Photo By Lance Cpl. Preston McDonald | A Marine with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion fires an 83mm high-explosive round...... read more read more
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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Approximately 30 Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion conducted a live-fire range utilizing the MK-153 Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon, or SMAW, at Camp Lejeune, September 29, 2015.
As combat engineers, the Marines must be able to provide both mobility and counter-mobility assets to whatever unit they are embedded with.
“Marines with this capability can be that one small team that adds that big piece to the unit they are attached to,” said 1st Lt. Connor McCubrey, a platoon commander with the unit.
McCubrey says the SMAW has the ability to be used as both an anti-armor weapon and a breaching tool.
“We can use the SMAW to take out vehicles that provide a threat to our troops and at the same time, we can use it to destroy a bunker or obstacle that may be in our way,” said McCubrey. “From there, we can move through and assault the enemy.”
As many junior Marines have never shot this weapon system, this range is important to for Marines to familiarize themselves and build proficiency in utilizing the SMAW.
“I want them to be comfortable handling the weapons system,” said Cpl. Daniel Holzem, a squad leader with the unit. “I want them to have the confidence to pick up the weapon and, if need be, do their job well.”
The Marines spent several weeks building up to the live-fire portion of the range. Starting out with practical classes, the Marines were required to learn the nomenclature of the SMAW and how the system works.
“We then moved to learning how to properly carry, load, and sight in on the target,” said Holzem. “The Marines then spent time dry-firing the SMAW and eventually built up to what we’re doing here today.”
The Marines each fired three rounds, first firing off two training rounds and then one high-explosive round.
“The training rounds are essentially the same as the live round, except there isn’t a warhead on the tip,” said McCubrey. “It simulates firing off the high explosive round and lets the Marine know what to expect.”
The Marines conducted the training in preparation for an upcoming deployment.
“At the end of the day, this training lets us add our piece and go forward toward the overall mission,” said McCubrey.
| Date Taken: | 09.29.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 10.07.2015 10:47 |
| Story ID: | 178320 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 71 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, 2nd CEB immobilizes the enemy, conducts SMAW shoot, by LCpl Preston McDonald, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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