Sailors Making Sailors: Instructors Aim to Teach Recruits Effective Weapons Training

Photo By Seaman Perla Landa | 170921-N-FA012-039 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (Sept. 21, 2017) Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Mikal McGee, left, instructs Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Thuan Vo at the USS Wisconsin live-fire range at Recruit Training Command (RTC). Approximately 30,000-40,000 recruits graduate annually from RTC. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Perla Landa/Released)  

GREAT LAKES, IL, UNITED STATES

10.19.2017

Story by Alan Nunn      

U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command

GREAT LAKES (NNS) -- As recruits enter Machinist's Mate Petty Officer 2nd Class Mike Magee's classroom, USS Wisconsin, Recruit Training Command, they expect weapons training, but inside the 160-seat room, there is so much more going on.

Recruits experience a high-energy interactive session of life lessons, experiences and challenges woven into the curriculum and delivered in Magee's unique high-energy motivated and enthusiastic voice.

At RTC, about 30,000 to 40,000 recruits annually receive weapons instruction. However, before they can step aboard USS Wisconsin, RTC's live fire range, they must successfully pass the Small Arms Marksmanship Trainer (SAMT) course at the USS Missouri during their fourth week of training.

"If I had one word to describe Petty Officer McGee it would be captivating," said Weapons Division officer Lt.j.g. Mark Jackson. "When he stands in front of recruits he immediately takes control and his presence is known. Every student critique received for MM2 Magee reflects his enthusiasm and passion. [He's] easily my most motivated instructor and others strive to mimic his high standards. Recruits leave training wanting to serve with and be like him."

Don't be misled by Magee's dynamic approach. Teaching the weapons training curriculum is serious business for him and the 95 other instructors who comprise the weapons instruction team at SAMT and live fire range. Both SAMT and live fire instructors must complete rigorous training before they are qualified to instruct recruits.

Magee, who was born in Los Angeles, spent his early years on a Marine base where his Vietnam veteran father, Ray, taught combat training. As a 5-year-old, Ray Magee's oldest son in a family of 14 children began boxing and mixed martial arts, eventually earning a black belt in taekwondo before becoming an instructor in that disciple.

"I believe in life you have to give back," said Magee, who has served the past six months of his eight-year Navy career at RTC. "When you get blessed, and you get benefits - in any way, shape or form, the best way you can do to contribute is to go back and teach. Go back and share the wealth."

Beginning with SAMT, recruits receive classroom instruction before moving on to a laser-enabled range utilizing an air-operated weapon that has a bit of recoil action. They view on a computer where their shots would have hit and receive coaching on better techniques - such as sight alignment and sight picture, grip, breath and trigger control, and proper stance - in order to get all their shots going into the bull's eye.

Once recruits complete SAMT, they progress to live fire, where Magee does his best to connect with recruits on a personal level.

"I watch them. I see it in their eyes. I see it - 'Give me more, give me more,'" said Magee.

"They're really into it, because of course I'm following curriculum, but I'm explaining how they can take this information and apply it to their Navy life as well as their personal life and civilian life. They come up and say, 'Thank you very much, I appreciate it,' and that's the biggest blessing and greatest feeling I could feel inside of me."

Whether recruits are experienced with pistols and rifles or handling a weapon for the first time, the training remains the same. Instructors emphasize safety and help each recruit receive the knowledge and confidence they need to safely handle the weapon. The final test comes with 45 rounds in live fire, where recruits can qualify as expert, sharpshooter or marksman utilizing a 9mm Beretta.

"Weapons division instructors provide, not only fundamentals of weapons safety and tactical weapons handling, we also enable recruits to work thought some fears and misinformation they may have," said Jackson. "Every staff member has the in-depth expertise on the weapons to engage each recruit at the proper level to prepare them for the live fire qualification portion of training.

"It is imperative for recruits to gain experience in weapons handling at basic training versus encountering an enemy without the proper level of basic motor skills to neutralize threats, saving a ship, shipmate, or oneself. My instructors take recruits, some whom have never touched a weapon before, and instill toughness and confidence in them (and) enable 96 percent them to effectively qualify in the Navy Handgun Qualification Course. We prepare the war fighters of tomorrow and take much pride in that charge."

Many recruits arrive with extensive video game experience. How much of that experience matters cuts both ways according to Magee.

"Sometimes it hinders them," he said. "Because they think that shooting is exactly like video games until they get that first kick and, it's like, 'Woah!' They're not expecting it. I've also seen individuals go through a course and hit every target on point and I asked, 'How did you do that?' And they say, 'video games.'"

No matter what their level of experience or expertise, Magee believes weapons training has taken on added importance, given real-world situations.

"Protecting your fellow shipmates, it doesn't just apply to the military, it applies to your personal life as well, and we have to look out for each other," said Magee. "What I enjoy about this is not only teaching the curriculum, but preparing these recruits for going out to the fleet and being great Sailors and knowing how to shoot."

Boot camp is approximately eight weeks long and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Training includes physical fitness, seamanship, firearms training, firefighting and shipboard damage control along with lessons in Navy heritage and core values, teamwork and discipline. About 30,000 to 40,000 recruits graduate annually from RTC and begin their Navy careers.

For more news from Recruit Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/rtc/.

• Date Taken: 10.19.2017
• Date Posted: 01.26.2018 13:57
• Story ID: 263457
• Location: GREAT LAKES, IL, US