FORT BENNING, Ga., (Jan. 6 2016) -- Instructors of the Heavy Weapons Leader Course launched three tube launched, optically tracked, wire guided weapon systems as part of a live fire exercise Dec. 14 at Cactus Ranger.
With the new TC 3-22.32 manual published in October, Staff Sgt. Joshua Richards, branch chief of the Heavy Weapons Leader Course, said after the launch, 1st Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment, would have the only qualified TOW missile shooters in the Army.
The TOW is combat weapon system used to defeat Armor - tanks and combat reconnaissance patrol vehicles - Richards said. The missile has a maximum effective range of 3,750 meters, but it also used as a surveillance system.
With the TOW missile, the user can use optics from the weapon system to gather real-time battlefield intelligence and send it to the commander.
As the missile leaves the improved target acquisition system, a wire guides it all the way to the target, said Capt. Derek Harris, commander of D Company, 1st Bn., 29th Inf. Regt.
The live fire was held as validation for the course instructors and for familiarization of the missile, Harris said.
"They teach it, so now they'll be able to go back and (use) what they've learned from shooting a live missile," Richards said.
The course is geared toward Infantry Brigade Combat Team and the light Infantry weapons squad, but also trains Infantrymen, Cavalry scout and Special Forces Soldiers.
In the course, Soldiers learn about the M41 improved target acquisition system, the Javelin shoulder-mounted anti-tank missile system; the Carl Gustav anti-tank recoilless rifle; the TOW; the .50-caliber machine gun and MK19 automatic grenade launchers.
The students learn about the weapons systems, the requirements for training, certification on those weapon systems, how to build the training plan and tactically use it.
As the feedback came in from the previous leaders courses, the 1st Bn., 29th Inf. Regt., found that students wanted more - more hands-on training and more live fire.
The Heavy Weapons Leader Course currently being validated will have live fire, Harris said.
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