Photo By Sgt. Alexander Mitchell | A Marine with II Marine Expeditionary Force performs a speed reload with an M9 service...... read more read more
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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force conducted an M9 Service Pistol qualification course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 7, 2015. The pistol course included targets that resemble a human torso, fast paced and timed firing sections and holstering your weapon after performing mechanical evaluations of the pistol.
More than 40 Marines from 8th Communications Battalion, 2nd Intelligence Battalion, 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, 2nd Marines Headquarters Group and 2nd Radio Battalion participated in the pistol course.
“This pistol range is structured towards preparing Marines to draw from the holster before each shot,” said Cpl. Christian Grissom, a Combat Marksmanship Trainer with 2nd Marine Headquarters Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force. “Rather than the old course where Marines would shoot at a circle target for points, this course focuses on shooting at a human-shaped target while conducting mechanical checks on the pistol before holstering again.”
Before engaging the target, Marines draw their pistol from the holster, aim down range and fire. Once completed Marines pull the slide back to check the chamber for the next round, perform a magazine check to ensure rounds are loaded, put the weapon on safe and holster their pistol for the next course of fire.
“Shooting today felt more like a combat situation,” said Lance Cpl. Daniel Sward, a motor technician representative with 8th Communication Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force. “You’re not going to know where the enemy is at all times, so practicing from the holster prepares us for any situation that we may come across and helps keep us in a combat mindset.”
While in combat, Marines usually have their pistol holstered and rifles at the ready. During a time of need to use their pistol, Marines need to be confident in removing it fast and firing quick and accurate shots to eliminate potential risks.
The M9 pistol course focused on accurate and timely shots that were geared toward combat scenarios. This connection can help Marines maintain confidence and readiness during high-speed moments, Grissom said.
Some Marines are new to this course, and preparing for a new shooting style or rules changes can be a challenging adjustment.
“Marines should ask questions to their instructors when they feel they don’t understand something or are struggling to get that round into the kill shot zone,” said Sward. “The instructors are there for the shooters, they want Marines to fully understand and be qualified to properly handle the weapon and engage targets.”
| Date Taken: | 04.07.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 04.08.2015 13:51 |
| Story ID: | 159425 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 206 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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