Training Lethality through Cavalry Squadron Gunnery

Cavalry scouts must be able to competently communicate, move and shoot – respectively. However, gunnery remains a critical foundational training event for all cavalry – armored, Stryker and wheeled formations. After completing our Army Force Generation rest phase following our deployment to Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom 2010-11, gunnery was the first major mounted-training event on 4th Squadron (Saber), 2nd Cavalry Regiment’straining calendar. As a Stryker reconnaissance squadron with a unique assortment of troops (reconnaissance; engineer; anti-armor troops; military police; chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear support; and mortar platoons), developing a gunnery training plan for a variety of units and vehicle types was a challenge. Despite planning difficulties and the harsh Bavarian winter weather, 4th Squadron executed its first “to standard” squadron gunnery in more than three years between Feb. 16 and March 4, 2012, at the Grafenwohr Training Area in Germany. Thanks to a solid pregunnery train-up, in-depth staff planning and a sound concept of support, gunnery provided a solid foundation for future advanced training events. Currently 4th Squadron consists of three reconnaissance troops, an anti-armor troop with tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-command-link-guided anti-tank guided-missile launchers, an engineer troop and headquarters troop with military police, support and CBRN reconnaissance platoons. With a variety of platforms that include seven Stryker variants – command vehicle, nuclear-biological-chemical reconnaissance vehicle, reconnaissance vehicle, anti-tank guided-missile vehicle, fire-support vehicle, mortar-carrier vehicle and engineer-support vehicle, some with and most without stabilized remote weapon systems – finding the right gunnery manual was the first challenge. The Stryker Master Trainer Course uses both the Stryker Gunnery Field Manual (FM 3-20.21, dated September 2009) and the Heavy Brigade Combat Team Gunnery Manual (FM 3-22.3, dated March 2006). After careful consideration, Saber Squadron deliberately selected the HBCT gunnery manual as our governing document for our gunnery density, as it was best suited for our vehicle density within the squadron. Also, it met the commander’s guidance for developing a standardized process to ensure crews met a “gated approach” to qualification, meaning crews must successfully pass one gunnery table before progressing to the next table. Saber Squadron has 44 vehicles with unstabilized weapons systems. Chapter 17 exclusively focuses on unstabilized gunnery and, with some small modifications, it was suitable for almost all the squadron’s vehicle variants except the ATGM. For the ATGM we used the Stryker Brigade Combat Team Anti-Armor Company and Platoon Leader’s Handbook (ST 3-22.6, dated June 2009). Crew stability was a concern due to our location in the ARFORGEN cycle, so troops attempted to build crews with stability through our October 2011 combat-training center exercise at Hohenfels. We also understood we would need to re-execute another gunnery density before our evaluated November squadron-level live-fire due to key personnel turnover. The first step in qualifying crews was individual training as specified by the gunnery-training program outlined in FM 3-20.21, Chapter 14. Commonly known as gunnery-skills test-Training Lethality through Cavalry Squadron Gunnery by LTC Chris Budihas and 1LT Scott W. Browne ing, the purpose of this training is to familiarize and then test the trooper’s competence with the three weapons found throughout the formation: the MK-19, M2HB and M240B machinegun. Testing was conducted across the squadron over a three-day period in around-robin style with squadron-level certified evaluators/instructors. According to the squadron commander’s “gated approach” training guidance, crews were required to pass each station before moving to the next phase of pregunnery training. Using the truck tasks listed in Chapter 14, we required each trooper to clear, disassemble, assemble, perform functions check; load and perform immediate action; and identify and take action with a weapons malfunction on his assigned weapon system(s). Also included in this testing was Common Task 1, the recognition-of-combat-vehicles test. A benefit of being forward-deployed in Germany with many former Eastern Bloc nations training at the Grafenwohr Training Complex is that Saber Squadron troopers inherently operate in a multinational environment, which requires careful study of foreign vehicles as many of our North Atlantic Treaty Organization partners employ former Soviet/Russian equipment. Lastly, we conducted extensive remedial training for all events immediately with squadron-certified instructors for any “no gos,” and, when ready, those troopers were retested. The next step in our gated approach was digital gunnery, primarily conducted in the virtual training domain (simulation) on Virtual Battle Space 2 and augmented by Close Combat Tactical Trainer; unfortunately, there is no unit conduct-of-fire trainer for the Stryker. It is, however, available for the Bradley vehicle and Abrams tank. This digital training provided crews (drivers, gunners and vehicle commanders) the opportunity to progress in a simulated environment on the same range they would later actually conduct live-fire gunnery on in Tables III-VI. While the act of firing an MK-19 or M2HB on a computer with a mouse click is immensely different from depressing the butterflies in real life, the opportunity to conduct berm drills, fire commands, spot-and-adjust indirect fire and identify targets in simulation immensely increased crew cohesion and was the first opportunity for many of the new troopers to see what gunnery would encompass. Vehicle-crew-evaluator training was conducted simultaneously to digital gunnery. Each troop rigorously trained and certified three teams of two noncommissioned officers over a six-day period by the squadron master gunner. These VCEs were responsible for scoring engagements and conducting crew after-action reviews during gunnery. Experiencing the VCE certification program provided an added personal benefit to the VCEs, many who are gunners themselves, as it substantially increased their awareness of the gunnery process and associated scoring system. Without a solid group of trained and certified VCEs, conducting a quality gunnery would have been nearly impossible. The last task prior to crew gunnery was Table II, Crew Proficiency Course, for the gunners and VCs. One three-day range per weapon system was conducted the month prior to Tables III-VI of gunnery. These M2HB and MK-19 ranges were critical for crew proficiency, as many of the gunners and VCs had not fired these weapon systems in years or had never fired them. 29

Shooting from a tripod offered allowed crews to become familiar with the weapon before they added the complexity of firing from stationary and moving vehicles. Gunnery-skills testing, digital gunnery and VCE training prepared the squadron for the live-fire portion of gunnery. According to the manual Table IV, long-range machine gunnery is required for scouts and reconnaissance elements only, but limited-range availability forced its omission during our density. The specific firing tables for Tables III, V and VI were constructed based on the minimum proficiency level on Page 17-3 of the gunnery manual. These engagements were divided among the day- and night-fire portions, taking into consideration the MPL application matrix (Page 17-9), which suggests what engagements are suitable for a VC or gunner. Tables V and VI were standardized into two categories for the squadron, one for unstablized weapons (RV, FSV and MP M1114 humvee variants) and the other for stabilized weapons (CV, ESV and CBRN). Due to the RWS’ increase in accuracy over an MK-93 mounted weapon, the stabilized variants fired on a range with engagements at greater distances and three-fourths scaled targets, while unstablized systems engaged at short ranges with full-size targets. For this gunnery density, Saber Squadron conducted live-fire on two ranges within the Grafenwohr range complex for a 2½- week period. One troop (company) formation supported each range, while another troop fired. Each troop had four days to fire and four days in support. The first day of gunnery was Table III dry-fire. The next three days consisted of live-fire with Table III (basic machine gun), V (basic crew practice) and VI (crew qualification) day- and night-fire. The VCE gave each crew a formal AAR following each run. As per the squadron commander’s directives, squadron AARs followed the Army’s current publication, The Leader’s Guide to After-Action Reviews and 2nd Cavalry Regiment’s AAR standard operating procedure. The AARs were facilitated on a terrain model and augmented by the forward-looking infrared video footage and audio recordings from the jump net taken during the gunnery run. VCEs were deliberately positioned inside the vehicles during the execution. This provided the VCEs the best vantage point to judge crew proficiency and enhance the AARs’ substance. The AARs’ quality with troop first sergeant overwatch and crew participation immensely helped crews substantially improve as gunnery progressed. Ammunition allocations followed the allotments set forth in FM 3-20.21 (50 rounds of.50 caliber or eight rounds of 40mm per target). The ranges were constantly occupied by personnel, allowing the squadron to bring all the ammunition to the ranges on the first day, as it was always under guard, decreasing logistical requirements. In addition to qualifying crews, gunnery allowed every platoon leader (78 percent of them were second lieutenants) to serve as an officer-in-charge of a range, and noncommissioned officers to serve as range-safety officers, beach masters and ammunition NCOs. This range-support experience was especially valuable to leader development within Saber Squadron, given the rapid turnover of both officers and NCOs following the previous deployment. The squadron’s gunnery resulted in 49 of 51 crews qualified on Table VI, with the anti-armor troop being unable to conduct ATGM live-fire due to persistent fog. However, anti-armor troop was able to conduct simulated live-fire before the inclement weather. This was accomplished using the Laser Target-Interface Device System and the Wireless Independent Target System. The squadron’s demanding gated approach and high success rate during gunnery allowed the unit to progress into more advanced training such as platoon and troop-level live-fires and external field evaluations. Gunnery provided the squadron staff a foundation on which to build advanced training events. It also offered a prime opportunity to practice resupply operations at both the troop and squadron level. The squadron’s support platoon gained valuable experience in running daily logistics packages of Class I and III to units at two noncontiguous ranges in adverse weather conditions (a combination of snow, fog and/or freezing rain). Other logistical issues, such as vehicle repair, were conducted forward on the range, or vehicles were recovered back to the base for higher-level maintenance. Certain practices worked especially well for Saber Squadron. The range complexes were well established and contained open-bay barracks, dining areas, range towers and ammunition storage pads. Troops were not only more comfortable sleeping inside the barracks during sub-freezing weather conditions, but housing them there also reduced fuel consumption and put fewer operational hours on the vehicles. While running a troop-sized range internally is possible, it is more efficient if Soldiers can focus on either firing gunnery or supporting it. For a squadron-sized event, running several ranges is essential to getting all units through in a short amount of time. This allowed the squadron to conduct complementary concurrent training while conducting live-fire operations. Lastly, the squadron was able to exercise mission-command operations through battle tracking in the tactical-operations center and by using the CTC’s command post and support platoon to conduct resupply operations. While gunnery was a success, there is always room for improvement. First, many of the gunners did not have enough previous experience firing their weapon system to confidently engage targets right away. This can be partially mitigated by a very strong pregunnery train-up. Digital gunnery using VBS2 is another possible solution, but RWS-equipped vehicles seemed to benefit more from this than flex-mounted weapon systems. This is most likely due to the fact that manipulating a traverse-and-elevation device takes hands-on practice. While the RWS has its advantages, the zeroing process was a point of friction for some personnel with limited gunner’s experience. Some range time and ammunition was wasted by a few crews not following the prescribed zeroing steps in the technical manual. Also, occasional issues with the jump net hampered communication. Increased radio training, proper preventive-maintenance checks and services, prompt replacement of damaged cables and a communications specialist’s presence at the range would minimize downtime. Overall, many of the problems themselves were quite minor, but when combined could add up to hours of lost training time. Gunnery was a major building block for Saber Squadron and the first of many major training events that will require Saber troopers to shoot, move and communicate effectively. Proper pregunnery training, like gunnery-skills testing and digital gunnery, are instrumental in preparing crews for the rigors and stress of actual live-fire gunnery. Planning and resourcing, while unglamorous, are extremely critical to successful range operations. The land and ammo and master-gunner portions of the squadron operations section deserve much of the credit for the success of the squadron’s gunnery density. Like all things in the Army, even a crew event like gunnery, it was a team effort from start to finish. Squadron leaders and Soldiers who experienced a gunnery executed to standard will not easily forget the lessons-learned from this exercise. Saber Recon! LTC Chris Budihas commands 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, in Vilseck, Germany. He has more than 24 years of enlisted and officer experience in all forms of infantry operations and has served in assignments such as deputy chief of staff, Joint Multinational Training Center, Grafenwohr; aide for the commanding general of Combined Arms Center, Fort Leavenworth, KS; brigade executive officer, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, GA; and battalion operations officer, 1st Battalion, 64th Armored Division, Fort Stewart. His military education includes the School of Advanced Military Studies; Ranger, Airborne and Air Assault schools; and Mountain Warfare School. His civilian education includes a bachelor’s of science degree in political science, a master’s of business administration from Webster University and a master’sin military arts and science from SAMS. 1LT Scott Browne serves as the executive officer for K Troop, 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Rose Barracks, in Vilseck. He has served in various leadership and staff positions, including assistant operations officer and platoon leader, also with 4th squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Rose Barracks, in Vilseck. His military education includes Armor Basic Officer Leaders Course and Air Assault School. Browne holds a bachelor’s of science degree in economics from the U. S. Military Academy at West Point. His awards include the Bronze Star medal. AAR – after-action review ARFORGEN – Army Force Generation ATGM – anti-tank guided-missile vehicle CBRN – chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear CTC – combat-training center CV – command vehicle ESV – engineer-support vehicle FM – field manual FSV – fire-support vehicle HBCT – heavy brigade combat team MP – military police MPL – minimum proficiency level NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization NCO – noncommissioned officer RV – reconnaissance vehicle RWS – remote weapons system SAMS – School of Advanced Military Studies VBS2 – Virtual Battle Space 2 VC – vehicle commander VCE – vehicle-crew evaluator Acronym Quick-Scan 31