MTU keeps Marines on target
USMC News
Story Identification Number: 2003416185955
Story by Cpl. Ryan D. Libbert
CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan(April 13, 2003) -- Lance Cpl. Jacob P. Appenzeller, a primary marksman instructor for III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, may not possess much rank on his collar, but he is still leading Marines to their expected goals.
As a PMI, the Rock Falls, Ill., native teaches other Marines throughout the group the fundamentals of shooting an M16A2 service rifle. This is a skill Marines need in order to be in compliance with one of the Corps' well-known mottos - every Marine is a rifleman.
"At Marksmanship Training Unit, it's our responsibility that every Marine shoots his or her best, which is important considering the time we're in right now," Appenzeller stated.
To make sure this is accomplished, numerous units around the Corps have installed an MTU within their ranks. At III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, the MTU teaches the art of marksmanship to the subordinate units and overflow from Unit Deployment Program battalions, claimed Staff Sgt. Eugene E. Sanchez, staff noncommissioned officer in charge, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group MTU.
"Our primary mission here is to provide marksmanship training and pistol training," the Albuquerque, N.M. native said. "During the two weeks that units are temporarily assigned to us, we teach them not only skills with the M16A2 service rifle, but we also give classes that will take care of their annual training as well. This includes substance abuse classes, battle skills training, and a physical fitness test."
Out of every two-week detail that MTU instructs, there must be a minimum of 60 Marines to meet the quota. Sanchez added, on average, MTU trains 1,800 Marines annually.
For one to become an instructor, a Marine who has a sharpshooter or expert rifle badge must be chosen from III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group. They are then sent to a three-week school where they try to earn the 8531 military occupational specialty billet - range primary marksmanship instructor.
"The course was really great," Appenzeller announced. "The material we learn there is mostly all from the book, and I picked up a lot of knowledge there. Teaching the actual classes in a classroom environment is quite different from learning the material in the course, but my fellow coaches helped me get over the nervousness."
Like all the PMIs at MTU, Appenzeller is only temporarily assigned as a rifle coach. The normal time spent as a PMI is seven months. Appenzeller is using his time there to better his own career in the Marine Corps.
"I've picked up quite a bit of knowledge since I've been attached to this unit," Appenzeller continued. "It will be great to teach the things I've learned to other Marines in my parent unit when I go back there."
Growing proficient with an M16A2 service rifle can be difficult for some Marines, explained Appenzeller. If a shooter is showing signs of problems, the PMIs are on hand to work with that individual to guide them to qualified status.
"If there is a Marine that is having a really hard time shooting, then we'll take them aside and try to work with them one-on-one," Appenzeller added. "We'll stress the fundamentals to them as well as teach them personal tricks of our own. We also try to schedule time on the ISMT (Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer), and we try to get extra rounds for them to fire when they're shooting on the range.
Most PMIs are grateful for the experience they receive when attached to MTU. For Appenzeller, the feeling of pride comes over him daily during his duties as a rifle coach.
"It makes me very proud when I see someone succeed with a rifle after receiving pointers from me," Appenzeller concluded. "If I can get a Marine to expert status, then it's that much better, because I know that he'll have a better edge against opponents on the battlefield."
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
