JGSDF gets marksmanship training from Marines
CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, Japan (Oct. 20, 2005) -- Third Marine Logistics Group’s Tactics Readiness Training section welcomed members of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) to use their indoor simulated marksmanship trainer (ISMT) Oct. 6.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/0/DB738347EF2C3EF2852570A00000DCD7?opendocument
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MCB Camp Butler
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Computed Name: Lance Cpl. Terence L. Yancey
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2005101920925
CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, Japan (Oct. 20, 2005) -- Third Marine Logistics Group’s Tactics Readiness Training section welcomed members of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) to use their indoor simulated marksmanship trainer (ISMT) Oct. 6.
Units within the JGSDF’s 1st Combined Brigade participated in the training, which was intended to familiarize the troops with current simulated marksmanship technology as well as show them the Marine Corps’ approach to marksmanship, according to Maj. Takahiro Ogawa, training section chief for the 1st Combined Brigade.
“This is a great opportunity to help build relations with the JGSDF,” said Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Tierney, readiness chief for H&S Bn., 3rd MLG.
Range coaches from Headquarters and Service Battalion, 3rd MLG, provided tactical instruction and technical assistance to the JGSDF visitors.
“We’re here to give classes on the weapons systems, run the simulators and provide assistance to those training here,” said Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernardo, one of the range coaches.
In the ISMT, shooters fire simulation rifles that recoil with the help of compressed air tanks. The shooters aim at computer-generated graphics on a screen, and the system records hits and misses.
The information gathered by the simulator assists coaches in determining exactly what is causing the shooter to be off target.
”The data collected by the simulator can tell us exactly where the weapon was pointed before, while and after the shooter pulls the trigger,” Tierney said.
After the training session, TRT staff went over the simulator’s capabilities with the JGSDF participants and answered questions.
“Nothing will ever replace live fire training on a range,” Tierney told JGSDF troops.
According to Tierney however, the ISMT is an excellent tool, especially with limited budgets and fewer ranges.
According to Hisanaga Nakano, Military Liaison Officer for the 1st Combined Brigade, being able to train at the Marine Corps facility saved them a trip north to Kyushu, an island southwest of Mainland Japan, to get the same training through JGSDF facilities.
Nakano said the ISMT was a great opportunity, and the JGSDF is making plans to do it again in the future.