The 1st Armored Division intends to hold this event annually to build upon the shared lessons in lethality, trend analysis and training progression built from this first-ever event held at Fort Bliss. VIEW ORIGINAL
FORT BLISS, Texas — More than 100 master gunners from across Fort Bliss gathered to discuss training approaches and best practices during the inaugural Master Gunner Conference hosted by the 1st Armored Division held at the Fort Bliss Simulation Center, August 6-8, 2024.
The conference featured seminars from several guest speakers, including master gunners from the Australian and Canadian Armed Forces, as well as facilitated opportunities for networking, understanding of installation capabilities and foundational continuity.
“You are the experts, but you also have to know the experts,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, the commanding general of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss. "A great master gunner has a network of connections. Whether you’re at Fort Moore, Georgia, or right here at Fort Bliss, you can pick up the phone and call an expert to discuss a problem you’re having.”
U.S. Army master gunners are widely renowned as technical and tactical experts for their respective weapon's platform. The role of the master gunner is to advise commanders on everything related to vehicle platforms and weapon systems. They also develop training materials to conduct gunnery and live-fire exercises to ensure readiness and combat power.
To earn the coveted title of master gunner'is no easy feat.
The U.S. Army describes master gunners as individuals who show "a high level of technical competence and a detailed understanding of a projectile producing system that [aids] a command in planning, resourcing, training and executing a gunnery program designed to enhance the combat effectiveness and lethality of a maneuver force."
In 2019, the U.S. Army formally recognized these high-caliber Soldiers with the creation of the Master Gunner Identification Badge.
“Master gunners are the vanguard for our training, management and maintenance programs,” said retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Lance P. Lehr, who served as the senior enlisted leader for the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss from 2013 through 2015. “They ensure our forces are always prepared, always proficient and most importantly, always lethal.”
The spirit of this conference encouraged cohesion throughout the master gunners stationed at Fort Bliss to create a tight niche community. The inaugural event also served as a way to help increase interoperability and dialogue with the U.S. Army’s global allies.
Canadian Army Capt. Brian Cobby, who serves as an armored direct fire specialist team leader, said the conference helped build relationships among the master gunners and share best practices. He also valued the role of the U.S. military as a key ally and its global standing around the world suggesting, "the world will look to you."
The 1st Armored Division intends to hold this event annually to build upon the shared lessons in lethality, trend analysis and training progression built from this first-ever event held at Fort Bliss.
“We are America’s Tank Division,” said Taylor. “We set the standard for the world in excellence and armored warfare, that is our parameter at Fort Bliss and that’s our parameter at this conference.”
Social Sharing