Photo By Sgt. Kelvin Johnson | New Cadets learn the fundamentals of the M4 Carbine at The Plain, on West Point, NY...... read more read more
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Story and photos by Spc. Kelvin Johnson
40th Public Affairs Detachment
Learning how to fire a weapon was a nerve-racking experience for the new cadets as they received an education on how to fire an M-4 Carbine rifle between July 6-13 at Washington Hall.
During the training, cadets were taught weapon safety, how to disassemble and reassemble the M4, techniques on how to fire, and more before they go use that knowledge at the firing ranges.
“We start with preliminary marksmanship instruction,” Staff Sgt. David Clavijo, a squad leader with 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team “Rakkasans,ˮ 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), said. “The goal is to get these cadets familiarized with everything so they can have the tools they need to be successful. ˮ
Clavijo added that new cadets who have never fired rifles might be uncomfortable when handed a weapon. During this process, if a cadet is nervous, he suggested they remain calm, breathe and ask questions. This process allowed them to relax and retain the information that he gives them.
He coordinated the training in a way that allowed the new cadets to understand and perform all actions correctly before firing live rounds.
Firstly, they learned how to clean a dirty weapon to prevent malfunctions. Then the cadets were taught how to perform function checks to ensure the weapon was usable.
“It takes time to be a very good shooter but with the right fundamentals and practice, it allows them to know they are being set on a path to success,” Clavijo said. “Seeing them want to get better and being committed to each training session is breathtaking.”
Throughout the process, cadets committed themselves to every aspect of the fundamentals, including breathing techniques, trigger squeeze, where to place your head when aiming, and body position.
In preparation for firing live rounds, cadets tested what they learned at the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST) tent, which is designed to simulate live-weapon training events that directly support individual and crew-served weapons qualification, including individual marksmanship, small unit collective and judgmental escalation-of-force exercises in a controlled environment.
Furthermore, this training provides detailed feedback to the individual fire team/squad that covers the fundamentals of marksmanship, fire control, and distribution of fires.
“The (EST) is where cadets come to test what they have learned at a normal qualification standard,” said Sgt. Dalton Raudonis, with 1-187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team 101st ADAA. “The (EST) may not be realistic when it comes to recoil, but it is very sensitive. It sharpens the fundamentals. Little mistakes are big mistakes on the computer so we can correct them before going to a live range.”
Moreover, some fundamentals the EST can correct are sight picture, trigger squeeze, body position, follow-through, and more.
“Firing fundamentals are important, it allows you to be accurate and precise,” Raudonis said. “Some important examples are breathing and trigger squeeze.”
Raudonis added while breathing, the cadet needs to be consistent with the trigger pull. If one is going to fire his or her rifle, his or her breathing technique must remain steady. Otherwise, you might have trouble aiming while trying to hit your target.
Another example was trigger squeeze. When firing, if a cadet places his or her finger too deep into the trigger slot, it can negatively affect the direction of the rifle when a round is fired.
“It is good that the cadets come to (EST) first to sharpen their fundamental and safety skills,” Raudonis said. “They also practice the correct way to manipulate their weapon. It decreases the chance of having a negligent discharge or an unsafe incident on live ranges.”
After multiple training sessions, cadets went to live ranges to zero in on their targets and qualify.
“I thought the instructors were super professional,” New Cadet Reese Farrell said. “They took their time, developed our confidence, and made sure we understood every aspect of training.”
Each teaching station was different. The Task Force taught the class in a crawl, walk, run method so each new cadet could properly learn how to use the rifle and uphold safety measures while firing live rounds.
“Even though we learned the majority of the skills outside on the range, the EST was most memorable,” Farrell said. “We learned all the motions and positions at the range, but it was a process to understand all the facets that go into firing a weapon. (EST) gave us (cadets) a real sense of what was to come and how it needed to be executed.”
He added that EST helps one understand the safety procedures, reloading, firing, and what to do if a weapon misfires.
“This training helped a lot. Not only did we learn the fundamentals, but it allowed me to be confident,” Farrell concluded. “I am confident my training put me in the best position to succeed and be an extraordinary shooter.”
| Date Taken: | 07.06.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 07.18.2022 10:36 |
| Story ID: | 424872 |
| Location: | WEST POINT , NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 172 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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