Photo By Sgt. Tabitha Bartley | Cpl. Kayla L. Oliver, military police officer for Security Battalion, shoots her...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. - Military police officers and civilian police officers from Fox and Bravo Section of Security Battalion went to Range 12 Nov. 8 to complete their quarterly training. Officers completed the shot gun practical weapons course, as well as the low-light night fire for pistol.
The training was administered by three instructors from Homeland Security Solutions Inc.
Before the officers were able to pick up their shotguns, they had to run through a gauntlet using their defensive tactics such as hammer fists, knee strikes as well as a practice baton. Officers were timed at each station and told when to switch to the next defensive tactic.
“We have them run through the gauntlet to get their heart rate up,” said Gunnery Sgt. Brian W. Foster, the company gunnery sergeant for Military Police Company and Security Battalion. “Everything they do after the gauntlet is simulating on the street with an increased heart rate, having to accomplish and accurately do their job while their heart rate is up.”
The final thing the officers have to do before picking up their shotgun and running through the course is spraying a silhouette with practice OC spray.
They then run over to the beginning of the shotgun course grab their ammunition and their shotgun and are told how many shells to load in the chamber.
“The course is set up for them to run out of ammunition,” said Foster. “They are forced to reload, all while engaging the target. By having them do this, they are able to utilize all of their shooting skills, as well as defensive tactics.”
“Not only do they have to reload during the course,” said Matt D. Koziol, instructor from Homeland Security Solutions Inc. "They also shoot from different positions and use the cover and concealment that is set up on the course.
“They are being trained for real-life scenarios where there is cover and concealment,” said Koziol. “The course is set up like the environment they are in on a daily basis.”
The day didn’t end there, while officers were waiting for the sun to set so they could shoot their low-light pistol qualification, they practiced engaging targets from the position they stand in while on duty at the gate.
Once the sun set the officers were able to start their pistol qualification.
“The qualification consists of three different yard lines,” says Foster. “They also shoot from three different levels of light.”
Officers start at the 10-yard line and have to fire at targets with no illumination. They then move back to the 15-yard line and engage targets while using a flash light. The final qualification is from the 25-yard line with the lights of a police car turned on.
“The police car simulates anything from a traffic stop or in a neighborhood to officers encountering a suspect that is armed during a time when the sun isn’t out,” said Foster.
“The reason officers have to get this training is because they operate 24-hours a day,” said Koziol. “They are operating in all light conditions and have to be able to deal with a deadly force encounter at all light levels.”
“By doing this day and night training, it helps them better understand that you can use your weapon effectively at night even when there is no light or with the code lights [strobe lights],” said Foster. “A lot of officers hesitate with the code lights because they are strobe lights and that messes with their mind. They think they won’t be able to use their weapon. Doing this training, they are able to see that the strobe light has no effect on their pistol or how they engage the target.”
Foster and the instructors were really happy with the way the training went.
“They did a great job and were highly motivated,” said Foster. “Not one of them left the firing line without being completely sweaty. I am proud of the job they are doing and I am sure the base is proud to have them on the street. They are doing a great job.”
| Date Taken: | 11.08.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 11.16.2011 07:52 |
| Story ID: | 80100 |
| Location: | QUANTICO, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 57 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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