Courtesy Photo | Marines from various units within 2nd Marine Division receive ammunition for the M240B...... read more read more
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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Marines with several units from 2nd Marine Division participated in an Advanced Machine Gunners Course at shooting range 7 aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 28, 2015, in order to improve their marksmanship skills.
During the course, Marines fired the M240B Machine Gun at multiple targets from varying distances with the help of their assistant gunners. Each Marine fired several hundred rounds, honing their accuracy, communication abilities and suppressive fire capabilities.
The purpose of the course was to help identify areas of weakness for the gunners when they are out supporting an infantry squad, explained Lance Cpl. Samuel Verderame, with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment and native of Easton, Connecticut.
A primary use of the M240B is engaging in suppressive fire, which aims to prevent the enemy from being able to fire back at the rest of the squad. Suppressive fire is helpful when advancing because it allows the squad to cover more ground while minimizing the risk of getting shot.
The assistant gunner also helps by identifying targets for the gunner and relaying directions for accuracy.
“Teamwork is paramount,” Verderame said. “Marines are building trust and confidence between the gunner and the assistant gunner to effectively hit targets.”
The basic techniques, like those employed during the Advance Machine Gunners Course, are what allow Marines to depend on each other in a combat situation.
“Marines are learning to hone the skills they learned at Infantry Training Battalion,” said Gunnery Sgt. Eric Widerman, chief instructor for the Advanced Machine Gunners Course and native of Sanford, Florida.
Once the basics are reinforced, the gunners and assistant gunners can learn to be more efficient with the weapon system by educating themselves on more advanced techniques.
| Date Taken: | 05.08.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.08.2015 12:34 |
| Story ID: | 162694 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US |
| Hometown: | EASTON, CT, US |
| Hometown: | SANFORD, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 281 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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