MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Service members with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Motor-Transport Company, conducted a live-fire range inside the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Haramura Maneuver Area’s indoor small-arms range in Hiroshima, Japan, during Exercise Haramura 1-15, April 16, 2015.
Haramura is a weeklong, company-level training event focused on reinforcing the skills Marines learned during Marine Combat Training and their Military Occupational Specialty schooling.
As part of the training, the Marines of Motor-T took part in the Intermediate Combat Rifle Marksmanship Course, better known as Table 3, to improve and refresh their rifle skills.
“For most of the new Marines, who haven’t had the opportunity to re-qualify in their marksmanship training, this is the first time, possibly since MCT, that they have been able to participate in a range of this kind,” said Staff Sgt. Nigel Hinds, truck master for MWSS-171, Motor-T Company. “We all know the saying ‘every Marine is a riflemen,’ so it’s important for all of us to be confident when handling our weapons. It does not matter what your MOS may be, at the drop of a dime you may be told to pick up your rifle and return fire.”
Hinds, who recently arrived to the squadron after his tour as a Marine Combat Instructor at MCT, added that he encourages his Marines to seek out opportunities to hone their skills, saying that a Marine’s marksmanship skills should not be taken for granted.
Along with the opportunity to fire their M16A4 service rifles and M4 carbine rifles, the Marines received the opportunity to utilize the M240 bravo machine gun with the coaching of the company’s Combat Marksmanship Coaches and trainers.
“Being able to fire live rounds is something I was looking forward to taking part in,” said Lance Cpl. Ivan Gutierrez, a Motor-T operator with MWSS-171. “You hear almost every day that we, as Marines, are our nation’s force in readiness. That’s why I believe this training along with the whole training exercise is vital for Marines to uphold that standard.”
Gutierrez added that he looks forward to continuing his training, adding that one of his goals is to improve his rifle marksmanship skills and to one day become a distinguished rifle marksman.