Military

CHAPTER 15

Quarterly Evaluation of Gunner Proficiency

This chapter provides procedures for evaluating the skills of MANPAD gunners in handling and firing the Stinger. Since weapons are not available for live-firing exercises, engagement simulations must be used. The MTS provides the most comprehensive means of evaluating gunner proficiency. Both the weapon handling and decision making elements of the engagement process can be accurately assessed against a variety of simulated target executing courses, speeds, and maneuvers that would be encountered in combat.

INTRODUCTION TO EVALUATION

The job of the evaluator is to determine if the gunner can correctly perform all the steps of the engagement sequence within set time limits. The evaluator grades on a go/no-go basis. To pass the test, the gunner must perform all the steps correctly, in proper order, and within proper time constraints. The tasks that must be performed by the gunner during an engagement can be divided into two categories for evaluation purposes; weapon handling, and decision making.

Weapon handling involves the smooth and efficient operation of the weapon. The gunner must demonstrate mastery of the weapon and its operating controls.

Decision making involves the process of determining if and when certain actions in the engagement control sequence are to be performed. These decisions require the application of a number of rules that are based on the type of target being engaged and visual and audible indications received by the gunner during the engagement sequence. The skills and knowledge that a gunner needs to successfully execute a firing sequence are discussed in chapters 3 through 6 of this manual and in Soldier's Manual FM 44-16S.

The evaluator must consider the capabilities of the equipment and facilities he has available to him for evaluation purposes.

The THT can be used to evaluate weapon handling. However, this device used alone does not provide a means for accurately evaluating the gunner's ability at decision making.

By using the THT with an MTS, all elements of gunner proficiency can be tested against a variety of targets and target courses. When available, the MTS provides one of the most accurate means of evaluating gunner proficiency.

The THT can also be used in conjunction with live targets flying known courses on a tracking range to evaluate both weapon handling and decision making. However, detailed planning and close coordination between the various elements involved in the operation of the tracking range are required to achieve accurate test results.

GUNNER EVALUATION WITH THE MTS

Prior to conducting the test, the evaluator should familiarize himself with the target run sheet for each target run he has selected. Also, the evaluator should familiarize himself with the gunner performance evaluation sheet and the scoring criteria and procedures used with the sheet.

Before class, the instructor should be sure that the projector is loaded with the proper film, the system energized and checked out, and that the necessary training materials are on hand. These materials should include the THT to be used, stopwatch (if required), reel tabular data, and target run analysis sheets for each reel to be used. Also, student evaluation sheets and any other materials which the instructor considers useful and appropriate.

Before starting the film run state the objectives and standards of the film reel to be used and describe the targets to be expected, including types, speeds, and maneuvers. Assign the gunner to firing positions. Have the gunner inspect the THT for proper battery voltage and gas pressure and have him take the gunner position.

Start target run. The gunner must now search, scan, detect, acquire, and track the target to perform a successful simulated launch.

There will be one evaluator assigned to each gunner being tested. The evaluator must evaluate all gunner activities during an engagement. By observing the IR and launch boundary indicator lamps on the trainer control console, the evaluator can determine if a gunner fires within IR and launch boundaries.

Since the target run sheets are keyed to time, the evaluator, using a stopwatch, will record the times between activation, acquisition, tone, and firing. If the THT indicates a procedural error, the evaluator should examine the windows/lamps, determine the cause of error, and make a note of the gunner's error.

The evaluator may stop the projector at the end of a target run or series of runs to change gunners.

GUNNER EVALUATION ON A TRACKING RANGE

If an MTS is not available, the gunners can be evaluated against real aircraft flying over a prescribed area. The aircraft is flown over a preplanned course and the engagement is simulated using the THT. Compared to MTS training, this method (outdoor range) of presenting targets to the gunner has the advantage of realism but has disadvantages that include the following: