AFL completes advanced marksmanship training

Photo By Capt. Mark Lazane | Sgt. First Class Tim Tramel, of Climax, Mich., instructs armed forces of Liberia soldiers on qualification during advanced marksmanship training at Edward Binyah Kesselly rifle range Feb. 22. The week-long course taught 44 soldiers from across the AFL’s 23rd Infantry Brigade. The main focus of the course was reflexive fire, which is handling a weapon while conducting movement. Other skills taught included close quarter combat tactics, room clearing techniques and advanced marksmanship qualifying procedures. The Michigan National Guard conducts periodic specialized training to AFL units through its state partnership program. The day to day mentorship of the AFL is performed by Operation Onward Liberty, a group of approximately 50 U.S. military personnel who mentor and advise the AFL in order to develop a national military that is responsible, operationally capable, respectful of civilian authority and the rule of law, and is a force for good among the Liberian people. Tramel is a member of 177th Regiment Regional Training Institute, Michigan Army National Guard.  

MONROVIA, LIBERIA

03.01.2012

Story by 1st Lt. Mark Lazane 

Operation Onward Liberty

EDWARD BINYAH KESSELLY MILITARY BARRACKS, Liberia — Forty four Liberian armed forces soldiers completed advanced marksmanship training at the Edward Binyah Kesselly rifle range here, Feb. 24.

The week-long course, which was taught by instructors from the Michigan National Guard’s 177th Regional Training Institute, incorporated soldiers from across the AFL’s 23rd Infantry Brigade.

“Obviously, you are not going to create advanced shooters overnight,” said Sgt. 1st Class Tim Tramel, of Climax, Mich., one of the trainers for the course. “We utilized this time not only to give them some advanced weapons handling techniques, but also to help us assess where they are in different aspects of weapons qualifications skills so that future training can focus on shortfalls.”

The main focus of the course was teaching the AFL soldiers reflexive fire, which is handling a weapon while conducting movement. Other skills taught included close quarter combat tactics, room clearing techniques and advanced marksmanship qualifying procedures.

“Every soldier is given the basic in their initial training on how to handle a weapon,” said Tramel. But guys tasked for higher-risk missions need advanced training to ensure their safety and the safety of others. That’s what we provide.”

The Michigan National Guard conducts periodic specialized training to AFL units through its state partnership program.

The day to day mentorship of the AFL is performed by Operation Onward Liberty, a group of approximately 50 U.S. military personnel who mentor and advise the AFL in order to develop a national military that is responsible, operationally capable, respectful of civilian authority and the rule of law, and is a force for good among the Liberian people.

The AFL soldiers’ little experience with their service weapon prior to the course did not take away from their enthusiasm to learn the course material. Said Tramel.

“The students really seemed to take to the course material,” he said. “We had no problem keeping their interest. In fact, every day we would have to tell them that they needed to go home so we could prepare for the next day’s training. They were really excited to learn new things to help their army.”

• Date Taken: 03.01.2012
• Date Posted: 03.14.2012 09:49
• Story ID: 85228
• Location: MONROVIA, LR