Does anyone have any suggestions, or places to begin, on running familiarization and qualification ranges for the MK19 and Browning M2?

2018-06-26T07:29:07-04:00

For you infantry types, or those of you who can help out, who have a lot more experience in this realm of things than me, I'm looking for some guidance. I was given the task of running a dual MK19 and M2 range in several months, and I have no idea where to begin. Prior to being told that I was running one, I had no idea they existed. I took a TRADOC course on the M2 several months back, so reading up on that weapon system should be sufficient in getting me back into the mindset of operational procedure. I am completely at a loss for the MK19, or even where to look in terms of running a two completely different system range. Does anyone have any suggestions, or places on where to begin? Looking to do this right, and to standard so the soldiers get good training out of it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2018 7:33 AM

2018-06-26T07:33:28-04:00

First Sir, where is this training taking place, does this facility have the ranges to support these weapon systems. Second who are your NCO's, you will be running the range, that is coordinating but they will be on the range as your NCOIC, Range Safety etc. Does this range provide tower control or do you have to provide someone, have you talked to range control?

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Jun 26 at 2018 7:36 AM

2018-06-26T07:36:05-04:00

Get your hands on TC 3-22-19 used to be FM 23-27

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2018 8:14 AM

2018-06-26T08:14:23-04:00

Can I make a simple suggestion contact a School house that does this on the Norm. Look at some of the Boot camp places that do this. I know your Army, but Marines may be able to help. Same contact a school house. The training area where your at should have a list of units Operational and training that have done this course of training. We have MTT's that do this and a training regiment that certifies the course of shooting and training. Army should have same.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2018 10:15 AM

2018-06-26T10:15:26-04:00

So I have tons and tons of experience running both weapon systems on ranges. I ran crew served ran for 2 straight years. I'm not to sure what exactly are you asking sir?

If it is a dual range you should have one side firing the .50 cals and the other side firing the MK19. Depending on the ammo shack if there is multiple of them to house the ammo separate. Is this a qual course or just a Fam Fire course? Your NCOIC should be familiar with this range and be able to get most of it set up to where you are just worried about the logistics and range control part of the range.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jun 26 at 2018 12:31 PM

2018-06-26T12:31:24-04:00

First, I would definitely gather up some of your more experienced NCOs to be coaches on your lanes. You can bounce ideas of of them for the best way to set it up. I would also get some of you armorer qualified guys together to double check on the equipment, make sure they are functional, and that there are materials readily available if something breaks. Both of those weapons have a few pieces that like to break at stupid moments. Go put a request in for all the ammunition, lubricants, and the range that you are going to want to use. Maybe set up for a block of time before shooting or the day prior to run all of your guys through clearing, disassembly, reassembly, and functions check. Even for the guys that have experience it is always good to brush up on the basics. Find out who your NCOs are that can function as safeties as well. If this is gna be an all day deal, see about getting some MREs or food taken out to the range. Plan for training that can be conducted before and after the SMs go to shoot. There is nothing worse than a bored soldier on a range, stupid shit tends to go down.
I'm sure I'm missing some stuff.
Kudos for reaching out for advice. Says a lot about a LT that knows when to ask for help. Good luck.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Jun 26 at 2018 1:28 PM

2018-06-26T13:28:40-04:00

Several of your combat NCOs (if you have them) will know how to properly setup both weapons for firing. Specifically setting the headspace and timing on the M2 .50. Knowing how to setup these weapons is far more important than qualification in my opinion. Get your hands on as many timing keys as you can.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2018 1:53 PM

2018-06-26T13:53:44-04:00

A lot of great comments already - all that I can add is to ensure your ammo order is correct - MK19 needs high velocity rounds, not the low velocity rounds of the M320.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 26 at 2018 2:30 PM

2018-06-26T14:30:05-04:00

I would definitely have a meeting with the NCOs first to glean what they know.