66th Troop Command Conducts Weapons Qualification

CAMP SHELBY, MS, UNITED STATES

09.07.2019

Story by Cpl. Justin Humphreys 

102d Public Affairs Detachment

Soldiers from 66th Troop Command, Mississippi Army National Guard travelled to Camp Shelby to conduct crew-served weapons qualification as a part of their annual training requirements to ensure unit readiness.
“This weekend, we’re doing crew-served weapons qualification, and we brought units to make any crew-served weapon teams that needed to qualify 240 Bravo, Mark 19, and .50-cals,” said Sgt. Maj. Darrell Masterson, the land component command sergeant major of the Mississippi National Guard.
The purpose of training events such as this is to increase familiarity with possible scenarios Soldiers face in combat environments.
“In the event they’re put behind a crew-served weapon, those Soldiers will know how to operate the system when they’re in theatre,” said Lt. Col. Frank Querns, the operations officer of 66th Troop Command.
All weekend, Soldiers of 66th Troop Command are sent onto the range to train with the weapon systems.
“In order for Soldiers to get better with weapons, it takes time on the range and it takes time with the weapons systems, putting rounds down range,” said Sgt. Maj. Masterson. “Of course we also have subject matter experts running the ranges and teaching the younger Soldiers who might not be familiar with the weapons.”
Soldier and unit readiness is important for the National Guard to be prepared to deploy beside active duty units in combat operations.
“In today’s environment, active duty relies a lot on the Guard and Reserves to supplement the shortage they have, so you can look at the National Guard and Reserves as a part of the strategy of the total defense, and make sure we have units ready to go and work with active duty, which plays a part in our cohesion.”
This training is expected to be enjoyable for participating Soldiers who have never experienced firing crew-served weapons as well.
“A lot of young Soldiers here, this is their first time firing crew-served weapons, and it’s a fun experience if they’ve never done anything like it,” said Lt. Col. Querns.

• Date Taken: 09.07.2019
• Date Posted: 09.07.2019 16:59
• Story ID: 338822
• Location: CAMP SHELBY, MS, US