Thunder Bolts conduct reflexive fire training

More than 45 Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, conducted reflexive-fire marksmanship training Sept. 10, on Fort Bragg, N.C.

The Paratroopers were required to fire their M-4 carbine while moving toward and engaging different targets. The training gave Paratroopers the opportunity to hone their marksmanship skills while raising overall readiness for a combat environment.

During a reflexive-fire range, Paratroopers are trained to quickly engage close-range targets in order to prepare for close-quarters battle in an urban environment. Paratroopers were also trained on engaging their targets while moving and effectively transitioning from one magazine to another.

"Today we conducted reflexive fire training," said 1st Lt. Anthony Verno, a platoon leader with 3-73 Cav. "It's important that our Paratroopers get familiar with quickly recognizing a threat at close-quarters and eliminating that threat," he said.

For some of the Paratroopers, this was their first time participating in a reflexive-fire scenario since basic combat training.

"I had a great time at the range," said Pfc. Jeremy J. Spears, a Cavalry scout assigned to 3-73 Cav." It's always great when his troop gets the opportunity to fire our weapons and learn new skills."

Another part of the training also focused on how to distinguish hostile targets from friendly personnel.

"We teach our Paratroopers how to react and engage a mixture of targets by utilizing various shapes and colors on the targets," said Verno.

For each interval, range personnel called out a color or a shape of the target and Paratroopers were required to identify and engage the corresponding target within seconds.

"The reason we conduct these types of ranges is to transform our Paratroopers into advanced marksmen and to raise their proficiency and confidence in their marksmanship abilities," said Verno.

"Today's training was quite different from the rest," add Spears. "Before shooting, I expected this range to be like any other range, but this training helped me realize that the more we shoot the better we get. Overall, it was a great experience."