459th Security Forces Squadron completes annual heavy weapons training

  • Published
  • By Capt. Nick Strocchia
  • 459th ARW Public Affairs Office
FORT AP HILL, Va. --  "Going hot!" yells Staff Sgt. Matthew Chase, a Combat Arms instructor with the 459th Security Forces Squadron as he prepares to send the first volley of 7.62mm rounds out of the M240 heavy machine gun. 

Sergeant Chase bores in on a metal backstop more than 300 meters away. The M240 erupts with a long chain of loud bursts while dirt and debris simultaneously pop off in the distance. 

The 459th SFS completed their annual weapons training here on June 6 during the monthly Unit Training Assembly. More than 20 members of the squadron qualified on the M203 grenade launcher, the M240, and the M249. For many of the younger security forces members, this was their first time learning the intricacies of each of the weapons. 

"Heavy weapons training is conducted annually for Security Forces Squad members qualifying or re-qualifying with their assigned duty weapon," said Master Sgt. Chester Taplette, non-commissioned officer in charge of the Combat Arms section. 

"In real world situations, members have an important role within each fire team to engage and eliminate a designated threat," said Sergeant Taplette, who oversaw the day's training and was pleased early on with the progress of his troops. 

"There is a lot of advance planning and logistical elements that come together to make this training happen," said Sergeant Chase. 

Participating members of the SFS prepare weapons and pack ammunition the day prior to ensure an early departure time. The group thoroughly briefs up range and safety rules before, during, and after arriving at the range, and then there is the trip to Fort AP Hill, a more than two hour drive from Andrews Air Force Base. 

"The goal of the Combat Arms Instructor is to instruct and enhance the members' confidence to operate the weapons and the overall capability to tactically employ the weapon system in the field," said Sergeant Chase, as he watched while his students changed out a hot barrel after a 200 round volley. 

Sergeant Chase has been a Combat Arms instructor for over three years and resides in Philadelphia and works full time as a union iron worker. 

"This day of training helped to bridge that gap between real world and simulation for many of the troops, Sergeant Taplette explained. 

When Sergeant Taplette isn't overseeing training at the SFS, he sells simulators and other training products and services to law enforcement, security and public safety agencies throughout the National Capital Region. 

After a day of firing heavy weapons, the members of the squadron headed home, returning the following day, both student and instructor alike, to break down and clean the weapons fired at the range.