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Machine Gunners Course preps 2nd MLG Marines for combat

US Marine Corps News

9/21/2010
By Lance Cpl. Bruno J. Bego, 2nd Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- During any kind of mission in Afghanistan, Marines can find themselves subject to an enemy ambush, where split-second decision making and muscle memory can be the determining factor for one’s survival and mission accomplishment.

To help 2nd Marine Logistics Group’s machine gunners achieve the skill level needed to ensure outstanding performance in combat situations such as ambushes, units sent their Marines to the week-long Machine Gunners Course taught by instructors from the group’s Battle Skills Training School.

The latest class to complete the course included Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 8, and the 2nd MLG (fwd) Personal Security Detachment, in preparation for a future deployment to Afghanistan, where a machine gunner’s skills are often tested.

“The course teaches the attending Marines about the nomenclature of the different machine guns, such as the M249 [Squad Automatic Weapon], M240G [medium machine gun], the M2 .50 caliber [heavy machine gun] and the Mk-19 grenade launcher,” explained Sgt. Jerry S. Bell, a machine gun instructor at BSTS. “It also shows the Marines how to properly operate them and conduct immediate action in case the machine gun gets jammed or there is a misfire.”

During the course the Marines had the opportunity to learn new combat skills and practice old ones. After completing the course the Marines will have a plethora of information to pass on to other Marines within their respective units.

“After putting in so much effort and patience over this week, I expect the Marines to share knowledge so their counterparts can be as effective when they are in a combat deployment,” Bell said.

The instructor hoped to make the Marines capable of performing any job that may arise during combat, even if it is not their normal responsibility.

“We have every single Marine from the team here, and the goal is that every one of them can man any of the machine guns at any point of time,” said Staff Sgt. Jeffrey S. Ray, the PSD chief. “The role we play in Afghanistan is very important and the more familiarized the Marines are with the different weapons the easier it will be to operate and successfully accomplish our mission.”

The main challenge that Marines face during the course is having to master all of the machine guns in a short period of time.

“Eventually they will be achieving proficiency with all the weapon systems and a level of comfort that will help us do our job effectively, in a more proficient manner,” Ray explained.

The Marines attending the course have different jobs, but all aim for the same outcome: complete their mission in Afghaistan.

“I am as prepared as any Marine who hasn’t gone to Afghanistan could be,” said Lance Cpl. Aric G. Sumner, a military policeman with Personal Security Detachment, 2nd MLG. “I’m impatient to go, but I understand that being prepared for this deployment is important since our mission is to provide security for VIP’s.”

A Marine with a different job, Pfc. Cristopher J. Haire, a hygiene equipment operator with support engineer platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 2nd MLG, is still expected to be able to handle machine guns just as well as a Marine in a more combat oriented MOS.

“This course taught me a lot about how to operate these weapons, especially the .50 caliber and the Mk 19,” explained Haire. “I personally feel like this course gave me tools necessary for me to be more useful during deployment.

"Whether i have to do my job or jump on a machine gun and shoot back at the enemy, I feel comfortable that I can do either one well," he added.