Langley Air Force Base, Va. –
"Fire!" the instructor said over the speaker. Hot brass casings fall down the back and legs of shooters, clanking loudly on the concrete pad. These Airmen are preparing to deploy, and qualifying with a weapon is on the checklist. With the re-opening of the Langley Air Force Base, Va., Combat Arms range July 30, 2012, the expectation becomes a safe and simple task.
Prior to the re-opening, the M-4 course lasted two days with two phases. Day one was taught in the classroom, and day two was live-fire training on the firing line at Fort Eustis, Va. Instructors and students would arrive early to ride a bus to Fort Eustis. The days became longer for both parties, and did not allow for much one-on-one, instructor to student education.
Now, students who need to re-qualify can expect to be away from their duty sections for only one day to complete both phases. Airmen can return to their duty sections with confidence in their weapon qualifications, and without excessive interruption to their work schedule.
"We've received a positive response from students on the re-opening," said Tech. Sgt. Ajamu Bolling, 633rd Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms assistant noncommissioned officer in charge. "Folks are happy they don't have to commute, but they are also happy for overhead cover that protects them from the elements."
Proper barriers and overhead protection are essential to the success of the one day course. In the M-4 course, students are required to fire from three distances and from various positions.
"With the classes being shorter, students are more susceptible to learning and they are genuinely in a better mood because of it," said Staff Sgt. Ryan Snow, 633rd Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms instructor, adding that CA instructors teach four courses weekly.
The instructors also have the ability to perform night-fire qualifications, and teach classes with less than 10 students; an option not available at Fort Eustis. In addition to simple marksmanship, combat skills are part of the courses.
"Our Airmen may have to clear out a room or a building. These are skills they are learning here," said Bolling.
For more information or to schedule training with Combat Arms, contact your unit deployment manager.