Photo By Spc. Francisco J. Leon | U.S. Soldiers with the 369th Division Sustainment Brigade, New York Army National...... read more read more
CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. — Ten vehicle crews from the New York Army National Guard's 369th Division Sustainment Brigade qualified on the M240B machine gun during live-fire training designed to prepare supply and transport troops to defend their own convoys under fire as part of Operation Sustain Thunder.
The qualifications marked the finish line of a 12-month training program spanning fiscal year 2026.
Soldiers progressed through steady marksmanship and team-building stages, finishing with Table VI crew qualification—the Army's definitive live-fire benchmark where gunners engaged popup targets by day and night while riding in moving cargo trucks, according to Sgt. 1st Class Enrico Noel, a senior master gunner and the range coordinator.
The brigade-wide training underscores a broader military reality: supply units are priority targets for potential adversaries, requiring logistics Soldiers to be as combat-capable as front-line units.
“Gunnery builds crew-level lethality and reinforces the mindset supply troops need to protect themselves in hostile areas,” Noel said.
“This training builds teamwork by forcing Soldiers to communicate clearly, trust each other, and do their specific jobs under pressure,” he added.
Noel added that operating weapons effectively requires deep crew cohesion.
“Gunnery is not just about pulling a trigger; it builds real discipline, timing, and trust inside the cab,” Noel noted.
Noel explained that logistics units can no longer count on safe base perimeters behind friendly lines.
“The real change in mindset is understanding that we cannot expect safe zones anywhere on a modern battlefield,” Noel said.
Noel added that sustainers must balance distribution with active combat security.
“We must be ready to protect our vehicle parks and defend main highway supply lines while still delivering food, fuel, and ammunition,” Noel noted.
Downrange, pop-up silhouette targets appeared at varying distances along the tree line, forcing vehicle crews to identify threats, calculate range estimations, and deliver accurate suppressive fire within seconds.
“One of the best parts was watching Soldiers build confidence on heavy weapon systems they do not fire every day,” Noel said.
During the live-fire exercises, truck drivers navigated unpaved range roads while top-turret gunners scanned for hidden target popups, identified threats, and shouted firing commands over their radio headsets.
For junior enlisted Soldiers standing behind the weapons, the fast-moving course developed poise under realistic combat stress.
“It was intense, but it proved how crucial clear communication is inside the truck,” said Spc. Nicholas Rios, a vehicle gunner who earned his qualification. “Everyone has to stay calm, trust each other, and do their part at the right second.”
Rios added that earning qualification was a major milestone for his team.
“Qualifying gave me a lot of confidence in my weapon and in my team,” Rios noted.
Inside the bouncing tactical cab, the smell of spent brass filled the air as vehicle commanders monitored timing and drivers held steady speeds across rugged firing lanes.
“Before this training, I didn't completely grasp how much gunnery matters to our survival and our ability to fight back if ambushed,” Rios said. “I learned how much coordination it takes to keep a truck crew operating smoothly.”
Rios added that performing under pressure gave him a lasting sense of pride.
“I’m proud that I qualified and proved to myself that I can perform under pressure,” Rios noted.
The qualification guarantees the 369th maintains skilled vehicle escort teams ready to shield supply runs across dangerous terrain, Noel emphasized.
“I am most proud of watching our Soldiers take ownership of their jobs,” Noel said. “Many arrived uncertain or nervous around heavy machine guns, but they left with real confidence, better combat skills, and pride in protecting their unit.”
Noel added that senior leaders have an obligation to prepare junior troops for future missions and explained that as NCOs out top duty is to provide our troops with the skills they need to survive and win their next mission.
| Date Taken: | 09.15.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.15.2026 17:18 |
| Story ID: | 574812 |
| Location: | PEEKSKILL, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 26 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, New York sustainers qualify on machine guns to sharpen combat lethality, by SFC Sebastian Rothwyn and SPC Francisco J. Leon, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
