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APPENDIX C

RANGES AND TRAINING EXERCISES

This appendix provides guidance for US Army machine gun exercises. It is designed to be a working guide for trainers and commanders by explaining range layouts, conduct of firing exercises, and qualification standards. The two basic firing ranges will be the multipurpose MG transition range and the multipurpose range complex.

Section I. MULTIPURPOSE MACHINE GUN TRANSITION RANGE

All machine gun firing can be conducted on the multipurpose MG transition range. It allows for complete firing of the 10-meter course as well as transition, day, night, and NBC firing. The firing area has 10 lanes; its layout is shown in Figure C-1. Details on the setup and target configuration are described in FM 25-7. The minimum personnel required to operate the range are as follows: OIC, NCOIC, safety officer, ammunition NCO, tower operator, lane NCOs, primary instructor, and concurrent training instructors. Local policy may require more personnel.

C-1. TEN-METER RANGE LAYOUT

The standard, basic 10-meter range can accommodate a unit of 200 to 250 soldiers at a time; however, concurrent training may be required. This range (Figure C-2) can be used to zero the M249, M60, and M2 machine guns, and to fire the 10-meter portion of qualification. It is also used to familiarize soldiers with the characteristics, noise, and recoil of the weapon. This is the range used to practice target observation and adjustment of fire, to practice MG traversing and searching, to develop speed during operation, and to obtain an accurate burst.

a. Characteristics. The following data applies to the standard 10-meter range.

Number of firing positions . . . . . . . . . . .

20 lanes.

Firing lane width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

60 meters (3 meters per lane).

Target area width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

60 meters at the farthest targets
(10 meters).

Firing point configuration. . . . . . . . . . . .

Numbered markers on slightly
elevated and sodded ground;
brass deflectors between lanes.

Target configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Standard 10-meter machine gun
target stretched over a wooden
frame, one on each lane.

Associated facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Standard facilities, public address
system, and bleachers.

b. Setup of Range. The 10-meter range should meet the following requirements:

c. Personnel Required. Each range must be staffed with the following personnel:

d. Equipment Required. Although more equipment may be required by local range regulations, safety regulations, or unit SOPs, the minimum equipment required to operate the range is as follows:

C-2. TEN-METER FIRING EXERCISES

The purpose of 10-meter firing is to develop skills in the delivery of initial bursts on target. When conducted properly, it will train gunners in the basic skills of zeroing, controlling the burst, traversing, and traversing and searching techniques. This paragraph discusses firing the 10-meter exercise on the multipurpose transition range; however, it is conducted the same on a basic 10-meter range except that the groups will be broken down to fit the firing lanes. The course is designed to fire the tripod-mounted M2. The basic MG target is used for all 10-meter firing and it allows four gunners to use it for practice or two gunners for practice and qualification. Those units wanting to fire qualification right after practice should use section A for practice and B for qualification for the first gunner, and sections C and D for the second gunner. Ten-meter firing will be conducted IAW Firing Table I (Figure C-3).

a. Objective. In order for the M2 gunner to become proficient with the machine gun, the following objectives must be considered.

b. Organization. The unit is organized into groups of 10. Each group is assigned a firing order number. One order becomes gunners and the other assistant gunners. The gunners and assistant gunners are assigned lanes and required to setup their guns and perform pre-fire checks.

c. Target Analysis. The exercises use the basic machine gun target (FSN 6920-078-5128) (Figure C-4). The following explanation of the target, including the size of the aiming pasters and scoring spaces, will aid in zeroing the M2 and will facilitate control during firing exercises.

NOTE: Large shot groups are usually caused by incorrect position and grip; small shot groups outside of the scoring space are usually caused by incorrect sight alignment, sight picture, or zero.

d. The 10-Meter Zero. Ten-meter zeroing is accomplished by adjusting the rear sight until the strike of the projectile coincides with the point of aim at a given range. On the 10-meter range, the elevation scale must be set at 500 yards so that it can impact on the desired aiming point. Before zeroing the weapon, the gunner must first center the rear sight for windage by aligning the index with the center of the windage scale.

e. Controlled Burst Firing. This firing exercise reinforces the dry-fire experience and allows the gunner practice in firing of controlled bursts and in providing the most accurate and tightest shot groups obtainable with the M2.

f. Ammunition Issue. The ammunition for the firing of this exercise will be broken down at the ammunition point and issued to each assistant gunner as he is assigned a firing point. The total ammunition for this exercise is 236 rounds (117 for practice and 119 for qualification). Issue will consist of the following rounds or belts:

g. Firing Sequence. Firing of Table I will be conducted in the following manner. These procedures pertain to firing with a single gunner using sections A and B; if there is a second gunner, he will use C and D.

NOTE: If the gunner is able to zero his weapon using 9 rounds, have him use the remaining 3 to confirm his zero. If the gunner is unable to zero within 12 rounds, remove him from the firing line and give him remedial training.

NOTE: The primary purpose of this task is to get the gunner to fire 5- to 7-round bursts. Impact on the target is desired, but not necessary to complete this task. The gunner will fire a 5- to 7-round burst at each paster.

NOTE: These tasks are fired from the tripod firing position. If the gunner shows difficulty in manipulating the weapon, remove him from the firing line and give him remedial training.

DANGER

Before any gunner goes down range, the lane NCO must ensure that the
weapon has been properly cleared. Anyone observing any unsafe acts should
immediately call a cease fire and notify range personnel.

h. Scoring Procedures. When scoring the 10-meter target, all scoring spaces are scored (1 through 4, 5 through 6, and 7 through 8). One point is given for each round impacting within each space. Rounds touching the boundary of a scoring space are considered hits, but they can be counted in only one scoring space. When firing at 1 through 4 with 28 rounds, the maximum score is 28 points. In group 5 through 6, five scoring spaces are engaged with 35 rounds with a possible score of 35 points. When firing groups 7 through 8, eight scoring spaces are engaged with 56 rounds with a possible score of 56 points.

C-3. TRANSITION FIRING EXERCISES

Transition firing of the M2 machine gun will teach the gunner some techniques of fire that he may encounter in combat situations. The gunner will field zero his weapon and also incorporate the techniques of fire during limited visibility and NBC environments. The gunner needs to be aware that during certain situations his capabilities will be degraded. He is expected to compensate for these situations by applying all available techniques. Within this training, the gunner will be required to apply all the fundamentals of gunnery learned in preparatory gunnery training and l0-meter firing. Instructors should encourage gunners to perform immediate action if a stoppage occurs during fire. This procedure may be modified if local policies require the gunners to notify the range personnel first.

a. Objectives. The objectives of transition fire are--

b. Organization. Organization of a unit for transition firing is conducted the same as for 10-meter firing. Field zeroing is the first firing task of transition day-fire phase. The transition day-fire portion of the course must be fired to become a qualified M2 gunner.

c. Ammunition Issue. The ammunition for the firing of this exercise will be broken down at the ammunition point and issued to each assistant gunner as he is assigned a firing point. The total ammunition for this exercise is 182 rounds, and issue will consist of two belts; one 28-round belt and one 154-round belt.

d. Firing Sequence. Firing of Table II (Figure C-6) will be conducted in the following manner. These procedures pertain to firing with a single gunner using a tripod-mounted M2. If there is a second gunner, he will use the same procedures.

NOTE: If the gunner is unable to zero within 28 rounds, he is removed from the firing line and given remedial training.

NOTE: After both gunners have fired for practice, they will then be assigned new lanes and issued more ammunition for record firing. If possible, the gunner should keep the same weapon he used for practice fire. The only change in the above procedures will be in step (c); here, the gunner will be scored along with the critique. If the gunner is unable to meet standard, he is removed from the firing line, given remedial training, and re-fired.

DANGER

Before any gunner changes lanes, the lane NCO must ensure that the
weapon has been properly cleared. Anyone observing any unsafe acts
should immediately call a cease fire and notify range personnel.

e. Scoring Procedures. One point is given for each target hit with an additional 2-point bonus if the target is hit on the first burst. The total possible points for day fire is 33. A minimum 7 points (7 out of 11 exposures) is required to meet standard on the day-fire course.

C-4. NBC FIRING

Since NBC plays an important part in our preparation for war on the modern battlefield, it is important that each soldier is prepared to accomplish the mission even if the area is contaminated and he must wear protective gear.

a. Objectives. The objectives of this training are:

b. Organization. The unit is organized the same as in paragraph C-2b, except both the gunner and assistant gunner must wear protective masks. Protective clothing is optional.

c. Ammunition Issue. The ammunition for the firing of this exercise will be broken down at the ammunition point and issued to each assistant gunner as he is assigned a firing point. The total ammunition for this exercise is 182 rounds, and issue will consist of two belts; one 28-round belt and one 154-round belt.

d. Firing Sequence. Firing of Table III (Figure C-7) will be conducted in the following manner. These procedures pertain to firing with a single gunner using a tripod-mounted M2. If there is a second gunner, he will use the same procedures.

NOTE: If the gunner is unable to zero within 28 rounds, he is removed from the firing line and given remedial training.

NOTE: After both gunners have fired for practice, they will then be assigned new lanes and issued more ammunition for record firing. If possible, the gunner should keep the same weapon he used for practice fire. The only change in the above procedures will be in the last step; here, the gunner will be scored along with the critique. If the gunner is unable to meet standard, he is removed from the firing line, given remedial training, and re-fired.

DANGER

Before any gunner changes lanes, the lane NCO must ensure that the
weapon has been properly cleared. Anyone observing any unsafe acts
should immediately call a cease fire and notify range personnel.

e. Scoring Procedures. One point is given for each target hit with an additional 2-point bonus if the target is hit on the first burst. The total possible points for day fire is 33. A minimum of 7 points (7 out of 11 exposures) is required to meet standard on the NBC fire course.

C-5. NIGHT-FIRE EXERCISE

The night-fire exercise gives the soldiers the practical application of engaging targets using the AN/TVS-5 at night or during limited visibility.

a. Objectives. The objectives of this training are:

b. Organization. Organization of a unit for night firing is conducted the same as day fire. AN/TVS-5 zeroing is the first firing task of the night-fire phase. The night-fire portion of the course is also a requirement to become a qualified M2 gunner.

c. Ammunition Issue. The ammunition for the firing of this exercise will be broken down at the ammunition point and issued to each assistant gunner as he is assigned a firing point. The total ammunition for this exercise is 180 rounds, and issue will consist of the following rounds or belts:

d. Firing Sequence. Firing of Table IV (Figure C-8) will be conducted in the following manner; these procedures pertain to a single gunner using a tripod-mounted M2 with an AN/TVS-5. If there is a second gunner, he will use the same procedures.

NOTE: Each click of the azimuth or elevation adjustment actuator moves the strike of the round 1/2 inch at 50 meters. One click of adjustment moves the reticle one square of the target at 50 meters.

NOTE: If the gunner is able to zero his weapon using 12 rounds, he is then ready to continue the course. If not, he is removed from the firing line and given remedial training.

NOTE: After both gunners have fired for practice, they will then be assigned new lanes and issued more ammunition for record firing. If possible, the gunner should keep the same weapon he used for practice fire. The only change in the above procedures will be in the last step; here, the gunner will be scored along with the critique. If the gunner is unable to meet standard, he is removed from the firing line, given remedial training, and re-fired at the commander's discretion.

DANGER

Before any gunner changes lanes, the lane NCO must ensure that the
weapon has been properly cleared. Anyone observing any unsafe acts
should immediately call a cease fire and notify range personnel.

e. Scoring Procedures. One point is given for each target hit with an additional 2-point bonus if the target is hit on the first burst. The total possible points for night fire is 33. A minimum 7 points (7 out of 11 exposures) is required to meet standard on the night-fire course.

NOTE: Firing Table IV is set up for gunners to engage targets out to 1,000 meters under moonlight. However, if visibility is limited by other conditions, then the commander may use his discretion to alter the ranges for better visibility.

C-6. QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

Qualification of the M2 consists of achieving the minimum standards for 10-meter, day, night, and NBC firing tables. One point is given for each round impacting in each space for Table I. For Tables II, III, and IV, one point is allowed for each target hit with an additional 2-point bonus when the target is hit with the first burst. The maximum possible for Table I is 119 points. A minimum of 12 points (12 out of 17 pasters) is required. The maximum score for Tables II, III, or IV is 33 points each. The minimum score of 23 must be obtained on Table II, III, and IV, which meets the standard for qualification.

a. Ratings. The overall ratings are scored as follows:

MAXIMUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218

EXPERT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 to 218

FIRST CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 to 195

SECOND CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153 to 173

UNQUALIFIED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152 and below

b. Scorecard. An example of the scorecard (DA Form 7007-R, Machine Gun Scorecard for M2) (Figure C-9), which will be reproduced locally, is used for recording the gunner's performance on the M2 machine gun qualification range. The instructions for filling out this scorecard are on the back of the form (Figure C-10).

Section II. MULTIPURPOSE RANGE COMPLEX

The multipurpose range complex is designed to conduct armor and mobilized machine gun firing. Detailed setup and target configuration is described in FM 25-7; its layout is shown in Figure C-11. This section also discusses the mounted firing exercise, requirements for crews, rating procedures, and standards.

Figure C-11

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C-7. DESIGN SPECIFICS

The tower and administrative facilities must be positioned so they do not impede tactical maneuver onto or off of the range.

a. Hardened emplacements are for aerial gunnery exercises in addition to tank and BFV gunnery.

b. System calibration targets must be provided at ranges of 950, 1,200, and 1,500 meters, as shown in Figure C-11.

c. Gunnery tasks that require the use of dud-producing ammunition cannot be fired on the range proper. Provisions for these tasks must be made in impact areas adjacent to the range.

d. Double target mechanisms are recommended for use in the first six target groupings for BFV training, or for positioning throughout the range as needed to support local training requirements.

e. The administrative area is not shown in exact location or scale.

f. Additional defilade positions maybe required for BFV gunnery.

g. The addition of battle positions and positioning of personnel targets closer to the baseline may be necessary to permit BFV dismounted infantry training.

Carrier 2 will upload and wait at the ammunition point. When the course is clear, carrier 2 will move to the initial fire point followed by carrier 4 and proceed as stated. Carrier 3 should now be at the ammunition point for uploading.

NOTE: If the machine gun fails to fire or fires sluggishly, recheck the headspace and timing and attempt to fire again. If the situation continues, clear the weapon and have the carrier move off the firing course and report to the armorer to have the problem corrected.

NOTE: To accomplish Task 2 and Task 3, the gunner will load one 28-round belt of ammunition.

NOTE: On command from the grader, the crew will move the carrier to the next predetermined firing location, load one 28-round belt, and conduct Task 4.

NOTE: When conducting Task 5, the gunner will load one 28-round belt and engage targets from a moving carrier along a predetermined route.

NOTE: On command from the grader, the crew will move the carrier to the third predetermined firing location, load one 28-round belt, and conduct Task 6.

NOTE: From the same firing location as Task 6, the crew will be placed in a chemical environment and be required to go to MOPP4.

NOTE: To accomplish Task 8 through Task 10, the gunner will load one 84-round belt of ammunition.

e. Scoring Procedures. The mounted firing exercise is graded on a Go/No Go basis. Commanders may increase the difficulty of any or all tasks to align the exercise with the unit's mission.

C-9. PREDETERMINED FIRING EXERCISE

The predetermined firing exercise is for the gun crew that has demonstrated proficiency during the basic phase of gunnery. Emphasis will be on developing range cards and confirming range-card data during day and night firing.

a. Objectives. The objective of this training is to reinforce what was developed in the fundamental gunnery phases. It is designed to increase the effectiveness of the M2 MG crew by building their confidence to quickly and accurately deliver a large volume of fire on a prescribed target.

b. Organization. The unit is assembled in the bleachers, given instructions, and briefed on training that will be conducted while they are on the range. After briefing, they will be organized into gun crews and moved to firing lanes. Lanes will be used IAW local range policies.

c. Ammunition. This exercise requires 168 rounds of 12.7-mm linked ammunition. The gunner is allotted two bursts per target during the day phase and one burst per target during the night phase. Each gunner will be issued two belts of ammunition; one 112-round belt for the day phase and one 56-round belt for the night phase.

d Firing Sequence. The sequence of firing will be conducted IAW Firing Table VII (Figure C-13). The suggested sequence of firing is as follows:

NOTE: Each crew is scored as a group in the night phase. (The day phase is not scored.) The crew applies the data obtained during the day and engages their targets. Each crew receives 10 points for each target engagement. A minimum of 40 out of a possible 70 is required. This exercise is not a requirement for qualification; however, commanders can use this training to test their gun crews' proficiency.

e. Conduct of Firing. The gunner, assistant, and leader will prepare a range card for that position. Once complete, each crew will be given 168 rounds as prescribed in a predetermined firing table.