US and Lithuanian forces train Ukrainian army on basic rifle marksmanship

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Adriana Diaz-Brown | A soldier with the Ukrainian army inserts a magazine into a Kalashnikov modernized automatic rifle or AKM March 10, 2016, during basic rifle marksmanship training at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center near Yavoriv, Ukraine as part of Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. Each JMTG-U rotation will consist of nine weeks of training where Ukrainian soldiers will learn defensive combat skills needed to increase Ukraine's capacity for self-defense. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Adriana M. Diaz-Brown, 10th Press Camp Headquarters)  

UKRAINE

03.11.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Adriana Diaz-Brown 

U.S. Army Europe and Africa     

YAVORIV, Ukraine – Soldiers with the 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division along with soldiers with the Lithuanian Armed Forces work together March 10, 2016, to teach soldiers with the Ukrainian army the techniques and procedures on basic rifle marksmanship during a live-fire training at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center near Yavoriv, Ukraine as part of Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine.

Soldiers with the Ukrainian Land Forces were trained and familiarized on the procedures and techniques for implementing the key fundamentals on basic rifle marksmanship such as steady position, aiming, breath control and trigger squeeze.

"Having Lithuanian and American NCOs working together to train Ukrainian soldiers in basic rifle marksmanship demonstrates the interoperability of NATO allies in mastering the fundamentals of warfare,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Tom Dow, 3-15 Inf. Command sergeant major.

Ukrainian Land Forces had various days of classes in which they were able to refine their skills on effectively firing the Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizirovanniy or AKM rifle and practice on the basic techniques of marksmanship before conducting zeroing and qualification live-fire training.

“We are working on interoperability with the US and the Ukrainians. We’re helping Ukrainians build their strengths, programs, and standards. We are also working with trainers from Canada and the UK. We are all NATO, all in one,” said Capt. Alminas Sinevicius, a soldier with the Lithuanian Armed Forces with the Iron Wolf Brigade.

By the end of the week’s training, the Ukrainian soldiers demonstrated their ability to obtain tight shot groups and to accurately engage and hit targets from multiple firing positions.

"This week the Ukrainian 2-25 Airborne Battalion proved their ability to master one of the fundamentals, individual weapons marksmanship,” said Lt. Col. Nathan Minami, 3-15 Inf. commander. “Their success sets the foundation for squads and platoons to move into collective force on force and live-fire training where they will enhance their ability to maneuver and fight in a complex environment,” Minami added.

• Date Taken: 03.11.2016
• Date Posted: 03.11.2016 08:59
• Story ID: 192029
• Location: UA