thedrifter
10-16-07, 11:14 AM
As the Marine rifleman waits patiently for the enemy to show himself from behind cover, he must have the tools and skills to quickly observe and engage the enemy in various environments and conditions. That is why Marines from Marine Special Operations Advisor Group, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conducted familiarization training with new, state-of-the-art optical equipment at the base stables and Range L-5 here, Oct. 11.
A field and training team from U.S. Special Operations Command taught Marines how to use the equipment and conducted hands-on training in the classroom and on the firing range.
One of the key advances in the new optics is the ability to change out scopes without requiring adjustments to the sights.
“All the old optics equipment used to have different adjustments for windage and elevation, and they’re not only becoming better able to engage the enemy quicker because of the observation, but it keeps the same windage and elevation adjustments,” said Gunnery Sgt. Troy F. Schielein, Force Modernization Training Chief with MSOAG. “We used to have to carry ‘cheat cards’ in our pockets to know our adjustments.”
By simply mounting a night vision attachment in line with the day scope, Marines can transition seamlessly from day to night combat. This maintains their efficiency and further ensures that equipment maintenance doesn’t deter from the mission.
The new optics, designed for use on the M4A1 assault rifle, included a night vision device, a laser device which emits visible or infrared lasers for targeting, a day scope used for long range and close quarters battle, a reflex sight used for CQB, and a thermal sight which can be either hand-held or mounted and is used for heat-sensitive imaging.
“It’s all to maximize the effectiveness of the warfighter,” said Jim Sheehan, a senior trainer with the SOCOM field and training team. “It gives them more abilities and more options.”
Sheehan, a former U.S. Army Special Forces member, said this equipment is designed to be smaller and lighter than the old equipment.
“The new optics offer whole new observation techniques on the battlefield, whether it is close quarters or long range battle environments,” said Schielein. “They allow you to get the weapon on target in both environments.”
Schielein said the introduction of this new equipment to MARSOC helps standardize equipment throughout SOCOM’s component commands and modernizes MARSOC warriors to better fight the Global War on Terrorism.
“We need to focus on the fact that we’re all infantrymen,” said Schielein. “Any tool that can offer a better advantage on the battlefield is good for the infantrymen of special operations.”
Active duty Marines and Sailors interested in joining MARSOC can contact the Marine Special Operations School at (910) 450-3349/3123 (DSN 750-3349/3123) or visit us online at www.marsoc.usmc.mil/recruiting.
A field and training team from U.S. Special Operations Command taught Marines how to use the equipment and conducted hands-on training in the classroom and on the firing range.
One of the key advances in the new optics is the ability to change out scopes without requiring adjustments to the sights.
“All the old optics equipment used to have different adjustments for windage and elevation, and they’re not only becoming better able to engage the enemy quicker because of the observation, but it keeps the same windage and elevation adjustments,” said Gunnery Sgt. Troy F. Schielein, Force Modernization Training Chief with MSOAG. “We used to have to carry ‘cheat cards’ in our pockets to know our adjustments.”
By simply mounting a night vision attachment in line with the day scope, Marines can transition seamlessly from day to night combat. This maintains their efficiency and further ensures that equipment maintenance doesn’t deter from the mission.
The new optics, designed for use on the M4A1 assault rifle, included a night vision device, a laser device which emits visible or infrared lasers for targeting, a day scope used for long range and close quarters battle, a reflex sight used for CQB, and a thermal sight which can be either hand-held or mounted and is used for heat-sensitive imaging.
“It’s all to maximize the effectiveness of the warfighter,” said Jim Sheehan, a senior trainer with the SOCOM field and training team. “It gives them more abilities and more options.”
Sheehan, a former U.S. Army Special Forces member, said this equipment is designed to be smaller and lighter than the old equipment.
“The new optics offer whole new observation techniques on the battlefield, whether it is close quarters or long range battle environments,” said Schielein. “They allow you to get the weapon on target in both environments.”
Schielein said the introduction of this new equipment to MARSOC helps standardize equipment throughout SOCOM’s component commands and modernizes MARSOC warriors to better fight the Global War on Terrorism.
“We need to focus on the fact that we’re all infantrymen,” said Schielein. “Any tool that can offer a better advantage on the battlefield is good for the infantrymen of special operations.”
Active duty Marines and Sailors interested in joining MARSOC can contact the Marine Special Operations School at (910) 450-3349/3123 (DSN 750-3349/3123) or visit us online at www.marsoc.usmc.mil/recruiting.