M-240G medium machine gun, MK-19 automatic grenade launcher, M-2 .50 caliber heavy machine gun, AT-4 anti-armor weapon, Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon, M-203 grenade launcher, Predator assault weapon, shotguns and mortars.
“The ISMT is important because it helps Marines, who don’t necessarily have the opportunity to go the range, feel comfortable with the weapons,” said Cpl. Bobbie L. Custer, an ISMT instructor with Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2nd FSSG. “We just don’t watch them shoot; we also explain how to operate and maintain the weapons as well as how to react in the case of a misfire.”
Marines fire the laser-fitted weapons at simulated targets that are projected on large screens. To many the ISMT is almost like a video game according to Custer.
“Although it seems like a video game, it is the closest and safest way to simulate scenarios in a safe environment without ever being in an actual combat situation,” Custer said.
The ISMT can give 2nd FSSG service members training that they would not normally have time for, such as clearing rooms and military operations in urban, desert, mountain or forest terrains, according to Custer.
There are also scenarios up on the screen called ‘shoot/no-shoot scenarios,’ where there is an enemy standing next to someone who is innocent. It helps you know how to recognize and react in those situations. It also goes into how to call for artillery fire and mortar fire, what we call forward-observer training, according to Custer.
“The ISMT can calm the shooters and help them relax because they can shoot weapons at their own speed.” Custer said. “We have many simulations that the Marines can do, however, our focus here is ensuring they are comfortable when they are handed a weapon when they get to Iraq.”
Ellie
2nd Force Service Support Group
Story by Lance Cpl. Joel Abshier
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC (Sept. 2, 2005) -- Marines deploying within 2nd Force Service Support Group for Operation Iraqi Freedom III hold tight schedules everyday with pre-deployment training, obtaining gear, as well as various personal issues, which can make it difficult for service members to make it to the range in order to hone their weapon skills.
Luckily, there is a place that enables service members to school-up on the weapon systems they may use in Iraq without signing for a weapon at the armory, waiting at zero-dark-thirty for the bus to arrive or worrying about whether or not your groups are tight enough.
The 2nd FSSG Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer-Enhanced is the opportune place for Marines to build their confidence with weapons such as the M-16A2 service rifle, M-4 carbine assault rifle, M-9 service pistol, M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon, M-240G medium machine gun, MK-19 automatic grenade launcher, M-2 .50 caliber heavy machine gun, AT-4 anti-armor weapon, Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon, M-203 grenade launcher, Predator assault weapon, shotguns and mortars.
“The ISMT is important because it helps Marines, who don’t necessarily have the opportunity to go the range, feel comfortable with the weapons,” said Cpl. Bobbie L. Custer, an ISMT instructor with Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2nd FSSG. “We just don’t watch them shoot; we also explain how to operate and maintain the weapons as well as how to react in the case of a misfire.”
Marines fire the laser-fitted weapons at simulated targets that are projected on large screens. To many the ISMT is almost like a video game according to Custer.
“Although it seems like a video game, it is the closest and safest way to simulate scenarios in a safe environment without ever being in an actual combat situation,” Custer said.
The ISMT can give 2nd FSSG service members training that they would not normally have time for, such as clearing rooms and military operations in urban, desert, mountain or forest terrains, according to Custer.
There are also scenarios up on the screen called ‘shoot/no-shoot scenarios,’ where there is an enemy standing next to someone who is innocent. It helps you know how to recognize and react in those situations. It also goes into how to call for artillery fire and mortar fire, what we call forward-observer training, according to Custer.
“The ISMT can calm the shooters and help them relax because they can shoot weapons at their own speed.” Custer said. “We have many simulations that the Marines can do, however, our focus here is ensuring they are comfortable when they are handed a weapon when they get to Iraq.”
Ellie