Small arms readiness group aims for soldiers survivability

Army Reserve Magazine, Spring, 2006 by Gary A. Witte

FORT GILLEM, Ga. -- COL Byron D. Jackson, who in civilian life is a sheriff"s SWAT team leader with more than two decades of law enforcement experience, had reason to feel like an authority on firearms.

Then he became commander of the Small Arms Readiness Group (SARG) at Fort Gillem, Ga.

"I thought I was knowledgeable," Jackson said. "But I found out I was a first grader and these guys were PhDs. They can talk to anyone about marksmanship."

Initially formed in 1995 to train Reserve Soldiers on basic weapons skills, the unit is now adding hundreds of instructors and its mission reaches throughout the Army.

SARG instructors use the latest technology and time-tested methods to teach Soldiers proper shooting techniques and how to use a variety of weapons. The way members of the unit describe their work, it could be called survival instruction.

"Marksmanship is one of the basic skills," MSG Richard R. Kalina II said. "If you can't defend yourself and your comrades, then you sure aren't going to be able to complete the mission."

Kalina was an aircraft mechanic before he activated with the unit in 2003 and is now the NCO in charge of instructor development. He noted several members of the unit have earned the President's 100 marksmanship tab, Distinguished Rifleman or Distinguished Pistol badge. In many cases the instructors have a combination of awards.

The unit's reputation has grown, particularly after it began assisting incoming West Point Military Academy cadets. Before SARG arrived in 2000, about half of the new cadets weren't qualifying on the rifle range, Unit Administrator SFC Jesse Thompson said.

After SARG held initial training, 87 percent of the cadets qualified, he said. Then after a remedial course, all of them passed. "From that day forward, we were more involved with everyone," Thompson said.

In 2003, SARG became part of a test to integrate weapons instruction teams into active duty units, dealing with issues such as training cadre and range assistants. The test at Fort Stewart, Ga., went so well that the plan expanded to seven different bases throughout the country, Kalina said.

"We knew we needed to have more of an effect on the Army community," he said. "Whatever the installation needed as far as marksmanship requirements, we were able to fulfill the need."

Hands-on weapon training doesn't necessarily mean a trip to an outdoor range for SARG instructors or their students. A high-tech alternative sits on the concrete floor of the unit's home, a former warehouse.

These mobile electronic devices--known as the Laser Marksmanship Training System (LMTS)--combine computers, laser-sensitive targets and small pop-up silhouettes to create a range free of weather or logistic problems.

The laser attachment goes in the barrel of the Soldier's weapon and is set off by pulling the trigger--without the need for a bullet. The instructor uses a laptop computer to show the student where he or she is hitting and explains needed corrections.

A similar, larger system is the Laser-Convoy Counter Ambush Training (LCCATS), which incorporates full-sized silhouettes that can be set up in buildings, the outdoors or anywhere else. "Whereas the LMTS is used for zeroing weapons and initial skills training, the LCCATS is designed for practical exercises and range practice," Kalina said.

Because the systems are mobile, instructors can take them to bases around the country. The systems also reduce the use of expensive ammunition.

SPC Nilsson P. Riley, a former infantryman who has been an instructor for more than a year and a half, said the flexibility of LCCATS makes for realistic training.

"You can take it out to the field or set it up in your drill hall," said Riley. "The targets pop up just like the enemy pops up."

Another tool is the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST), which provides virtual "shoot/don't shoot" situations. The system uses interactive video projections, similar to those used by law enforcement, which can be changed by instructors at the click of a mouse.

Kalina said the EST is chiefly used by squads to practice reactions under fire. "There are tons of scenarios to choose from," he said. "It's up to the squad leader to initiate the attack or the defense."

Instructors don't always use high-tech equipment. Old-fashioned practices, such as a coin balanced at the end of the student's barrel to make sure they don't jerk the rifle, still make for clear lessons.

Riley said hitting where you aim relies on essentials--proper breathing, sight picture, trigger squeeze and a steady position. "There's not one part that's more important than the other. It all goes back to basics. It all goes back to what you learned in basic training," Riley said. "If you don't use those four fundamentals, then it doesn't matter if you have a good trigger squeeze."

By practicing basics, such as firing at the natural pause of their breath, Soldiers can learn to relax and improve their shooting, Riley said.

And while the rifle is familiar to every Soldier, Kalina said the experiences of those who have faced hostile fire shows the importance of cross-training with different weapon systems.