I Corps Soldiers fire Australian weapons during WTSS

Photo By Staff Sgt. Daniel Schroeder | Spc. Juan Ibarra, a fire support specialist with Company A, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, I Corps, focuses on his target through the scope of an F88 Austeyr during the Weapons Training Simulation System (EST) at Gallipoli Barracks, Australia, July 16. Ibarra and other I Corps Soldiers had the opportunity to fire the weapons their Talisman Sabre counterparts hosted to familiarize American Soldiers on their weapons. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for nearly 30,00 U.S. and Australia defense forces to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries’ ability to plan and execute a full range of operations from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Daniel Schroeder, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)  

GALLIPOLI BARRACKS, QLD, AUSTRALIA

07.16.2015

Story by Sgt. Daniel Schroeder 

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

GALLIPOLI BARRACKS, AUSTRALIA - “Instant.” This command echoed as eight I Corps Soldiers raised the barrels of an F88 Austeyr and began firing. The Soldiers fired the Australian primary weapon during a familiarization session in the Weapon Training Simulation System here, July 16.

The WTSS, similar to the U.S. Military Engagement Skills Trainer, provides Australian soldiers the opportunity to enhance marksmanship skills without firing real bullets.

“We wanted the Soldiers to become familiar and practice with our weapons,” said Australian Sgt. David Williams, supply noncommissioned officer, 1st Signal Regiment, Australian Army. “The familiarization helped boost our interoperability. The better interoperability we have, the better we are together when we deploy.”

The Australian soldiers aided the I Corps Soldiers as coaches during the familiarization and qualification of the F88.

Williams said this training provided the U.S. Soldiers the chance to experience something different.

“It’s good to work with people you who will be deploying with you,” said Williams. “Showing these Soldiers how our weapons operate and how we conduct our ranges increases the base of our partnership.”

The I Corps Soldiers not only fired their counterparts’ primary weapon, but also had the opportunity to qualify in the various shooting positions using the tables the Australians use.

Spc. Juan Ibarra said it took him some rounds to get used to firing in new qualification positions.

“It was different to qualify in the sitting and standing positions,” said Ibarra, fire support specialist with Company A, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, I Corps. “We used a metal post when we fired from the supported fighting positions. Using the post for supported positions simulated real world scenarios, such as firing from the side of a vehicle or corner of a building.”

After practicing the fighting positions, Ibarra proceeded to the qualification table where he rotated through the positions quickly and limited time for each target.

The trainer dealt a weapon malfunction and wrong sized magazine into the qualification to see how quickly the shooters could react and fire again.

“I was not expecting my weapon to jam during the qualification, but my coach told me how to quickly to fix it,” said Ibarra. “I don’t have counterparts working in the [tactical operations center] so coming here was a great opportunity to build camaraderie.”

Each firer and coach traded experiences of firing on ranges and deployments.

“If you can find something you have in common, it’s that much easier to work together later,” Williams said. “Commonality is the key to success.”

• Date Taken: 07.16.2015
• Date Posted: 07.17.2015 05:04
• Story ID: 170308
• Location: GALLIPOLI BARRACKS, QLD, AU