FORT BENNING, Ga. - Soldiers from the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, loaded into Humvees and went to the ranges of Fort Benning, Ga for a week of wheeled-gunnery qualification that started Jan. 22.
Crews took their vehicles through the driving course as the gunner engaged and eliminated targets.
"Today's training is qualification for wheeled gunnery," said Staff Sgt. Daniel Malubag, a truck commander in Company B, 3/1st Cav. Regt. "The focus is on the crew's proficiency and the gunner's ability to identify targets and put steel onto targets to terminate them."
"My main focus is to take charge of the truck and make sure my crew is doing the right thing out there," he said.
The training offered a chance for crews to practice some old skills.
"I am getting myself more familiar with the Mk-19 (heavy machine gun)," said Sgt. Basilio Medina, Company B, 3/1st Cav. Regt.
Medina has been a gunner for three years before joining Malubag, and was confident about the crew's performance.
"We just want to come out here, do good as a crew and qualify," said Median. "I feel good about today's runs."
Malubag shared the positive outlook on the company's performance.
"Today's training is going pretty good. The crews are motivated and ready to qualify," said Malubag.
Although the day's training went well, he said there are obstacles ahead of them.
"The night-fire is usually the most challenging, because you are shooting through night optics," said Malubag. "It's difficult to disseminate depth, and it's harder to see the targets."
Despite the challenges ahead, Medina continues to look forward.
"I'm learning techniques from my TC, (how he is) working with the driver, helping me as the gunner," he said. "Hopefully, someday I will become a TC and have my own crew. Hopefully, I can teach the skills I have learned and keep it going to make the Army better."
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