FORT HOOD, Texas - More than 20 Soldiers assigned to the 89th Military Police Brigade gathered at the Trapnell Machine Gun Range here for a weapons familiarization firing after having completed a two-week training on the Common Remotely Operated System Nov. 7.
The Soldiers installed the system and engaged targets at various distances before becoming certified.
Eric Heino, a training specialist for the CROWS, said he believes the system will allow Soldiers to quickly engage enemies while allowing them to be less exposed during a combat mission.
"The operator is definitely safer because the system is mounted to a vehicle, and is controlled from within," said Heino. "It can be adapted to many different weapons and platforms."
Heino states there are various versions being utilized by the military, including a stationary model.
"This application is used by the United States Military for things like guard posts and other situations where having this sort of tool is more effective," said Heino.
Echoing Heino's sentiments about the features of the system, Sgt. Jason Miller, a team leader assigned to the 89th Military Police Brigade, said he feels the system is a big step up for the MPs.
"It's reassuring to know we can accomplish our mission in a combat environment without having to expose ourselves to enemy fire," said Miller.
Miller, who participated in the two-week classroom and hands-on portion of the course stated the training was intense, as it had once been three weeks.
"We really learned a lot," said Miller. "There was a lot of information to digest really quickly, but being able to use this system is definitely a great tool for us to utilize."
Miller went on to say the system is very reminiscent of a video game due to its computer screen and joystick operation.
The system utilizes a laser range finder and optics to project an enemy's position on a screen. The Soldier then uses the joy stick to sight in on the target before engaging it.
"This is the great thing about the CROWS," said Heino. "The Soldier has the ability to view, engage and destroy the enemy with incredible accuracy, while being in the relative safety of their vehicle."
The accuracy of the system is what impressed Pfc. Tevin Porter, a Soldier assigned to the 89th Military Police Brigade, the most.
"Using the system is easy," said Porter. "It does the majority of the work for you, and once it zeros in on the target it's incredibly accurate."
Heino said he's proud of the system but is equally proud he and his team are teaching the Soldiers a system that allows Soldiers to be safer in combat.
"There are quite a few veterans teaching these Soldiers, and we want them to be able to do their jobs while serving their country," said Heino.
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