31st MEU, BLT Scout Snipers train for accuracy

Photo By Cpl. Amy Phan | Marines with Weapons Co., Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit fire M40A6 sniper rifles on a range at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, April 28, 2017. The snipers conducted the range to maintain crucial skills. As the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed unit, the 31st MEU air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Amy Phan/Released)  

CAMP SCHWAB, OKINAWA, JAPAN

04.28.2017

Story by Lance Cpl. Breanna Weisenberger 

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit       

BLT 2/5, from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, is currently the Ground Combat Element for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
“This is some of the most advanced technology and knowledge in the marksmanship community,” said Capt. John T. George, the Weapons Company commander. “You won’t be able to find this level of consistent accuracy in any other training.”
The course, led by ballistics specialist Todd Hodsett, consisted of precision marksmanship theories, internal and external ballistics, and effective employment of the M40A6 sniper rifle. The Marines conducted rapid target engagement as well as accurate long-range target acquisition and engagement in various shooting positions during practical application on the range.
“The Marines were firing through a quarter-inch loophole at 700 meters,” said George. “By just practicing the fundamentals and applying the formulas, Marines noticed a difference.”
According to George, the platoon recently invited Marines from BLT 2/5 to compete for a chance to train as snipers. This course was the first training event that included the new snipers from the battalion.
“For the new Marines, it’s the first time they get to fire a significant amount of rounds applying long-range marksmanship theories,” said Sgt. Trevor Litchfield, a team leader with the platoon. “This type of training keeps snipers more capable and confident at reaching long-range targets.”
The training helped the snipers refine their understanding and employment of their primary tools, the M40A6 bolt-action rifle and the M110 semi-automatic rifle, according to Litchfield.
The M40A6 is effective at 1,000 yards and the M110 is effective up to 850 yards, he said.
“Knowing these weapons like the back of my hand makes me more efficient as a sniper,” said Litchfield. “We are an important part of the MEU so our mission readiness is priority.”
As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed unit, the 31st MEU’s air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range or military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 04.28.2017
• Date Posted: 06.07.2017 23:00
• Story ID: 232501
• Location: CAMP SCHWAB, OKINAWA, JP