Sgt. 1st Class Donald Swauger, a cavalry scout with 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, and Staff Sgt. William Anderson, an infantryman with 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, are the first Soldiers from 2nd IBCT to graduate from the Master Gunner course since the Army's announcement of conversion to an armored brigade combat team in late 2016.
"Master Gunner is one of the top priorities for the brigade," said Command Sgt. Maj. Michael McMurdy, senior enlisted advisor of 2nd IBCT. "Master Gunners bring expertise that a regular crew member would not have on the platform, and the weapons systems of our ground combat vehicles."
Master gunners are responsible for advising the commander on all things related to armored crew gunnery skills and qualification tables. "Mike Golfs," as they are commonly referred, are critical players in the planning and execution of the commander's gunnery program.
As 2nd IBCT converts to the U.S. Army's 15th Armored Brigade, certifying leaders through the Master Gunner course becomes a necessity, said McMurdy.
To qualify for the course, you must be in the rank of sergeant to sergeant first class, possess a security clearance, and be one of the following military occupation specialties: armor crewman, infantryman, cavalry scout, combat engineer, or fire support specialist.
It's designed to certify leaders on different vehicles and weapon system platforms. Students are go through the five week common core block before moving on to the Bradley specific platform phase, for a cumulative 13 weeks of training.
"The course is academically demanding, however, it greatly increases the unit's capabilities and lethality," said Anderson.
McMurdy added that, the brigade will be sending many more candidates to the Master Gunner course, as part of conversion.
The brigade will mark the conversion milestone with a ceremony scheduled for Friday, Oct. 20 at Marne Gardens.
Social Sharing