CHAPTER 7

TRAIN THE TRAINER PROGRAM

The information in this chapter tells how to train the trainer, how to advise the trainer, and how to assist the trainer in preparing the crew for the three phases of MG marksmanship.

7-1. CONCEPT

The Train The Trainer Program must be planned properly and conclude with a certification program. In the planning phase, the instructor teaches the trainer to be flexible and thorough. He must plan alternate exercises in case weather or other constraints prohibit the originally scheduled training. Training must not follow rigid timetables that inhibit training and learning; instead, schedules should be established that provide sufficient time to correct mistakes and ensure learning. The following are factors that the trainers are taught to consider:

a. Support. Training requires support. The trainers must ensure that the training is conducted within the resource levels and that the training received justifies the material used. Public address systems should be used if the group is larger than a platoon-size element.

b. Time. Ample time must be allocated for each phase.

c. Participants. Trainers must consider whether or not the groups or individuals to be trained are capable of benefiting from the phases selected. (See paragraph 7-2a. )

d. Safety. Safety is the most important factor and therefore will be the main consideration. Trainers as well as the personnel to be trained will ensure all safety precautions are met. Anyone observing any unsafe act will immediately call CEASE FIRE or HALT to any training. A good way to emphasize safety is to give the students a test on the procedures. An example of a written examination on safety is shown in Figure 7-1.

7-2. TRAINER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

The Trainer Certification Program is designed to build pride, confidence, and overall working/teaching knowledge of the functions, employment, and overall training of the MG. The trainer must know how to do all the tasks he is going to be teaching; the certification program determines his capability to do this. The program is conducted in three phases.

a. Phase I: Basic Fundamentals of Marksmanship. In this phase the instructor must ensure the trainers being trained perform dry fire techniques; prepare firing positions, fighting positions, and range cards; and manipulate the T&E mechanism. At the end of this phase, they will be given a hands-on examination to test their basic knowledge. This test may be developed by the OIC/NCOIC of the MG committee.

b. Phase II: Basic Marksmanship. In this phase, the trainer moves one step closer to becoming a skilled gunner. He must learn the correct procedures to zero the weapon; he must master the 10-meter target paster; and once this is accomplished, he must be able to engage targets on a transition range. He must show his mastery in this phase by engaging targets at different ranges. Upon completion, the trainer is ready to move to the advanced stage of marksmanship.

c. Phase III. Advanced Gunnery. This is the final phase that the trainer has to achieve to standard.

d. Recertification Program. All MG instructors are required to be recertified on a semi-annual basis. This will consist of the trainer being required to present a selected period of instruction within the current POI. The selection will be made by the CDR/OIC/NCOIC.

NOTE: Documentation of the results of the Trainer Recertification Program and the requirements must be maintained on file.

7-3. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF THE TRAINER

The trainer must be present during the planning and during any instruction given. The success of the preparation and instruction of all training depends upon the thoroughness with which the trainer performs the following duties:

NOTE: Safety is a must during the entire certification program. The OICs/NCOICs must ensure that no unsafe acts are tolerated.