GROUP A INSTRUCTOR

1

• GROUP A INSTRUCTOR
• TRAINING

• TSgt Eric Townsend
• 908th SFS/SFTC

2
Overview

• Reasons for Augmentees
• Augmentee Requirements
• Range Safety
• Weapons Safety
• Range Limitations
• Inclement Weather Procedures
• Range Opening/Closing Procedures

3
Overview (2)

• Lead Instructor Responsibilities
• Assistant Instructor Responsibilities
• Block Instructor Responsibilities
• Tower Operator Duties
• Range Ratios
• Emergency Procedures

4
Overview (3)

• Firing Line Procedures
• Standardized Hand and Arm Signals
• Weapons Clearing Procedures
• Correcting Weapon Malfunctions/Stoppages
• Target Analysis
• Forms

5
Reasons for Augmentees

• Allow Combat Arms Instructors to perform other
  mission essential tasks (weapons inspections,
  evaluations, etc.)
• Provides Security Forces an opportunity to
  broaden their weapons knowledge and skills
• Cause the reg says we can!!!

6
Group A Instructor Requirements

• Only SF personnel
• SrA (E4) or above
• 5 skill level or above

7
Range Safety

• Treat all weapons as if they were loaded
• Holster, clear or secure all weapons when they
  are not in use
• Keep the muzzle of the weapon under control at
  all times
• Do not point the weapon at anything you do not
  intend to shoot

8
Range Safety (2)

• No Horseplay while on the range or while handling
  weapons
• Do not handle weapons while personnel are down
  range
• Do not handle weapons until instructed to do so
• Shooters are to remain/return behind the ready
  line

9
Range Safety (3)

• No smoking within 50 feet of the firing line
• Do not eat or drink on the range
• Be aware the face, arms and hands could be
  covered with lead/heavy metal particles wash
  with cold water after firing
• Utilize the red firing line for firing do not
  permit personnel to establish positions forward
  of the firing line

10
Range Safety (4)

• Ensure targets are adequately spaced and clearly
  marked to avoid confusion
• Display red range flag (red beacon at night)
  while conducting range operations
• Ensure serviceable fire extinguishers and first
  aid equipment is available during firing
• Ensure transportation and communications are
  available during firing

11
Range Safety (5)

• The range must be inspected to ensure it is safe
  to use
• Ensure all personnel are briefed on Range Safety
• Ensure range personnel are aware of their
  required actions in case of emergency

12
Student to Instructor Ratios
Rule If Weapon is One Classroom AI per Single Firing Line Official per
1 Rifle, Sub-machine gun, carbine, pistol, revolver, shotgun 28 students 3 students during day automatic phases and during all night fire phases.
      7 students during all semi-automatic or burst day fire phases
2 M203/LAW/ AT4 14 students Weapon
3 M249/M240 14 students Weapon
13
Weapons Safety (1)

• Live ammunition is not allowed in the classroom
  or weapons cleaning area except for resource
  protection
• Instructors performing security duties are
  prohibited from performing instruction or
  demonstration

14
Weapons Safety (2)

• Keep fingers off trigger until ready to fire
• Dont anticipate commands
• Dont handle weapons until told to do so
• Keep muzzles pointed level and down range

15
Weapons Safety (2)

• Weapons will be cleared when not being fired
• - Weapon on SAFE
• - Magazine removed
• - Ejection port face up
• Know your target and what is behind it

16
Weapon Safety (4)

• All web gear, magazine pouches, shooters
  pockets, etc. will be inspected for live
  ammunition before returning to the classroom

17
Weapon Safety (5)

• What issues will we have!?
• Finger on the trigger
• Shooters not paying attention
• Shooter attitudes
• I am just going to fail anyway
• I dont need to listen, I know what I am doing
  already
• Handling weapons when inappropriate

18
Range Safey (Layout 1)

• Yellow (Ready) Line
• - No one proceeds in front of this line until
  told to do so
• - Place where all personal gear, magazines,
  ammunition and hearing and eye protection is kept

19
Range Safety (Layout 2)

• Red (Firing) Line
• - No one will proceed in front of this line
  until told to do so by the tower
• - Only sandbags, shooting mats and weapons will
  be placed at the red line

20
Inclement Weather

• Lead Instructor makes the final determination of
  acceptable conditions
• Wind Chill lt 29 Farenheit
• Lightning within 5 miles wait 30 minutes
• Be aware of other hazards (heavy wind, heavy
  rain, etc.)

21
Range Open/Close

• Use the checklist and inspect the range when
  taking possession of the range
• Class Leader Checklist
• Use the checklist and inspect the range when
  closing the range

22
Lead Instructor

• Responsible for all activities at the range
• Concentrates on Teaching the class
• Delegates responsibilities to AI/BI
• Responsible for proper completion of Paperwork

23
Assistant Instructor (1)

• PRIOR TO THE CLASS
• - Prepare the classroom
• - Ensure adequate paperwork is available
• - Draw weapons dummy rounds
• - Distribute web gear, magazines, weapons and
  dummy rounds

24
Assistant Instructor (2)

• DURING THE CLASS
• - Assist with paperwork
• - Verify AF Form 522s
• - Accomplish AF Form 710
• - Keep BI informed
• - Identify student requiring special assistance

25
Assistant Instructor (3)

• - Control students (sleeping, noise,
  distractions, etc.)
• - Perform demonstrations
• - Identify Class Leader and assign class duties
• - Block Instructor Duties

26
Block Instructor (1)

• Ensure that all range safety, operation policies
  and procedures are strictly enforced remove
  those in repeated non-compliance with range
  safety regulations
• Coach and instruct shooters in their assigned
  blocks
• Ensure all loading of magazines is accomplished
  on the range behind the yellow ready line
• Ensure no loaded magazines are allowed off the
  range

27
Block Instructor (2)

• Physically inspect weapons to ensure they are
  clear and safe
• Ensure no one handles the weapon until they are
  told to do so after the firing line has been
  declared clear and safe
• Score targets for evaluation purposes
• Ensure range facilities are cleaned by shooters
  prior to departure

28
Block Instructor (3)

• Arm with guard weapon
• Raise range flag
• Draw weapons, ammunition and dummy rounds
• Prepare firing area (targets, chalk, staplers, PA
  system, order of fire, hearing protection, etc.)

29
Block Instructor (4)

• Maintain contact with other instructors and tower
  
• Control safe movement and activity of students
• Coach your students well
• Grade targets
• Secure the firing area after firing is completed

30
Block Instructor (5)

• Check all equipment and personnel (ammo pouches,
  web gear, and uniform pockets) to ensure no live
  rounds remain prior to anyone leaving the firing
  line

31
Tower Operator (1)

• Proctor courses of fire
• Maintain contact with Block Instructors and
  Shooters
• Final word on procedures, protocols and
  performance of students

32
Tower Operator (2)

• Ensure all firearms, ammunition, and equipment
  are readily available and serviceable before
  beginning range operations
• Ensures beacon is on and/or range flag up
• Conduct pre-firing range inspection and annotate
  checklist located in tower
• Ensure the following are available and
  serviceable prior to firing
• First aid kit
• Vehicle support
• Public address system

33
Tower Operator (3)

• Telephone
• Ensure everyone on range wears hearing protection
  while firing is in progress
• Brief personnel on range safety, course of fire,
  positions, and time limits
• Permit no one forward of the red firing line
  until range has been made safe
• Allow only shooters, line officials, and
  instructors on the firing line while firing is in
  progress
• Strictly enforce the student/instructor ratio

34
Emergency Procedures (1)

• Stop Firing
• Clear and ground weapons
• Determine nature of emergency
• Maintain control of shooters
• Remove unnecessary personnel from the range
• Render self-aid buddy care if necessary

35
Emergency Procedures (2)

• Call 911 if necessary
• Await arrival of emergency personnel if necessary

36
Emergency Procedures (3)

• In case of fire
• Know evacuation plan and location and method of
  operation for all fire extinguishers
• Activate fire alarm
• Ensure all personnel are evacuated 500 ft from
  the buildings. When feasible attempt to
  extinguish any fire when the risk of injury is
  not present
• In the event of evacuation notify the Fire
  Department and Security Forces Control Center

37
Emergency Procedures (3)

• IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
• Ambulance 911
• LE Desk 3-7222
• Fire Dept 911
• 908 SFS 3-5115
• 908 SFS/SFTC 3-5085
• Crime Stop 3-7777

38
Firing Line Commands (1)

• Clear the bay!
• Is the bay clear?
• The bay is clear!
• Shooters, move forward to the firing line and
  assume the _____ position!
• Shooters, you may safely handle your weapon!
• Shooters, this order of fire is______.
• You will fire_____ rounds in _____ seconds or
  minutes!
• Is the line ready?
• Not ready!
• The line is ready!
• Fire!
• Cease Fire! (ANYONE can call cease fire for
  safety)

39
Firing Line Commands (2)

• Are there any rounds remaining?
• Instructors, take care of your alibi shooters!
• Clear, ground, or holster and secure all weapons!
• Make the line safe!
• Is the line safe!
• Go forward for target analysis, score, repair,
  change targets, etc.
• The tower operator gives cease-fire commands with
  the use of a loud whistle, buzzer, horn , or
  verbally over Load speaker

40
Firing Line Procedures (1)

• Clear and ground all rifles
• Holster and secure handguns
• Range Safety Briefing
• Prefire Briefing Inform shooters of each order
  of fire, positions, time limits, number of
  rounds, rounds per magazine and number of
  magazines

41
Firing Line Procedures (2)

• Ensure shooters remain behind yellow line until
  given other instructions
• The Tower Operator notifies shooters when to
  proceed to the firing line

42
Firing Line Procedures (3)

• Firing Line officials must observe shooters when
  approaching, occupying or departing the firing
  line
• This is when a breach of safety is most likely to
  occur

43
Firing Line Procedures (4)

• Shooters will handle the weapons only on the
  Tower Operators command
• Do not permit anyone forward of the firing line
  until the line is cleared

44
Firing Line Procedures (5)

• Weapons will be rendered rack safe once all
  firing is complete
• Range officials will score all targets
• Personnel utilizing the range will police the
  range for spent brass, trash, litter or other
  debris

45
Firing Line Procedures (6)

• All shooters will be inspected for live
  ammunition prior to departing the range

46
Dos and Donts

• DO
• - Be professional.
• - Encourage shooters during zero and practice
  phases.
• - Ensure hand and arms signals are deliberate
  and immediate.
• - Report all safety violations to the tower
  operator immediately.

47
Dos and Donts

• Dos (cont.)
• - Maintain constant surveillance of assigned
  shooters while on the firing line.
• Donts
• - Yell or scream at shooters (if weapons are
  pointed in un unsafe direction, guide weapon
  firmly down range, clear weapon and remove
  shooter from firing line and advise tower
  operator).
• - Allow any shooters or equipment forward of
  yellow ready line until directed to do so by the
  tower operator.

48
Hand and Arm Signals

• Arm and hand pointing down range Line is Ready
• Arm and hand pointing to rear Line is Not
  Ready or Line is Holding
• Use comm headsets to keep each other informed

49
Malfunctions/Stoppages

• Range official will ensure shooters control the
  muzzles of their weapons at all times
• Ensure muzzles are level and pointed down range
• Follow TO recommended procedures to correct
  weapons stoppages/malfunctions

50
Malfunctions/Stoppages

• M9 TO 11W3-3-5-1
• M16A2 TO 11W3-5-5-41
• M249 TO 11W3-5-5-51
• M240 TO 11W2-6-5-1
• M500 TO 11W3-6-1-171
• M203 TO 11W2-6-4-11

51
Weapon Clearing Procedures

• Provide a safe weapons handling environment
• Ensure shooters understand how to safely handle
  their weapons
• Follow prescribed procedures IAW applicable TOs
  and AFI 31-229 USAF Weapons Handling Manual

52
Target Analysis

• Read what the bullet holes are telling you
• Observe your shooters positions, time control,
  anxiety, attitude
• Ensure weapons are in the proper configuration
• Wait to make adjustments to the weapons until
  your shooters are consistent

53
Target Analysis M16 (1)

• Group Strung Low and Right
• Error Improper trigger control
• Remedy Ball and Dummy
• Group with several erratic shots
• Error Flinching
• Remedy Ball and Dummy
• Hits scattered about target
• Error Improper sight alignment
• Remedy Triangulation
• Hits strung from top to bottom
• Error Improper breath control
• Remedy Review breath control procedures

54
Target Analysis M16 (2)

• Compact Group not centered on target
• Error Improper zero
• Remedy Sight adjustment
• Horizontal Group
• Error Canting weapon
• Remedy Correct position of weapon
• Group Strung from center to bottom
• Error Rifle moving in shoulder
• Remedy Correct rifle placement

55
Target Analysis M9 (1)

• Group Low
• Error Anticipating Recoil
• Remedy Identify action to shooter, dont try
  to guess when the round will fire
• Group High Right
• Error Heeling (Breaking the Wrist)
• Remedy Identify the action to shooter, isolate
  trigger finger
• Group Low Left
• Error Jerking the Trigger
• Rememdy Trigger Control, easy squeeze

56
Target Analysis M9 (2)

• Group Scattered (shotgun blast)
• Error Watching the target
• Remedy Maintain sight picture
• Group Left of Center
• Error Thumbing
• Remedy Stop pulling thumb
• Error Too little finger on trigger
• Remedy Adjust trigger finger on trigger
• Group High to Low Center
• Error Breath Control
• Remedy Review breath control procedures

57
Target Analysis M9 (3)

• Group Left or Right of Center
• Error Improper sight alignment
• Remedy Review sight alignment procedures
• Group Low Center
• Error Allowing the front sight to drop
  (quitting the sights)
• Remedy Maintain sight picture
• Group Right of Center
• Error Squeezing the lemon (whole hand)
• Remedy Isolate trigger finger action

58
FORMS (1)

• AF Form 522 USAF Ground Weapons Training Data
• Enter only the information you KNOW to be true at
  that point in time
• Completed IAW AFI 36-2226
• Must be signed by SFTC personnel to be valid
• UQ gets no SFTC signature
• Source for AF Form 710 data

59
Scoring (1)

• M9
• Count
• All hit in head (Vital circle)
• All hits in Body (Vital circle)
• All hits total including head and body (score
  Total/body/head)
• Example 44/25/7

60
Scoring (2)

• M16
• One round per silhouette per firing position
  means you can only score five hits total.
• This target is scored
• as five points
• Category A needs 32 to qualify
• Category B needs 25
• Category C needs 19
• Expert 43

61
Scoring (3)

• Tie goes to the runner err, I mean Shooter
• If you are wondering if it really IS a hit, then
  IT IS!

62
FORMS (2)

• AF Form 710 Ground Weapons Training Record
• Enter only the information you KNOW to be true at
  that point in time
• Completed IAW AFI 36-2226
• No errors permitted
• Official record of training and ammunition usage

63
Summary

• Reasons for Augmentees
• Augmentee Requirements
• Range Safety
• Weapons Safety
• Range Limitations
• Inclement Weather Procedures
• Range Opening/Closing Procedures

64
Summary (2)

• Lead Instructor Responsibilities
• Assistant Instructor Responsibilities
• Block Instructor Responsibilities
• Tower Operator Duties
• Range Ratios
• Emergency Procedures

65
Summary (3)

• Firing Line Procedures
• Standardized Hand and Arm Signals
• Weapons Clearing Procedures
• Correcting Weapon Malfunctions/Stoppages
• Target Analysis
• Forms

66
908 SFS/SFTC
Any questions feel free to contact X3-5085
(Shop) or 3-6940 (Range) Combat Arms NCOIC TSgt
David McCaughtry Combat Arms ANCOIC TSgt Eric
Townsend Combat Arms Supervisor SSgt Kimberly
McBride Combat Arms Instructor SSgt Clinton
Wade Combat Arms Instructor FNG
(hopefully!) Combat Arms Instructor FNG (maybe,
one day!) Fast is Fine, but Accuracy is
Final!