U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darryl Worthey, 366th Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor assistant, demonstrates the proper way to hold an M16 rifle to a student during the new Air Force Rifle Qualification Course Dec. 14, 2011, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. During the new course, Airmen will fire close to 200 rounds at multiple targets, shoot from a standing, unsupported position on both “semi” and “burst” settings, and conduct quick-reaction drills. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Alyssa C. Wallace/Released)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman William Rhodes, 366th Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor, congratulates an Airman for hitting her mark during the new Air Force Rifle Qualification Course Dec. 14, 2011, at Mountain Home Air Force Base. The revamped course was implemented here Nov. 1, and more than 400 Gunfighters have attended the new training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Alyssa C. Wallace/Released)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darryl Worthey, 366th Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor, gives an Air Force Rifle Qualification Course student pointers during weapons qualification Dec. 14, 2011, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The base’s AFRQC training was revamped to better prepare Airmen for combat downrange. The course was developed by Air Force leadership in response to criticisms the previous course was not sufficiently advanced. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Alyssa C. Wallace/Released)
Combat arms instructors and students review targets during the new Air Force Rifle Qualification Course Dec. 14, 2011, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. During the new course, Airmen will fire almost twice as many rounds as before at multiple targets. The new course has proven to be difficult, with the base’s pass rate dropping from 94 percent to 61 percent. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Alyssa C. Wallace/Released)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darryl Worthey, 366th Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor, uses binoculars to watch Air Force Rifle Qualification Course students shoot their targets on Dec. 14, 2011, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The AFRQC was recently revamped by Air Force leadership in response to criticisms the previous course was not sufficiently advanced. Students will now shoot 184 rounds at multiple targets, shoot from a standing, unsupported position on both “semi” and “burst” settings, and conduct quick-reaction drills. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Alyssa C. Wallace/Released)
by Senior Airman Alyssa C. Wallace
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
1/3/2012 - MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Bases Air Force-wide were required to implement a new Air Force Rifle Qualification course by Dec. 1 in order to better prepare deploying Airmen on how to engage in combat with the enemy downrange.
More than 400 Gunfighters have received this training since it was implemented at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Nov. 1. The course was developed by Air Force leadership in response to criticisms that the previous course was not sufficiently advanced.
"For a lot of years the Air Force has kind of figured short-range combat-type marksmanship training wasn't necessary for bulk of the personnel," said Master Sgt. Stephen Vermilya, 366th Security Forces Squadron combat arms noncommissioned officer in-charge. "We have come 180 degrees to where we realize our troops are seeing themselves outside the wire more than ever before, so we do need to give them these skills. It's going to make our troops much more capable in combat."
During the new course, Airmen will fire almost twice as many rounds at multiple targets, shoot from a standing, unsupported position on both "semi" and "burst" settings, and conduct quick-reaction drills.
"In the old course, we expended 100 rounds per shooter," Vermilya said. "The new course has the students firing more than 180 rounds of ammunition. The course of fire is substantially changed -- it is far more advanced. It introduces new weapon employment techniques not seen or used by the non-security forces personnel."
The techniques have proven to be tougher, as the base's pass rate has dropped from 94 percent to about 61 percent, according to Vermilya. However, students should not be worried.
"Don't be discouraged, because it's a substantially more difficult course," he said. "You're not alone, there are a lot of people in the Air Force who may not make it the first time around. Just like anything out there, additional practice is what's going to get you to meet the qual."
For those who find themselves off target, Vermilya's Combat Arms Training and Maintenance staff holds special training for those who need help hitting the mark.
"Remedial training is more one-on-one," said Senior Airman William Rhodes, 366th SFS combat arms instructor. "I take the time to point out things they can do better and show them different techniques. More often than not, the shooter qualifies at the end of the day. It's very important; the training is more realistic to what's going on in the world today."
While the course may be more challenging, Vermilya says he has received constructive feedback.
"A lot of folks have been positive and really liked it -- they thought it was fun, significantly more advanced and more interesting," Vermilya said. "They like the fact they're getting additional rounds and more time to fire. There are still a few people who think it's a little too difficult, but we're optimistic their skills will improve as we continue this course."
Comments
1/6/2012 2:20:19 PM ET I like that the AF has implemented this new weapons course however it still fails to address the core problem--more traininghands on with our weapons. Qualifying once a year or once we deploy is not enough. We as Airman have been going outside the wire since 2002 and this is just now being addressed BTW..we have been filling ILO or JEB tasking's since 2004 and this was addressed due to this need..now that we are no longer fighting on two war fronts the AF is just NOW implementing this program I give credit to the AF for making weapons QC harder but let's start where we need to more hands on trainingqualification not just a harder weapons QC.
