Efficient Training for Crew Served Weapons Marines
Abstract
Few leaders in the infantry battalion truly understand the mortar system or TOW and Javelin missile systems. In addition the SMAW rocket system and the medium and heavy machine guns are simple to learn however extremely difficult to master. Infantry officers and staff noncommissioned officers generally struggle to recall the safety procedures and employment considerations for each crew served weapon, and only a select few can name all the parts and nomenclature of a TOW missile system or mortar. So how do infantry battalions develop effective training for the specialized crew served weapons military occupational specialties? Currently limited formal training is available for the crew served weapons military occupational specialties (MOS). As a result the majority of the training crew served weapons Marines receive is informal or on-the-job training conducted within the infantry battalion. Infantry battalions commonly conduct centralized battalion training to establish a common level of proficiency in the "specialty" MOSs. However, this battalion-level training can fall short. In the 1st Marine Division, the "Division Schools" once provided a specific training package to enhance the training of crew served weapons MOSs known as the "Big 3," but it was discontinued.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 20, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA517844
Entities
People
- M. C. Mroszczak
Organizations
- Marine Corps Combat Development Command