Mustang Squadron Trains 'Light'

By Staff Sgt. Tanya Polk, 4th IBCT, 3rd ID Public AffairsDecember 10, 2009

Mustungs train 'light'
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT STEWART, Ga. -Vanguard Brigade Soldiers are continuing to train as a lighter fighting force - fulfilling the Army's need for a light infantry brigade combat team, and serving as the only one of its kind in the 3rd Infantry Division. For Soldiers of the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, training in accordance with the brigade's new standard brings a whole new meaning to Table VIII Gunnery.

The former armored ground reconnaissance squadron once housed Bradley Fighting Vehicles but now prepares for its combat missions aboard the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle or Humvee.

The multipurpose vehicle provides armament carriers with mounting and firing capabilities for the Mk 19 Grenade Launcher (or grenade machine gun), M2 heavy machine gun (.50 caliber) and the M240B

machine gun.

"With the Humvee, you have more freedom to move, and it's easier to communicate," said Spc. Joe Casper, Troop A gunner and Omaha, Neb., native.

Specialist Casper, along with Cpl. Travis Robbins and Spc. Steve Werner, qualified their weapon system during their squadron's "light" gunnery Table VIII at Fort Stewart, Dec. 3. Corporal Robbins, an Owensboro, Ky., native, said it was good communication and cohesion that helped his crew obtain a perfect daytime, live-fire score.

In addition to daytime live-fire, Table VIII gunnery also requires troops to engage targets from stationary and moving vehicle positions at night and under Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear conditions.

"Soldiers are evaluated on time, fire commands and of course, hitting their targets," said Sgt. Peter Schnurrer, vehicle crew evaluator.

He added that Soldiers need at least 700 points and must pass two of the three night engagements to qualify.

"This is good training," Sgt. Schnurrer said. "This is how we make our money - shooting targets."

The Mustang Squadron continues to practice single-vehicle wheeled gunnery training this week and is slated to begin platoon, live-fire training in January 2010.