MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marines from the Provost Marshal’s Office here familiarized themselves with their weapons during quarterly live fire training at the Indoor Small Arms Range here July 20.
Marines were divided into two relays to shoot the 9mm Beretta pistol and the Benelli M1014 shotgun, weapons most commonly carried by military police in the Marine Corps.
“We carry these weapons on bases, so we have to be qualified to use them,” said Lance Cpl. Manual Lopez, gate sentry patrolman with PMO.
Using the pistol, Marines learned and practiced how to unload, clear the weapon, conduct immediate actions and engage targets effectively in total darkness and low light visibility.
“This training gets (the) Marines acclimated with their weapons in different conditions,” said Lance Cpl. Michael Gallo, combat marksmanship coach with PMO. “As PMO, we work day and night, so we have to be prepared for anything.”
A series of drills, which included a starting position from the holster, then moving into the tactical ready carry before firing a single shot during a series of five rounds, were also conducted.
“As military police, we always have our weapons holstered,” said Gallo. “If anything were to happen, we train to draw and fire from the holster.”
Marines also performed a tactical reload, administrative reload, engaged targets and shot the weapon from seven and 15 yards away.
MPs are also equipped with a flashlight and must learn to use positioning to assist them in total darkness and low-light conditions.
“When firing with a flashlight, you keep one hand on the pistol and one hand on the flashlight,” said Gallo.
Training helps PMO get used to using the flashlight to stabilize their weapon properly.
“It takes a bit of practice and seems awkward at first, but you get used to it as you get the muscle memory down,” said Lopez.
Marines spent time on the firing line and gained familiarization with maneuvering and firing the Benelli M1014 shotgun.
The Benelli M1040 shotgun is a joint service combat weapon that has been used by special operations and security forces over the past two decades.
“Everyone has a lot of fun firing the shotguns,” said Lopez.
Annually, Marines are sent to Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan, to qualify on the rifle range, but having a small arms range on base allows PMO Marines the convenience to get in and practice as often as they can.
“We like to get down here and use our gear as much as possible,” said Gallo. “Instead of just annual training at the (knowndistance) range, we come down here and conduct different types of training.”
MP Marines are prepared for a diverse mission, said Staff Sgt. Julian Perez, physical security specialist with PMO.
Marines must be prepared to stop any unforeseen terrorist attack, hostile situation or threat at any time.
Marines with PMO also take time regularly to apply practical application to their training. PMO practical applications consist of learning how to complete and file paperwork, pull over vehicles in traffic and conduct sobriety tests.
PMO is trained to handle the situation safely and professionally under extreme circumstances.
“If a situation ever did arise, these Marines can do their job,” said Gallo.