July 25, 2012
Vol. 1 Issue 44
Gunner’s Mates Host Dry Fire Exercise Story and photo by MC3 Jonathan A. Colon
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Andrew Greer demonstrates the proper handling of an M9 firearm during a dry fire exercise.
The Weapons Department, G-2 (Armory) division, hosted a dry fire weapons exercise for junior officer of the deck (JOOD) and officer of the deck (OOD) qualifiers in the forcastle on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), July 24. According to OPNAVINST3591.E, dry fire is defined as training in a sterile environment free of live ammunition, establishing a shooting stance and squeezing the trigger without actually firing live ammunition. The forcastle was prepared unloaded M9 Beretta pistols and 10 shooting with targets to simulate the structure of an actual gun range. Chief Gunner’s Mate (SW) Kevin Wyant, leading chief petty officer of G-2 division, explained the importance of holding a dry fire exercise for service members on board Nimitz.
“We go through the whole course of fire from each individual line to make sure they don’t’ have any questions,” said Wyant. “They know what the course of fire will be and get practice for the live fire exercise.” The line coaches on site preached the four fundamentals of shooting which are to maintain the steady position, proper aim, breath control and trigger control. The goal of dry fire exercise is to identify and correct basic shooter fundamental errors before live fire. Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Deandre Edmondson, a line coach for the training, explained how the exercise will help Sailors to become better at handling weapons before performing in a live-fire exercise. “It’s important to have this training with the gun before they shoot so they don’t get hurt on the range,” said Edmondson. “It benefits not just the shooter, but also benefits us [line coaches] because it’s overall training and helps both parties.” More than 25 Sailors attended yesterday’s dry fire exercise. The dry fire exercise was a prerequisite to the live fire exercise, which will give Sailors the opportunity to earn their Pistol Marksmanship Medal. “This prepares them for the live fire exercise,” said Edmondson. “They know what to expect when pulling the gun out of the holster, and know the sequence of fire so that they can qualify their first time up.” There will be two additional dry fire classes today from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and July 26, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Reminders
What’s Inside
PFA Information:
*Medical Waivers
BCA: Aug. 27-31, Sept. 17-21 due by Aug. 28 PRT: Sept. 4-7, Sept. 24-28 Minister of Defense Pg. 4
Seeing Stars Pg. 5
Navy Mentorship Pg. 6
September Advancement Worksheets: E6: July 28-Aug. 2 E5: Aug. 6-10 E4: Aug. 13-17