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Marines Install Mobile Targets at K-Bay Range

Monday, March 15th, 2021

I’m up, he sees me, I’m down: Moving targets arrive to K-Bay Range

Marines with 1st Battalion, 3d Marines were the first to try the new Trackless Moving Infantry Targets on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Feb. 24, 2021.

The motorized targets simulate live, independently thinking enemies and encourage Marines to anticipate movement and adapt accordingly.

“They egress, they assault to you, and they move around so it’s a better challenge to hone our skills,” said Lance Cpl. Logan Raebuck, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 3d Marines. “I think it’s great having the targets here because we can always have that ‘thinking’ enemy to train with.”

“They’re here to solve the problem that all military facilities are facing,” said Dominic Jurado, the site manager for K-Bay range, MCBH. “These targets give the Marines something to shoot at that mimics an actual human.”

“It’s more immersive because it actually has clothes on and a face, so it gets us skilled with actual conflict,” said Raebuck. “On a regular target you don’t have that, so it’s great to get this moving enemy in front of us.”

There are currently 16 TIMITS on K-Bay and are able to be controlled by a person who is overseeing the training.

“The Marines with 1/3 have definitely progressed in the short time the targets have been on island,” Jurado said. “Everyone seemed more comfortable behind the trigger and hitting more of their shots, it’s awesome to see.”

Small unit leaders with 1/3 have also noticed the differences in their squads while working with these new targets.

“Seeing these moving targets here with us is definitely helping us get better,” said Cpl. Ryan Hankins, assistant patrol leader, 1/3. “It gives us a better sense of communication and helps us lead in our small unit leadership.”

The targets have helped Marines immensely improve their ability to train in an immersive environment, Hankins said.

“Overall it’s been a great experience,” said Hankins. “It makes me comfortable knowing that I can leave them with what I know and they can pass that on to their junior marines so the mission of the rifle squad can continue to be accomplished.”

Story by Sgt Luke Kuennen, Marine Corps Base Hawaii

Photos by Cpl Jose Angeles, Marine Corps Base Hawaii

Posted in Guest Post, Training, USMC | 3 Comments »

Spiritus Systems Presents: An Introduction to the Direct Action Resource Center’s Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism Course, Level 2

Thursday, March 11th, 2021

The Direct Action Resource Center located in North Little Rock, Arkansas provides professional training to Military, Law Enforcement and Citizens. Spiritus Systems had the opportunity to attend the Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism Course, Level 2 or “LECTC2” recently.

The course was comprised of professional SWAT and Patrol officers from around the country and has a prerequisite of “LECTC1” to attend. This class was 6 days long and included copious amounts of explosive breaching, live fire CQB, live fire sniper support and contested force on force sim munition training.

DARC recently released a full class calendar for 2021 on their website and will be expanding their open enrollment offerings to include both the TUSC (Tactical Urban Sustainment Course) and Precision rifle TUSC. Spiritus Systems plans to release additional content over the coming year that brings those online closer to the action at DARC and give a glimpse of the advanced training that happens at the island.

For a full class description and attendance requirements please contact the Direct Action Resource Center at www.darc-usa.com.

To learn more about Spiritus Systems products you can visit www.spiritussystems.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, LE, Training | 5 Comments »

The ACFT Is Designed for Combat — TRADOC shows why

Wednesday, March 10th, 2021

FORT EUSTIS, Va. – The Army’s new physical fitness test, known as the Army Combat Fitness Test, or ACFT, is here to stay. Or at least some form of it, says Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston. What some may overlook when making an opinion on the program is the “combat” aspect of the ACFT, which was designed to prepare Soldiers for combat and reduce injuries caused by physical fitness routines.

With that in mind, 2020 Drill Sergeant of the Year, Sgt. 1st Class Erik Rostamo, and a team of experts from the U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training, brought realistic ACFT training to life here, Feb. 26.

The “sprint, drag, carry” event of the ACFT is designed to simulate “sprinting” to aid an injured Soldier, then “dragging” a Soldier out of harm’s way when under fire, and “carrying” ammunition to a fighting position on the battlefield. For the ACFT, two 45-pound weights are configured as a “sled” for dragging purposes, while Soldiers are required to wear the Army Physical Fitness Uniform, or APFU. For the training Rostamo and the CIMT team designed for this day, a 140-pound dummy was used to represent an actual Soldier, and participants performed the task while wearing their Army Combat Uniform, or ACU. In addition, an extra twist was added – after completing the “sprint, drag, carry,” participants were required to apply a field tourniquet to the dummy, which simulated a wounded Soldier requiring immediate first aid.

“This exercise showed the Soldiers why the Army is moving toward holistic fitness, and developing the ‘Soldier Athlete,’” Rostamo said. “All Soldiers, regardless of their MOS [military occupational specialty], never know when they will find themselves on the battlefield.”

Soldiers participating in the training weighed in with their thoughts.

“It was amazing training,” said Staff Sgt. Jacob Walker, 2nd Battalion, 210th Aviation Regiment. “Unless you’re in a combat arms MOS, and your leaders go out of their way to train these tasks, it’s a perishable skill. I will be adding this type of training to my physical training plan when I get back to FORSCOM [Forces Command].”

All Soldiers, whether they are a transportation Soldier, a mechanic, or an infantryman, must be physically able to deploy anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice… This was Rostamo’s mantra for the day.

“I liked it. It drove home the reality of why we are training,” said Sgt. 1st Class Mario Rodriguez, 128th Aviation Brigade. “The dummy we were dragging instead of the weights provided extra motivation as a simulated battle buddy.”

The added field tourniquet element at the end of the “sprint, drag, carry” was clearly noticed by participating Soldiers who were winded and exhausted after the event. They had to compose themselves in order to successfully administer the field tourniquet and appreciated the challenge.

“I enjoyed it. I feel it was a great opportunity to connect the ACFT to actual combat training,” said Staff Sgt. Hillary Hernandez, 2nd Battalion, 210th Aviation Regiment. “I look forward to taking this training with me to use with my future Soldiers.”

TRADOC’s senior enlisted adviser, Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel T. Hendrex, participated in the training and shared his firsthand knowledge of providing first aid on a battlefield.

“This event was an excellent way to connect the importance of functional fitness requirements to a scenario that is reality on today’s modern battlefield,” Hendrex said. “Conducting the “sprint, drag, carry,” but with a 140-pound dummy, weighted ammo cans, and full kit, ending with the application of a field tourniquet, was an eye opener for everyone.”

Hendrex pointed out this also reinforces an important principle, “if the wounded are able, have them move to you.”

Conducting multiple repetitions of this skill in training is the preferred method of learning, and placing a medical task at the end is a great way for everyone to recognize its importance, Hendrex emphasized.

“The energy within the group is what motivated me,” said Pfc. Savanna Pendergrass, 10th Transportation Battalion. “This simulation gave me a true understanding of what it is like on the battlefield.”

By David Overson, TRADOC Communication Directorate

Posted in Armor, Guest Post, Profession of Arms, Training | 18 Comments »

US Air Force Finalizes PT Uniform Design; Will Begin Production Process

Friday, March 5th, 2021

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – After numerous tests and feedback from Airmen around the world, the Air Force Uniform Office has finalized the design of the new Physical Training Gear (PTG) uniform, and is preparing to begin the production process.

This is the first update to the PT uniform in more than 16 years, and over 150 Airmen participated in testing the uniform.

“Our main requirement [from Air Force leaders] was to develop a PT uniform that people really wanted to wear and is as good as if not better than commercially available athletic wear,” said Tracy Roan, chief of the Air Force Uniform Office, which is aligned under the Agile Combat Support Directorate’s Human Systems Division. “The new uniform now includes all of the great performance features that you find in athletic wear today.”

In addition to improving performance, the uniform is designed to accommodate various athletic interests.

“In the past, there was one uniform for all athletic pursuits, whether you were running, playing basketball or lifting weights,” said Col. Paul Burger, 88th Air Base Wing Mission Support Group Commander, one of the test participants and an official with the Air Force Marathon. “The approach the Air Force has now taken, is to develop a uniform that is ear marked for runners or running and one that is better designed for some of those other athletic activities.”

With the new gear, Airmen will be issued a jacket, a pair of pants, T-shirt and shorts.

The ensemble will have improved fabrics that include soft, quick drying, and have antimicrobial technology that helps with moisture and odor control.

Other significant changes include the design of the jacket.

“With the ‘notorious’ track jacket, we’ve made updates to the fabric to minimize the noise it makes during workouts,” said 2nd Lt. Maverick Wilhite, the Office’s Program Manager for PT gear. “The jacket will be sleeker looking, so instead of having a bulky jacket, you’ll have a fit and tailored design. In addition, the jacket will have a zipper chest pocket for holding things like your CAC [common access card].”

The workout ensemble will include two variations of shorts; a shorter running style, and a longer all-purpose short. The all-purpose shorts are unlined knit with zipper hip pockets you can close. The runner’s are a lightweight stretch woven fabric with mesh side panels to improve airflow and improved stretch liner for modesty. The performance shirt is designed to be untucked during workouts or tucked as required by command.

Overall, the entire PTG uniform has updated styling with stretch materials to provide comfort and increase performance.

The new uniform will be available to Airmen in 2022, and there will be a four year transition period for mandatory wear.

By Brian Brackens, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Clothing, Guest Post, Training | 2 Comments »

Vortex Edge Is Open For Business

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021

CHECK OUT OUR FULL SUITE OF COURSES AND MEET THE TEAM

BARNEVELD, Wis. – Vortex Edge™, our state-of-the-art training facility, is ready to accommodate shooters of all skill levels, from those looking to take their first steps to elite law enforcement teams. Our team has been hard at work developing classes that will make you a safer, more effective shooter, and we’re thrilled to open our doors for all your firearms training needs.

If you can’t travel to our campus, you can still experience Vortex Edge™: We’ll be regularly releasing videos and content, and we’ll be active on social media celebrating all things firearms training.

Head over to vortexedge.com to learn more about our facility and class offerings, and to meet our team. Be sure to follow Vortex Edge™ on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Posted in Optics, Press Release, Training | 3 Comments »

CTOMS to Launch Online Tactical Medical Training

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021

CTOMS Academy is scheduled to launch at the end of March. This is a new online training platform that CTOMS has been developing over the last 2 years. With such a high demand for their training, CTOMS wanted to offer a solution on a much broader scale, while at the same time improving the delivery consistency, quality, and making access to it more convenient and cost effective. This led to the creation of an inhouse video production capability. Mission Essential Training remains the practical training division of CTOMS and continues to run in person tactical medical training.

The courses are arranged in building block formation, where different training modules will build on each other. These modules are engaging, narrated videos that include animation and video demonstrations to provide visual representation of the topics. The videos are on average 10 minutes, making accessibility and progress of the training convenient.

There are both civilian and tactical oriented casualty approach courses. The tactical medical programs cover the principals of TCCC, but do not offer formal TCCC Certification as this requires the verbatim use of the PHTLS slides. Instead, these courses use animation and live demonstration videos edited into in depth narrated script.

Phase 1 launch includes foundation building courses. Subsequent course releases will include a wide variety of topics that will both stand alone and build upon the existing courses. These include guest contributors who are experts in their fields.

Follow CTOMS on Instagram and Facebook for updates, teasers, and promotions as they get closer to their launch date, and we will continue to post updates here on SSD as well.

Posted in Advertiser, Medical, Training | Comments Off on CTOMS to Launch Online Tactical Medical Training

New Annual Rifle Qualification To Make Marines More Lethal

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021

The Marine Corps began the train-the-trainer course of the new Annual Rifle Qualification, which will fully replace the previous Table 1 and Table 2 qualification course of fire Oct. 1, 2021.

The ARQ was designed to give a more realistic and “train like you fight” environment by emphasizing lethality and positional shooting. Improvements to the Marine Corps rifle training and qualification program have been under development since 2016.

The ARQ will further develop combat scenario shooting skills resulting in a more proficient fighting force. The service-wide entry-level rifle training will remain unaffected for recruits at both Marine Corps Recruit Depots and for officers at The Basic School in order to develop strong fundamentals, confidence and weapon comfortability.

“Dating back to the early 1900’s with only minor changes from its original form, the current annual rifle training qualification has been unchanged,” said CWO4 Anthony L. Viggiani, Marine Gunner, Training and Education Command. “This has been the same qualification that every Marine shoots throughout their entire career, until now. The ARQ enhances proficiency, confidence, and lethality in a dynamic environment using multiple targets, limited exposure targets, moving targets and shooting on the move.”

Marine Corps-wide implementation will take place no later than the beginning of fiscal year 2022, with active-duty forces transitioning by October 1, and Marine Forces Reserve transition in FY22. During the second and third quarters of fiscal year 2021, Weapons Training Battalion at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, will provide training and assistance on the conduct of ARQ to formal marksmanship training units in order to facilitate the transition to service-wide ARQ implementation.

The ARQ includes a three-day course of fire. Day one includes a “holds day,” with the drill portion conducted first. Days two and three are pre-qualification and qualification, respectively, where the destroy portion is conducted first with engagements starting far to near in order to foster an offensive combat mindset.

The more operational training requires Marines to conduct the course of fire in helmet and body armor but allows the opportunity to use bipods, rest the weapon on their magazine, or rest their weapon on their assault pack as long as time constraints are met. Scoring is measured by lethal effects with destroying targets in the allotted time.

“This enables the individual Marine the opportunity to engage their weapon system from multiple firing positions and find the most efficient way to utilize alternate shooting positions throughout the course of fire,” said Viggiani. “Our operating environment has changed over the years, so we had to make changes to our qualifications on marksmanship.”

Other significant updates include the incorporation of a singular target throughout the course of fire, with exception of a moving target at the 100-yard line, with a requirement to score by hitting “lethality zones” and the introduction of support barricades at the 100 and 200 yards, allowing Marines to shoot from the standing, kneeling, or supported position with stationary and moving targets. This transition from a competition style course of fire to assessing lethal effects on a target is a significant change for the ARQ.

Similar to the Physical Fitness and Combat Fitness Tests, Marines must achieve a minimum standard in each portion of the course of fire to qualify in the overall assessment.

The implementation of the ARQ directly impacts the mission statement, “We must adapt our training in a manner consistent with the threat and anticipated operational challenges,” as stated in the Commandant’s Planning Guidance.

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Rachael A Treon, MCB Quantico Communication Directorate

Posted in Guest Post, Profession of Arms, Training, USMC | Comments Off on New Annual Rifle Qualification To Make Marines More Lethal

US Army EOD Soldiers Collaborate with Kosovan Demining School

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo — The 702nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, assigned to the explosive ordnance team for Regional Command-East, Kosovo Force, traveled to Dakovica to witness the Mine Action Training Kosovo school conduct their range day qualifications.

MAT Kosovo is a humanitarian demining school which trains its student in different levels of EOD certification. The course covers many techniques concerning unexploded ordnance (UXO) identification and removal as well as methods of disposal. MAT Kosovo also works closely with the Kosovo Security Force EOD team to complete training and focus on demining efforts.

“MAT Kosovo is a phenomenal opportunity to take advantage of when it comes to training with the KSF and promoting the humanitarian demining efforts in Kosovo,” said 1st Lt. Taylor Firn, platoon leader with the 702nd. “MAT Kosovo originated here to restore freedom of movement in Kosovo.”

As the KFOR and KSF EOD teams observed, the MAT Kosovo students qualified and demonstrated their abilities by using low-order techniques to dismantle an unexploded ordnance. They used different small explosives to render simulated UXOs ineffective. Low-order methods are designed to slowly burn off high-explosives and prevent a UXO from detonating to its full potential, said Firn.

By the end, the students were qualified in level three EOD operations.

“High-order is when the explosive functions how it’s meant to function,” said Doug York, the general manager for MAT Kosovo. “Low-order is where you’re trying to dispose of the ordnance without it functioning. We use explosives to initiate deflagration within the ordnance to burn all the explosives on the inside.”

Firn has made it a priority for his EOD team to reach out and forge relationships with institutions in Kosovo that play a key role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

“We appreciate our friendship with American forces,” said York. “It’s important to us to build on it and continue to do cross-training to keep the flow of information between EOD teams active.”

Military EOD teams and civilian organizations like MAT Kosovo routinely enter high-risk situations to remove UXO and dispose of it in a safe manner. Their coordinated efforts help ensure freedom of movement as well as a safe and secure environment for the people of Kosovo.

“It’s always fun to get out and watch explosions,” said Firn, “but my favorite thing was getting face time and furthering that link between the KSF and MAT Kosovo. That’s our real mission here in KFOR.”

Story by Jonathan Perdelwitz

Photos by SGT Jonathan Perdelwitz

Posted in Army, EOD, Guest Post, Training | Comments Off on US Army EOD Soldiers Collaborate with Kosovan Demining School