Posted on May 12, 2016
Should the Army be cutting costs by allowing soldiers to qualify on their weapon virtually?
10.9K
86
65
4
4
0
This weekend, my unit is conducting a battalion FTX. During this weekend we will be qualifying via an EST 3000 simulation. Personally, I would like to shoot live rounds down range. Do you think soldiers in the Reserves should be sacrificing real world experience?
Marksmanship
Primary Marksmanship Instructor
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 32
13
13
0
Nope they should still qualify with live rounds because it never replaces the fear of killing your enemies in real world combat scenario. We already got enough Call of Duty wannabe couch potatoes trying to play war as the real thing.
(13)
(0)
CPL José A CastroPacheco
Couldn't agree more. Nothing replaces the hands on training of getting to know your real weapon and what it takes to squeeze that real trigger.
(2)
(0)
SSG Warren Swan
CPL José A CastroPacheco - ummmm yeah that "getting to know your real weapon" could be a rather touchy, messy, and sticky situation. I think I squeezed the trigger more than enough times. I had to get my eyes repaired by laser surgery to repair all the damage done by squeezing the trigger.
(2)
(0)
CPL José A CastroPacheco
I read you. I used to switch stances so as not to grow a single callous on my fingers. Nothing better than MOUT training.
(1)
(0)
12
12
0
The DOD can waste $160 billion+ (its a money pit) on F35 fighter and its 1100 defects so what is 50 bucks per soldier on ammo?
(12)
(0)
LTC (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see) - be rested and dont drink red bull or it will take more to zero. 12 shots for me to zero
(1)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
Agreed completely Sir!
With optics, I can usually help a soldier zero at 100m in 3-5 rounds. Average is 5 rounds. After that point, rounds should just confirm zero.
The biggest mistake I usually see made during zeroing process is being too ginger with adjustments. After the 1st shot, I have them make a significant # of clicks.
A quick example: At 100m if the print is 2" low and dead center, with an optic that has 1/2 MOA adjustments, make a 10 click elevation adjustment. If you overshoot, at least you can calculate by how much.
Same concept with iron sights:)
With optics, I can usually help a soldier zero at 100m in 3-5 rounds. Average is 5 rounds. After that point, rounds should just confirm zero.
The biggest mistake I usually see made during zeroing process is being too ginger with adjustments. After the 1st shot, I have them make a significant # of clicks.
A quick example: At 100m if the print is 2" low and dead center, with an optic that has 1/2 MOA adjustments, make a 10 click elevation adjustment. If you overshoot, at least you can calculate by how much.
Same concept with iron sights:)
(1)
(0)
11
11
0
So should we switch from shooting in the heat, possibly rain, in the sand, with bright sun and sweat dripping into your eyes, to an air conditioned room with perfect conditions? It's not just about hitting the 300m. It's about familiarization with noise, kick, environment, movement, and resiliency. Nothing can replace that.
(11)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google