CHAPTER 5
UNIT TRAINING
All effective unit training must meet certain requirements to obtain combat readiness. Training requirements consist of command emphasis; consolidation of planning and execution of training at battalion, brigade, or division level; close supervision of gunner and instructor selections; consolidation of training equipment and maintenance responsibility; and training to standards.
Section I. COMMANDER'S RESPONSIBILITY
The commander is responsible for planning, executing, and supervising training. He selects the instructors and gunners based on the selection criteria given in this chapter. The commander makes sure that the instructor and gunner receive training. (See Chapter 6 for instructor training and Chapter 8 for gunner training.) The commander must ensure--
- Command emphasis provides adequate time to conduct effective training.
- Training is to standard and is combined with other unit tactical training.
- The maintenance facility properly maintains all consolidated Dragon training equipment.
- Sustainment training is conducted IAW the training program discussed in Chapter 8, Section II.
- No-notice operational readiness checks of trackers, training equipment, and gunners are made; for example--
- Day tracker, night tracker, and M175 have a DA Label 80 dated within 90 days.
- Monitoring sets are tagged to show the date last charged.
- Periodic ordnance inspections are made.
- A formal record of inspections, training results, gunner qualifications, and gunner turnover are maintained.
5-1. TRAINING GOALS AND PROGRAM
The training goals and program provide the soldier with the skills needed to engage armored targets on the battlefield and to operate and maintain the Dragon. Commanders must--
a. Train soldiers to the level needed to successfully engage armored targets.
b. Provide training in maintenance and operations of the Dragon and on related training devices.
c. Provide leaders clear sustainment standards and ensure they know how to meet them.
d. Ensure soldiers are trained to standard, and conduct sustainment training to maintain their proficiency.
5-2. INSTRUCTOR SELECTION
Dragon instructors must desirably meet the same standards as gunners. They should be selected based on their desire and ability to instruct and should have a high level of tactical competence at squad and platoon levels. Successful gunner experience can be an asset, but it is not an indicator of a good instructor. Once selected, the instructors must know the information in Chapters 6 and 7, and must pass the performance test in Appendix B.
5-3. GUNNER SELECTION
The critical criteria of the gunner selection process are the overall evaluation of the soldier's performance and his desire to be a Dragon gunner. Personnel selected as gunners must--
- Have the desire to be a Dragon gunner.
- Be evaluated as outstanding soldiers.
- Be able to flex the upper trunk, left and right. (Flexibility allows the gunner to track moving targets.)
- Have a strong upper body with physical stamina. (Physical stamina ensures steady-hold and the ability to carry the weapon.)
- Be between 5 feet and 6 feet 2 inches in height. (The biped only adjusts for these heights.)
- Be able to hold the breath throughout the sequence of target acquisition, firing, and tracking (minimum of 13 seconds).
- Have an unaided, minimum vision of 20/100, correctable to 20/20. (The focus or reticle adjustment only corrects 20/100 back to 20/20 [right eye].)
- Be able to close the left eye independently (should be right-eye dominant). (The left eye must remain closed to prevent dust or debris from entering the open eye, otherwise distracting the gunner.)
Section II. DRAGON TRAINING OVERVIEW
Successfully applying the tactics and techniques for employing the Dragon in battle depends on the effectiveness of each unit's Dragon training program within the unit's overall training program.
5-4. DEVELOPMENT OF A UNIT TRAINING PROGRAM
It is unlikely that a mandatory training program would fit each unit's circumstances and needs. Only the commander is in a position to develop his unit's training program.
a. To develop a unit training program, the commander uses the following nine steps:
STEP 1. Identify all of the unit's tactical and administrative missions.
STEP 2. Analyze the unit's missions to determine the individual and unit tasks required to accomplish each mission. (See Table 5-1 for minimum requirements.)
STEP 3. Establish individual and unit training objectives to accomplish the unit's tasks.
STEP 4. Determine the level of individual and unit proficiency of those tasks.
STEP 5. Determine individual and unit training needed to attain the training objectives established in STEP 3.
STEP 6. Identify available training resources.
STEP 7. Program and schedule training based on the training resources available and individual and unit training needs.
STEP 8. Conduct training.
STEP 9. Monitor and evaluate training, and revise the training program, as required.
b. The key step in developing a training program is to consolidate training at brigade level. For consolidation to be successful, a unit must--
(1) Assign a qualified NCO full time as the principal instructor.
(2) Make Dragon training an item of command interest.
(3) Designate the S3 as the officer responsible for ensuring that Dragon training is performed and coordinated with other unit training.
c. The training programs in this manual are to be used as the basic documents for conducting Dragon training. They list all of the tasks and training objectives needed for initial and sustainment training (Chapters 6 and 8).
(1) Certify each Dragon instructor by using the program in Chapter 6.
(2) After instructors are certified, use the training program in Chapter 8, Section I, to train each gunner.
(3) Use the training program in Chapter 8, Section II, to sustain gunners.
5-5. TRAINING FOR SPECIFIC NEEDS
Concentration on the specific training needs of individuals and units provides a commander two important advantages as he plans and conducts Dragon training; he can allocate his training resources more effectively and his soldiers can learn easier arid faster.
a. Because of limited training resources, such as lack of time, instructors, and ranges, or it becomes critical to identify the specific training needs of individuals, teams or crews, and units (squads and platoons). Soldiers can learn easier and faster if their essential training needs for duty performance are recognized. During training, a soldier is required to learn new information, acquire new skills, and practice these skills to attain or exceed established levels of proficiency.
b. Therefore, those who plan and conduct training should ensure that they do not include useless information in a class or require a soldier to practice an unnecessary skill. To do so can only reduce the soldier's learning by forcing him to separate the "essential" from the "nice to know" information, or to force him to practice a skill he can already perform or does not need to perform to complete a given training objective.
5-6. MULTILEVEL TRAINING
Various duty positions in a unit require different skills, which require different training. Recognition of this fact suggests the use of a multilevel training approach. This approach is designed to train different elements at the same time (leaders, squad, Dragon gunners, assistant gunners) of the unit; for example, the unit before training in a platoon or company FTX.
a. Applying the logic of the multilevel training approach to Dragon training a training program can be developed for each of the following categories:
(1) Team and unit performance. Because team and unit performances are greatly affected by the decisions and actions of its leaders, leaders should be trained to make critical (tactical) decisions before they train with their team or unit. Such leader training reduces the chance that the soldiers will be used as "training aids" for the leaders. Squad and platoon leaders can begin to train in tactical operations that require the employment of the Dragon by using one or more tactical exercises; for example, CPX, terrain exercises, or terrain model exercises. Therefore, leaders can learn and practice their tactical skills without wasting their soldiers' time. The soldiers can learn how to perform their jobs under the direction of qualified officers and NCO instructors.
(2) Training of critical tasks performed by team and unit members. The critical member of the team or unit is the Dragon gunner. Although every man in the unit could be trained to prepare the weapon for firing, to launch the missile, and to track a target, only the gunner is trained to be proficient in all of these skills. The Dragon is a simple weapon to operate, but skill in tracking a target requires repetitive practice with the LET (includes monitoring set and target board) to acquire proficiency and reliability as a gunner. See the following list for the critical tasks of each team member.
- Identifies enemy avenues of approach.
- Assigns squad defensive sectors.
- Selects fining positions for the platoon's Dragons.
- Assigns Dragon sectors of fire.
NOTE: The knowledge and skills required to perform any of these tasks are considerable; for example, map reading, map and terrain analysis, knowledge of enemy armor capabilities in determining armor approaches, and knowledge of the Dragon's range, and backblast effects.
(b) Squad leader:
- Posts local security, and the soldiers and weapons to the positions selected by the platoon leader.
- Directs that fields of fire are cleared and improved.
- Directs that positions are prepared; orients on assigned sectors of fire; uses natural cover and concealment to advantage and improves it.
- Directs that range cards are prepared.
- Coordinates with adjacent units to ensure mutual support.
NOTE: Like the platoon leader, the squad leader has specific tasks and must have the knowledge associated with each skill needed to perform his job. Although some of the tasks are similar to the platoon leaders, they differ in scope and degree of proficiency.
(c) Dragon gunner/assistant gunner:
- Identifies and verifies his position and sector of fire.
- Prepares his position (entrenches, camouflages, and conceals).
- Locates various points (terrain features) in the sector of fire that serve as reference points during target engagement; for example, maximum and minimum ranges.
- Prepares range cards.
- Improves positions and prestocks Dragon rounds.
b. In a unit with a high-priority antiarmor mission, the commander may decide that every man in the unit should be trained in the use of the Dragon; for example, prepare the round for firing, acquire a target, launch the missile, keep the cross hairs on the target until missile impact. Because this type of familiarization training represents an investment of training resources, the commander should know the degree of proficiency that will result from his training time. Commanders must realize that training men to fire the weapon does not constitute gunner qualification or proficiency.
c. Gunner qualification is based mainly on proficiency--the ability of the gunner to successfully and consistently track and hit targets. To gain this skill requires a great amount of time (a critical resource) practicing on the LET. A LET is a training device (also a resource) of limited availability (three LETs for each battalion). Commanders must determine who will be the unit's qualified gunners and what training resources can be allotted to their training. With this determination, he can then select training resources for familiarization training for other unit members.
5-7. LEADER TRAINING
Dragon training for leaders and commanders begins by determining the specific Dragon-related tasks that each leader or commander must perform. Once these tasks are developed into training objectives, the instructors can select the proper training methods for the available resources and other training requirements. If commanders assume that the leaders and commander initially know little about how to employ the Dragon, training should progress from the basic to the more difficult part of Dragon employment. The starting point can be presenting information in the classroom. Initial Dragon instruction can be conducted in a classroom without wasting training resources (ranges, transportation, and so forth). Lectures, seminars, small discussion groups, and briefings lend themseves to the classroom.
5-8. GUNNER TRAINING
There is a difference between the tactical employment of Dragon and the technical aspects of its operation, maintenance, and firing. Dragon employment during tactical operations is mostly a conceptual process for platoon leaders and company commanders; execution of these concepts is a mechanical process for Dragon gunners.
a. Gunnery. Gunnery includes the ability to fire the weapon (day and night) and track the target until missile impact. Gunners must --
(1) Detect vehicles at ranges out to 1,500 meters, under varying field conditions (rolling hills, vegetation, and so forth), moving and stationary.
(2) Determine if a moving target, if engaged, will reach cover before impact.
(3) Prepare a firing position, to include range card preparation.
(4) Know how to lessen the signature of the backblast.
(5) Know the ability of the enemy to place suppressive fires on his firing position, thus requiring the gunner to use cover and concealment, deception, surprise, movement, and so forth.
(6) Know unit SOPs covering rules of engagement to include signals to lift or shift fires, priority of targets, when to engage targets, and so forth.
(7) Know where to obtain resupply of missiles.
(8) Know how to inspect the round before firing.
b. Centralized Versus Decentralized Gunner Training. The decision to use centralized or decentralized gunner training depends on the available training resources (for example, equipment and facilities, personnel, time) and the type of tasks to be taught.
(1) Limited training resources may dictate a centralized approach.
(a) Equipment and facilities. The need for centralized training can be made based on the training equipment. Limited distribution of the training equipment suggests centralized control of training at the battalion (or brigade) level. Also, the number of firing ranges suitable for the Dragon may dictate centralized control over these facilities.
(b) Personnel. The lack of qualified Dragon instructors can hamper gunner training.
(c) Time. A unit can save training time by centralizing the conduct of Dragon training since centralized training requires fewer instructors and classes. If the training is centralized at brigade level or higher, battalion and company level instructors can devote their time to other training requirements. Centralized training permits the use of qualified Dragon instructors to prepare and conduct training. These men will need less time to prepare Dragon instruction than unqualified Dragon instructors.
(2) The commander also considers the types of tasks to be taught as he decides between a centralized or a decentralized approach. If the task is related to gunnery training or qualification, the commander may be forced to use a centralized approach because of the limited number of training sets and ammunition. But if the task is for example, to prepare range cards, a decentralized approach may be better. Once the Dragon gunners learn the basic elements for preparing range cards, the training task becomes one of practicing the application of these elements to different pieces of terrain or terrain substitution; for example, maps, sand tables, 35-mm slides of terrain. Such practices can be enhanced by working in small groups where soldiers have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss answers, and debate the advantages and disadvantages of the range cards.
c. Training Techniques. Several types of gunner training techniques are discussed herein.
(1) Round-robin. Because of the limited number of training sets in the battalion, all gunners cannot practice at the same time. Rather than have a few gunners practice on the training equipment whale other soldiers watch, a round-robin setup could be used to keep all the soldiers engaged in productive, active training. The round-robin setup is a series of concurrent training stations through which each platoon member rotates. For example, Station Number 1 may be for the training equipment, Station Number 2 may require preparation of range cards, Station Number 3 may require identification of enemy tanks through the use of flip charts (Figure 5-1).
(2) Night training. Since Threat doctrine stresses night operations, gunners should practice their skills at night. This can be done during FTXs using the FHT with the night tracker or on a range (under controlled conditions), and using artificial illumination to illuminate targets.
5-9. TEAM TRAINING
Because of the frequent need for squad leaders to employ Dragon as part of a team, team training must become an integral part of Dragon training in the field. As a rule, when Dragon gunners are employed apart from their squad positions, they have at least one assistant gunner and ammunition bearer with them, or may be employed in an antiarmor fire team. The other members of the team must work with the gunner as a coordinated element whose duties include providing security for the gunner, assisting the gunner in preparing his firing position, carrying ammunition (missiles), and locating targets. To simplify training, members of the gunner's own fire team within the squad should be used to form the team.
a. Once gunners are trained and qualified with the weapon and leaders are trained in the tactical employment concepts of the Dragon, leaders and gunners can train together profitably during field exercises. During the conduct of such training, leaders must be forced to make decisions about the employment of the weapon, which can be done through the use of scenarios, simulated threat conditions, OPFOR, and so forth. Based on these simulated conditions, platoon leaders practice choosing armor avenues of approach, selecting Dragon firing positions, and all the other elements of employing the weapon. Platoon and squad leaders, in turn, should require their gunners to prepare firing positions, to prepare range cards, and to simulate target engagement. Employing gunners with their squads provides training for other squad or fire team members' duties (providing security, locating targets, and so forth). The training exercises should be critiqued and discussed to determine if the techniques and tactics were the best possible for the situation.
b. When qualifying on the range, Dragon gunners normally learn under almost ideal conditions. The gunners have excellent fields of fire, the target (infrared source) moves back and forth in front of them on level ground, and there are no distractions other than fellow gunners firing their weapons. Once the Dragon gunner has qualified on the range, he is ready for more advanced training. This advanced training consists of requiring the gunner to use the Dragon under increasingly harder, yet realistic, conditions. Such conditions must be created during training by the commander. A few examples of how to add realism to Dragon training are discussed in the following paragraphs:
(1) During both FTXs and practice firing exercises on the range, gunners should be exposed to distracters. These include the detonation of explosives to simulate enemy artillery and tank fires near his position. The use of smoke, both on or near the gunner's position or target, also add realism. (A good technique to simulate close explosions is to use explosives under a bag of flour.) Such items tend to distract the gunner, and resemble the type of interference to be faced on the battlefield. Smoke obscures the target, making tracking more difficult. Gunners must concentrate on tracking their targets under varying degrees of smoke, haze, and harassing fires.
(2) During tracking exercises using the MILES Dragon, the target vehicle mounted with the MILES receivers must be used over representative terrain--thus, the target would move toward the gunner's position over rolling, wooded terrain, curving roads, and so forth. Simply driving the target vehicle back and forth across a flat field in front of the gunner marginally provides effective training.
5-10. COLLECTIVE TRAINING
In addition to monthly/quarterly training and qualification, Dragon gunners must demonstrate their proficiency during squad and platoon exercises. Each Dragon gunner, as part of a squad or larger unit, must participate in a live-fire exercise and a platoon external evaluation to ARTEP 7-8-MTP standards semiannually. Live-fire exercises should use actual Dragons or LTIDs in connection with other small-arms targets. Platoon external evaluations should include medium antiarmor weapons tasks and be conducted as part of a company FTX/STX.
5-11. EVALUATION
One of an instructor's major responsibilities is to evaluate training. The training to be evaluated may be that which he conducted himself, conducted by his assistant instructor(s), or conducted by another instructor. The evaluation is concerned with two aspects: the effectiveness and efficiency of training is determined by whether the soldiers, teams, or units meet the standards established in the commander's training objective(s). The efficiency of training is training. The effectiveness of concerned with how the instructors used the available training resources.
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