FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PA – Enhancing combat readiness through expert instruction, Soldiers of the Pennsylvania National Guard’s Individual Training Branch and Marksmanship Training Unit recently concluded a comprehensive crew-served weapons course held from January 19th to February 2nd at Fort Indiantown Gap.
The intensive course brought together 28 participants, predominantly noncommissioned officers alongside officers and junior enlisted personnel. The curriculum was meticulously designed to equip these soldiers with the knowledge and skills necessary for planning and executing effective unit marksmanship training. Key areas of focus included range operations and a deep dive into machine gun theory and practical competencies. Students engaged in hands-on evaluations and live fire exercises utilizing a range of powerful weapons systems, namely the M249, M240B, M2A1, and Mk19.
Sgt. 1st Class Rani Doucette, the Individual Training Branch noncommissioned officer-in-charge and primary instructor for the course, emphasized the critical relevance of this training. “The Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s contemporary operational theaters and deployment missions necessitate subject matter experts proficient in Crew Served weapons, whether in static positions or mounted on vehicles,” Sgt. 1st Class Doucette stated. “This course delivers an in-depth understanding to leaders in the field, empowering them to return to their units and train their forces to meet these demands effectively.”
This crew-served weapons course, alongside its counterpart focusing on individual weapons, operates on a train-the-trainer model. Upon successful completion, graduates return to their units as subject matter authorities, capable of disseminating their expertise. Furthermore, graduates become eligible to serve as their unit marksmanship master trainer (UMMT), playing a pivotal role in advising commanders on unit marksmanship training strategies. UMMTs act as crucial liaisons between the Marksmanship Training Unit and individual units, thereby amplifying the MTU’s reach throughout the state and ensuring consistent standards of training.
Sgt. Michael Swinehart, from the 108th Field Artillery Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, underscored the practical implications of expert weapons handling. “Without a qualified weapons expert in a unit, malfunctions, damage, or even unsafe situations can arise,” Sgt. Swinehart explained, highlighting the course’s importance in mitigating such risks.
Recognizing the ongoing need for this specialized training, the Individual Training Branch and Marksmanship Training Unit, which have conducted this course annually since replacing the legacy small arms weapons expert course in 2021, are now planning to double their efforts. The crew-served weapons course is slated to be offered at least twice a year to meet the growing demand.
Spc. Tyler Kase, CSWC assistant instructor with the Ambassador Demonstration Team, highlighted the rigorous selection and training environment. “We look for motivation and dedication. If we observe a lack thereof, we address it directly,” Spc. Kase noted, emphasizing the cadre’s commitment to maintaining a positive and driven learning atmosphere. The course demands resilience, proceeding regardless of challenging weather conditions, visibility, or time of day, pushing both students and staff to operate effectively in cold, snowy, windy, and nighttime environments.
Doucette noted the positive feedback from students, stating, “The students expressed significant satisfaction with the hands-on weapon time in adverse weather and night-fire ranges. They recognized these scenarios, often overlooked, as crucial for achieving comprehensive Soldier proficiencies.” The demanding environment and practical exercises are designed to instill a deep understanding of complex weapon systems.
The success of the crew-served weapons course at Fort Indiantown Gap is rooted in the dedication and collaborative spirit of both students and cadre. “When you have Soldiers that are dedicated and working together, it genuinely amplifies motivation,” Swinehart concluded, reflecting on the teamwork that underpinned the intensive training program designed to strengthen the Pennsylvania National Guard’s capabilities with crew-served weapons.
