BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- The 401st Army Field Support Battalion-Afghanistan conducted enhanced pistol training here, Oct. 20.
The training was developed by Senior Systems Technical Representative Michael Guilliams, a Tank-automotive and Armaments Command logistics assistance representative assigned to the 401st AFSBn-Afghanistan.
"The training I just provided to the battalion was a test class for a new course that we developed after a request from an Air Force unit that was looking for some specialized training," Guilliams said.
The class focused on weapon drawing, aiming and firing techniques that improve safety and lethality.
"We're covering basic marksmanship, stances and posture, and the science of recoils and how that effects your ability to aim through second and third order effects," Guilliams said. "They're enhanced techniques on what the Army already teaches."
Soldiers who work outside of combat arms have limited time at a firing range during a typical year, which doesn't give much opportunity to develop muscle memory for firing techniques.
The opportunity to learn new techniques and refresh good habits was quite welcomed, said 1st Lt. Alyssa Ring, S-2 (intelligence), 401st Army Field Support Brigade.
"I think the training went really well," Ring said. "The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided a lot of information that we otherwise wouldn't have received on just a normal day at the range.
"It's important to participate in any extra training like this when we can. Regardless of our title, we are Soldiers first and should always know how to operate our weapon at a high standard."
Ring is married to a former Army Ranger.
"Luckily, I have a very knowledgeable teacher at home," Ring said. "My husband ensures that I am proficient with any weapon that I have in my hands. Of course, weapon safety is the most important part. It's number one."
Guilliams emphasized the importance of weapon safety and repeated the four fundamental laws of firearm safety several times throughout the class, which are: Treat every gun as if it's loaded. Never point the gun at something you are not prepared to destroy. Always be sure of your target and what is behind it. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
"Complacency is the number one killer, and lack of training is the second," Guilliams said. "The complacency part is all on the individual, but if we can provide the training part we can help minimize risk. I always want people to walk away with the safety aspect in the forefront of their mind."
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