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PURPOSE
The Master Gunner Newsletter is designed to ensure master gunners assigned at all levels are informed of current changes in the Armor community. It is used to supplement new information pertaining to the tanking business; it also contains older established information that may have been overlooked, never received, or just plain forgotten.
The Master Gunner Newsletter is mailed to each Active Component master gunner (battalion/squadron, brigade/regiment, and division/corps levels) and National Guard and Reserve Component Master Gunners at battalion/squadron level and above on a quarterly bases. It is essential that Reserve Component and National Guard senior master gunners ensure that copies of this newsletter are disseminated to their subordinate units. Copies can be viewed and/or downloaded at the Master Gunner Newsletter net page at: http://147.238.100.101/armsch/mg_index.html
The articles included in the Newsletter are usually written by the instructors at the Master Gunner Branch (MGB); however, input from the field is certainly welcome and encouraged. The main experience base lies with the master gunners who are tanking. The success of this newsletter depends on a two-way flow of information. Any ideas, suggestions, or articles should be sent to the following address:
4th Squadron, 16th Cavalry Regiment
Master Gunner Branch
ATTN: ATSB-SBE-MGA -- Newsletter
Fort Knox, Kentucky 40121-5000
Phone: DSN 464-8530/7274 or Commercial (502) 624-8530/7274
FAX: DSN 464-6394 or Commercial (502) 624-6394
E-Mail: Kuamoow@knox-emh1.army.mil
Included in the Newsletter this month are;
- Battlefield Reference Marking Systems (BRMS)
- MPAT
- Master Gunner Newsletters on Internet
- LRF Safety Covers
- Master Gunner Stabilization
- Prerequisites for SIO
- Ft. Knox Web Page URLs
- Graduating Class 9608
- Graduating Class 9701
- Graduating Class 97501T (M1A2 Trans)
- Comments from the Branch Chief
Battlefield Reference Marking System (BRMS)
Every master gunner I know has a bag or foot locker with those essential things needed to conduct gunnery training on a range. Boresight panels are usually provided on gunnery ranges, but what about tactical training areas where you are in the middle of nowhere? The master gunner may need to assist tank crews in boresighting by providing a quality boresight target when there are no such suitable aiming points available nearby.
We tested the BRMS boresight panel during range week to see if it lived up to the claims made by the manufacturer.
We followed the set up instructions and boresighted one of our tanks. During boresighting, we could clearly see the BRMS target. During set up and tear down we were impressed with its light weight and the fact that it can be folded and stored easily. While we cannot formally endorse the BRMS, we do encourage Master Gunners to work with this system if the opportunity arises.
If you are interested, you can contact BRMS at Com. (800) 676-1582†. They will be glad to send you all of the information on the system.
Good Shooting, SFC Thomas Dirbas
MPAT
1. A few reminders concerning round specific training.
2. Units whose M1A1 tanks were upgraded to fire 120mm, M830A1 HEAT-MP-T (MPAT) (MPAT subdes 0, four-position ammo select switch, revised GAS reticle) should have received the following training support materials.
a. Dummy round, CTG 120mm, HEAT-MP-T, M830A1, DVC-T-17-111; 30 for each tank battalion and 22 for Div Cav squadrons.
b. Video Tape, M830A1 MPAT Capabilities, TVT: 17-188, PIN: 710512. This tape is four minutes long, and shows an MPAT round fired at a remote control helicopter, as well as fire commands and crew duties. Two were sent to each battalion size unit, and at least one tape to each higher headquarters, Bde & Div as a minimum.
c. M830A1 Training Pamphlet, FKSM 17-12-1-MPAT, Apr 94. Thirty pamphlets were sent to each battalion size unit.
d. COFT upgrades. These upgrades provided a 4-position ammo select switch (KE, MPAT, STAFF, and HEAT) and the ability to have MPAT in the stowed load. The GAS reticle was not upgraded, but will be in the future, along with the addition of more evasive helicopter targets and bunker targets. (Note: The AGTS [M1A2 gunnery simulator] already has MPAT capabilities built in.)
e. Due to turbulence in the tank fleet, some reserve component units may have received M1A1 tanks that already have the FCS upgrade, but did not get the training support materials. The dummy rounds and video tape can be ordered through TASC. The information found in the pamphlet will be incorporated into the revision of FM 17-12-1-1&2, so large amounts of the pamphlets will not be provided to units. However, we can provide a small number of pamphlets (3-4) to units that have no pamphlets. The pamphlet contains the TCGST stations revised due to the MPAT round, and the updated AAC check 5 solutions (if you’ve been getting the wrong solution on block 2 of the solution board checks, you need to get the AAC update in the MPAT training pamphlet).
Note: The MPAT FCS upgrade also upgraded the M865 ballistic solution and added the solution for M829A2 (KE, subdes 6).
3. Here are all the 120mm dummy rounds available:
a. Dummy round , Projectile, 120mm, APFSDS-T, M829A1/A2, DVC-T-112. This item was issued as a projectile only. To employ, unscrew the projectile from the M865 dummy round, and replace it with this projectile.
b. Dummy round, CTG 120mm, HEAT-MP-T, M830A1, DVC-T-17-111
c. Dummy round, CRTG, 120mm, TPCSDS-T, M865, DVC-T-17-107
d. Dummy round, CRTG, 120mm, TP-T, M831, DVC-T-17-108
4. All Active Component units should have a full complement of these training rounds. Also some new M865 and M831 dummy rounds have been sent out over the last year. If not, you should first check with your TASC. Many units were not notified when the MPAT dummy rounds were received by TASCs over the last few years. If you are still missing dummy rounds, and you are sure your TASC does not have any, then contact the POC listed below. Distribution of dummy rounds to many Reserve Component units will take some time, as funding is limited.
5. M829A2 APFSDS-T and M830A1 HEAT-MP-T (MPAT) are the primary combat main gun rounds for M1A2/M1A1 tanks. While these rounds will be retained in depots and issued to units only when the need arises, unit master gunners should ensure their units receive as much training as possible on these service rounds. There may not be enough time to fit in training after receiving the word to deploy.
6. POC: Mr. Albert H. Pomey, DSN 464-3042, Email: Pomeya@knox-emh1.army.mil
Master Gunner Newsletters on Internet
Past issues of the Master Gunner Newsletter are now available via the Internet. Point your browser to: http://147.238.100.101/armsch/mg_index.html
Users of Netscape Navigator can download by holding down the shift key while clicking on an issue. You can download individual issues or yearly volumes. Clicking on each issue will let you do an on-screen review.
Master Gunner Newsletters will be published once a quarter starting FY 97.
POC: SSG Finch at DSN 464-8530, COM (502) 624-8530, or EMAIL: Finchr@knox-emh1.army.mil
LRF Safety Covers
If you are having a problem with ordering LRF safety covers, the part is found in TM 9-2350-264-10-2 for M1A1 appendix E, TM 9-2350-288-10-2 M1A2 appendix E. Part # 1231444/NSN 5930-01-171-4788.
Master Gunner Stabilization
Units should remember that soldiers who attend and graduate from the MG course are not automatically stabilized by DA. Units are responsible for requesting stabilization for their soldiers to DA. Commanders should request stabilization for their soldiers (once they have a confirmed school date) prior to their soldiers attending the course. Once their soldier completes the course, DA will do all they can to accommodate this request. If this request for stabilization is not requested, the soldier could be on PCS orders very soon after completing the Master Gunner Course. Also, be sure to consider the time on station the soldier has already served. A soldier that has already been on station for several years may not be able to extend. We recommend you target soldiers with 12 - 18 months or less on station.
Prerequisites for Senior Instructor Operator
The prerequisites for attending the Senior Instructor Operator Course 020-F13 are:
Active Army or Reserve Component Enlisted personnel, SGT (P), with MOS 19K, M1A1 Instructor/Operator on both matrices within the past year and have six (6) months experience as an Instructor/Operator on COFT/AGTS.
Ft. Knox Web Page URLs
(Put http://in front)
• Ft. Knox Home Page: 147.238.100.101
• Master Gunner Newsletters: 147.238.100.101/armsch/mg_index.html
• Doctrine: www.entelechy-inc.com/docs/knoxdoc/index.html
• Gunnery Doctrine: www.entelechy-inc.com/docs/knoxdoc/gunnery.htm
MASTER GUNNER 96-08
SFC James Doran R. Class Leader C Co 1/3030th AR
SFC Golomboski Joseph HHC 3/103th AR
SFC Keller Daniel E. A Co 3/103th AR
SSG Bellis Curtis M. C Co 1/221th AR
SSG Coffee Tony M. HHC 2/69th AR
SSG Edsell Benjamin R. A Trp 1/16th CAV
SSG Harris John I. C Co 2/34th AR
SSG Hummel Alan K. C Co 1/77th AR
SSG Laflame Anthony D Co 1/4th ID
SSG Lamb Mark J. Vilseck AST
SSG Mehringer Allen A. D Co 2/12th CAV
SSG Murphy Brain K. A Co 2/34th AR
SSG Neville Colin P. A Co 2/81th AR
SSG Shannon David A. A Co 2/81th AR
SSG Smith Billy W. A Co 3/69th AR
SSG Smith Mark A. OH Guard
SSG Sullivan James P. D Co 3/67th AR
SGT Doine Frederick G. C Trp 1/11th ACR
SGT Dugan Andrew C Co 2/67th AR
SGT Whelan Dennis E. C Co 3/8th CAV
7-01
SFC Rodriguez Jaime L. Class Leader C Co 1/12th CAV
SFC Horton William R. C Trp 5/117th CAV
SFC Long David W. B Co 2/172th AR
SFC Merritt Marcus G. HHC 2/81th AR
SFC Robinson Daniel C. HHC 1/172th AR
SFC Sommerfeldt Harold E. D Co 1/632nd AR
SSG Centers Scott R. 2nd Reg Tng Bde
SSG Cox Derek R. A 1/12th CAV
SSG Gordon Thomas B Co 2/12th CAV
SSG Herbert Frank E. Marine Det D Co 1/81
SSG Kreuser Joseph L. D Co 1/63th AR
SSG Lampe James J. B Co 1/77th AR
SSG Plummer Martin E. C Co 1/12th CAV
SSG Shingleton Robert D Trp 4/16th CAV
SSG Sistad Jeffrey L. Korea
SSG Turner Darrin B. HHT 5/177th CAV
SSG Ware Alvin K Jr. B Co USAARMC
SSG Wilson James T. C Trp 1/10th CAV
SGT Benitez Erik A. MTC 1/81th AR
SGT Harris Marlow W. B Trp 1/11th ACR
SGT Waters Michael W. A Co 2nd Tank BN
7-501T
SFC Mickey Kevin Class Leader A Trp 1/7th CAV
SGM McAllister Robin A Trp 4/16th CAV
1SG Jones Kenneth D Trp 4/16th CAV
SSG Davis Thomas B Trp 1/7th CAV
SSG Gowdy James C Trp 1/7th CAV
SSG Graves Zaifuddin D Co 1/8th CAV
SSG Hamilton Russell B Trp 1/7th CAV
SSG McAnallen Floyd A Co 1/8th CAV
SSG Raduziner Paul A Trp 1/7th CAV
SSG Weber Brian C Trp 1/7th CAV
SGT Taylor David C Co 1/8th CAV
COMMENTS FROM THE BRANCH CHIEF
In this, our first issue for calendar year 1997, I would like to discuss where we have been and where we hope to go in the new year.
Let me describe some of the major events that have occurred during the past year. First, the Tank Crew Gunnery Skills Test (TCGST) was restructured. Instead of a entrance requirement, it is now a graduation requirement. Students are still tested at the beginning of the course, as in the past. Soldiers not completing all 8 tasks are further evaluated during the course. The evaluation standards remain the same. Soldiers slated to attended the Master Gunner Course (MGC) must come prepared to successfully pass the TCGST. There is more then enough material to study during the course. Don’t compound this requirement for yourself by having to study some of the basic TCGST tasks. Remember, you are high quality NCO’s, TCGST should be second nature to you.
In our maintenance training several changes have occurred. We developed a video film “Putting The Simplified Test Equipment (STE) Into Operation.” Our intent was to provide a tool for the Master Gunner (MG) to use as refresher training, or to familiarize the NCO slated to come to the course with this equipment. Additional training is now provided on troubleshooting faults related to the Armament Accuracy Checks (AAC). The AAC’s are extensively used by Armor units, but no clear troubleshooting list exist. We have developed troubleshooting procedures which we believe will be helpful to you in the future. By the way, change 11 to TM 9-2350-264-10 will include AAC’s. This will allow the crewmember to link in with the turret mechanic to troubleshoot AAC faults. Collimation of the Muzzle Boresight Device (MBD) is also being better emphasized during our maintenance training.
What do we see for the future of the MG Branch? First, we want to be sure that we are meeting the needs of the field. This means that soldiers completing the MGC have the skills that are needed in our Armor force of today and into the 21st century. To do this we have incorporated several changes.
Those of you attending the MGC or MG Transition course in the future will notice the transition we have made from old 35mm slides to computer generated presentations, this computer technology has made our teaching presentations more realistic. Our lessons have steadily moved away from older technologies such as the Telfare and MILES systems to the more modern Tank Weapons Gunnery Simulation System (TWGSS) and Thru-Sight Video (TSV) systems. Ammunition has moved from the old spin stabilized rounds to fin stabilized and now to “smart” munitions, like MPAT and STAFF. The M1 tank lessons have been replaced with information related to the more modern M1A1 and M1A2 tanks. As our technology evolves so will our training lessons.
Many of you may know that we have provided MGC training using Telenetworking (TNET) technology. TNET allows us to provide simultaneous training to students at their home station and here at Fort Knox. This reduces soldier/family separations and saves on TDY cost. While TNET may not cover all types of training, it certainly does provide another method of training while maintaining the course standards.
Staying in touch with the field is a key part of keeping current and looking towards the future. Soldiers in the field tell us what is and is not working and where we need to go. Besides the phone lines and postal service, we have now tied in electronic communications. Electronic means has made our communications with you even more efficient. Our newsletter is now on the Internet. This should make it accessible to more people. On site visits have also been very rewarding for us. Actually getting out to the field to see and hear how missions are really conducted has been extremely useful. While we cannot visit as often as we would like, each visit is always worth the trip.
As missions and technologies change, we must be able to keep up with them. No longer can we afford to sit back and just say, yea, I’ve graduated from the MGC. Here in the branch we will continue to provide the latest in technical and doctrinal development to you in the course and the field. We encourage MG’s in the field to use all lines of communication available to continue your professional development. Most importantly, don’t forget to share this knowledge with your fellow soldiers. We have made some great strides in the past. The future will demand even more of us and our soldiers.
Always Look Ahead To Be Sure We Stay Ahead!!
WAKELAND K. KUAMOO
MSG, Chief
Master Gunner Branch