RODRIGUEZ LIVE FIRE COMPLEX, Republic of Korea – “Gunner, Sabot, Personnel Carrier …” a fire command shouted by a Bradley commander to initiate target engagement resulting in a flurry of 25mm ammunition fired downrange to neutralize a threat.
Bradley Fighting Vehicle crewmembers with 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment “Regulars,” 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division (Rotational) conducted table six gunnery qualification to maintain readiness at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, Republic of Korea, from Jan. 28 to Feb. 22.
“The terrain here offers some unique challenges and opportunities while its very different from the terrain back home in Fort Bliss.” Capt. Rick Gonzalez, commander, Company A, 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 3 ABCT, 1 AD. “We’ve taken advantage of these opportunities, to build some experiences with our crews and also to qualify a lot of our new crews.”
Mechanized-infantry units must complete 12 bradley master gunner exercise tables to validate as a trained and ready unit. The tables vary from bradley crew defense, focusing on singular BFV crews to BFV platoon qualification, which integrates mounted and dismounted infantry elements to accomplish collective tasks cohesively.
“Rodriguez Live Fire Complex is a premiere facility in 2nd Infantry Division ROK-U.S. Combined Division, and for the 8th Army.” said Lt. Col. Colin Mahle, commander and Sacramento, California native, 4th Bn., 6th Inf. Reg. “We have conducted several tasks on all individual and collective weapon platforms increasing our overall lethality.”
Gunnery Table VI qualification complete, the crews with 4th Bn., 6th Inf. Regt., opened the live fire season not only for 2nd ID/RUCD, but also for the Bulldog brigade.
“My crews are motivated, they’ve had a great season, I’m excited for them,” said Mahle. “We’ve had a lot of learning out here and it’s really great to see the crews build proficiency and confidence in their weapons systems. I’m proud of all my crews and proud to be the first ones out here for the Bulldog Brigade.”