Marine Corps Base Hawaii -- As the sun beat down and crystal blue ocean waves crashed in the background, Marines from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, conducted a squad-level advanced marksmanship course at Kaneohe Bay Range Training Facility, May 23.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brian Somers, the 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines gunner and native of Fort Calhoun, Neb., said the Marines received classroom instruction on employment of the Infantry Automatic Rifle weapon system, then moved to the range for four days to cover basic and enhanced marksmanship with M27 infantry automatic rifles.
Somers explained the purpose of the training is improving shooters’ skills, familiarizing the Marines with the weapons and supporting fire teams and squads. They also focused on practicing disciplined transitioning between full and semi automatic.
After loading magazines, the Marines took to the firing line with their weapons to implement training and improve rifleman skills. The Marines shot from unknown and known distances.
Lance Cpl. Peter Hervey, an IAR gunner with 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines and a native of Oakland, Calif., said this training was one of the most tactical and efficient training sessions with the M27 IAR he has participated in.
“We were more hands on and we focused on detailed aspects of the rifle,” Hervey said. “You suppress the enemy with the most capable automatic rifle in your squad.”
Hervey explained what they learned helps give IAR gunners a better understanding of the IAR as a key element in squads and platoons, since each fire team is supported by the automatic rifle.
The Marines transitioned from standing, kneeling and prone positions throughout the course of fire as the targets moved up and down after their rounds made impact.
Lance Cpl. Vincent DeLuca, an IAR gunner with 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines and a native of Pensacola, Fla., said the automatic rifle gives IAR gunners a better way to provide suppressive fire.
“If we shoot more rounds than the enemy shoots at us, we have the initiative and the ability to move on the objective,” DeLuca said.
DeLuca explained since the M27 automatic rifle replaced the M249 squad automatic weapon, they have a new system to learn, and this training properly teaches them the
weapon system.
As the Marines emptied their magazines, they were evaluated on their marksmen skills by range coaches at each target point.
“Every single bullet they shoot, they get feedback,” Somers said. “Their ability to employ their weapon systems properly makes or breaks squads. The more effective they are here, the more effective they will be as enhanced marksmen in the future to support our unit.”