Guardsmen prepare for weapons qualifications

Fredericktown, Mo. -- Soldiers in the Missouri National Guard's 1138th Engineer Sapper Company recently used the personal marksmanship training system to prepare for their annual weapons qualifications.

The system allows the Soldiers to practice honing their weapons and shooting skills without using bullets or outside ranges. A laser system is placed in the barrel of each weapon. When Soldiers pull the trigger, the laser is read on the electronic target and displayed on a laptop.

This type of preparation highly benefits the Soldiers when they have to perform in the field, where they are required to hit at least 24 out of 40 targets to qualify.

"I think this helps us to focus on something and visualize the target," said Spc. Timothy Reed, of Fredericktown. "We can see the lasers hit, know what we're doing wrong right away and how to correct it."

There are multiple things the system can help Soldiers correct, said Staff Sgt. Beau Mewhirter, readiness noncommissioned officer for the unit.

"A lot of times Soldiers will have a jerking effect when they go to pull the trigger," said Mewhirter, of Jackson. "By seeing exactly where they're hitting they can improve their form and breathing techniques and build muscle memory."

The 1138th Engineer Sapper Company will be going to Fort Campbell, Ky in two weeks to conduct their annual weapons qualifications.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.

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For more information about this advisory, please contact Michelle Queiser at 573.339.6264 or e-mail Michelle Queiser at ngmo.pao@us.army.mil.