DVIDS Hub works best with JavaScript enabled

Corsair Troopers fire weapons systems

Courtesy Photo | Army Staff Sgt. Tonya Johnson fires a Mk-19 at Tarnak Farms, March 17, as part of...... read more read more

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN

03.21.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

By: Army Sgt. 1st Class Krishna M. Gamble
Task Force Pegasus Public Affairs

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Army Staff Sgt. Tonya Johnson had never fired a Mk-19 grenade machine gun in her entire military career. However, March 17 is an experience she will never forget.

"It was like a rush. After the first two-rounds fired, I was in a zone so I kept firing", said the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade personnel actions clerk.

Johnson, along with 40 paratroopers from Task Force Corsair and members of the Australian army, fired three Army weapons systems at Tarnak Farms to become "comfortable with heavy weapons systems," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Dejarius Jones, motor sergeant, Company E, 2nd Bn., 82nd CAB.

"This is not a qualification range," Jones said. "Most Soldiers have never fired these systems, so we want them to become familiar with them and comfortable if there is ever a need."

Crew-served weapons are a major part of today's Army inventory. Soldiers must now go beyond the basics of the M-16 rifle and M-249 machine gun as their primary defense weapons, to the more advanced systems of the Mk-19, M-203 grenade launcher and the Browning M-2 .50 caliber machine gun. Such weapon systems deliver armor piercing and high-explosive munitions over a longer range.

"We want to familiarize Soldiers with the crew-served weapons and give them every opportunity to prepare for (the unknown)," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Lawrence Hollenbeck, platoon sergeant for Co. E, 2nd Bn., 82nd CAB.

"The more proficient Soldiers are going to be the trainers," Hollenbeck said. "They will have live rounds and we will move out to the range in a tactical formation because there is a real threat, a real enemy out there."

"It was good training; very hands on," Johnson said. "I am now more confident with those weapons systems and if I had to use it, I know I could do it."

Tarnak Farms is one of the many training sites for Soldiers in the southern area of Afghanistan, but the terrain around it offers every opportunity for enemy engagement.

"At Fort Bragg, everything is by the numbers. It's safe and controlled," said Army 1st Lt. Jon Moralee, officer in charge of the range. "Here, you take every precaution when you leave the gate."

Even with the risk of enemy engagement, Soldiers like Johnson were excited about the opportunity to get up close to the different weapon systems. The Mk-19 can fire from a tripod mounted position or from a vehicle mount. It has been used by American forces in Somalia, Iraq and by Special Forces operating behind enemy lines.

Entering the Army's inventory in the early 1970s, the M-203 grenade launcher is a single-shot weapon designed for use with the M-16 series rifle and fires a 40mm grenade. The Browning M-2 .50-caliber machine gun is a World War II era crew-operated machine gun. This gun may be mounted on ground mounts, and most vehicles as an anti-personnel and anti-aircraft weapon according to information gleaned from the Army Weapons Systems home page.

"It was my first time firing (a Mk-19) and I was excited – not nervous," said Spc. Virgilio Manalo, petroleum specialist, Co. E, 2nd Bn. 82nd CAB. "I just hope I hit my target."

"The Mk-19 has a little kick back to it, but when you see the explosion of the rounds, it's an adrenaline rush," said Army Sgt. James Degroat, Task Force Corsair retention NCO. "It's almost like a video game, but these are live rounds and they do a lot of damage."

The weapons systems of the Australian army are slightly different from American forces said Australian army Capt. Colin Baldwin. The Australian infantry troops have the same .50-caliber machine gun and a grenade launcher. Aviation soldiers primarily carry 9 mm pistols and a Styr rifle.

"It was a good exchange and a positive experience," Baldwin said.