Photo By Cpl. Scott Whiting | A Marine with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, loads...... read more read more
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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - The sound of light armored vehicle fire could be heard all over the ranges as 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, participated in some friendly competition aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 11, 2013.
The training began in the morning as LAV crewmen prepared their vehicles – loading rounds and testing engine diagnostics in the hopes of winning the contest.
“(March 11) was our Top Gun qualification,” said Sgt. Ryan Accornero, an LAV crewman with Company B, 2nd LAR. “All the companies go out to compete. This year, we had a lot of superior crews.”
Companies B and C each had two LAV crews participating in the Top Gun competition, and the stakes were high.
Accornero explained that the winning crew received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, along with a 96-hour liberty period. Each team was eager to take home such a reward.
The competition consisted of different battle stations where the crews were required to execute different techniques. At the first battle station, a crew had to drive up to elevated ground and fire the main 25mm Bushmaster chain-gun and the coaxial-mounted M240B machine gun on simulated enemy vehicles and troops. The teams were graded on their accuracy while firing and on their speed of execution.
They also had to fire on targets while the LAV was in motion. A portion of the competition required the turret to turn around backwards on the vehicle and drive.
Each LAV had a score and time keeper to let the Marines know how they were doing during the exercise.
“The hardest part was not having too much fun,” said Accornero. “We love what we do. Actually, I would say the hardest part is just getting the mindset. As much fun as it is, we need to take it seriously. A lot of things can go wrong, so we need to make sure we maintain our precautions.”
Accornero said it is rewarding to see his gunner’s development from a new Marine to someone who knows what they’re doing.
“My favorite part is shooting the gun,” he said. “I absolutely love it. Going as a gunner, and now as a (vehicle) commander, the best part is shooting my engagements and watching my gunner grow.”
When it was all said and done, Accornero’s crew was able to squeak out the victory. They shot the best out of the four teams, and they were all smiles when they dismounted their LAV.
| Date Taken: | 03.15.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 03.15.2013 11:23 |
| Story ID: | 103531 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 383 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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