Image Gallery 2010
10 December 2010
MTF - 2 Mentors 3rd Kandak Heavy Weapons Coy
Mentoring Task Force - Two’s (MTF 2) Combat Team Bravo has begun training 30 enthusiastic Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers from the 3rd Kandak Heavy Weapons Coy on the M2 HB Browning .50-cal machine gun.
The soldiers’ second lesson began with a light-hearted game, which was run by Team Sergeant Major WO2 Karl Boeck, to refresh their memories on the weapon commands. WO2 Boeck then instructed the soldiers on how to inspect, strip and assemble the .50-cal machine gun.
“We try to engage the soldiers with a bit of fun and humour to keep them occupied. If we don’t, they lose interest and wander off,” WO2 Boeck said.
He said that the training was designed to transition the ANA soldiers from the Soviet-built DShk machine gun to the American-made .50-cal.
“This training is designed to teach them how to use the .50-cal correctly and build their confidence in using it.
“The ANA is very comfortable with using the DShK, but parts for it are difficult to get these days.
“It’s important for ANA soldiers to be confident on the .50-cal because the ANA will be using it well into the future and parts are easily available for it.”
He said that the soldiers were excited about going to the range the following day.
“They will fire the .50-cal from a Humvee tomorrow, so they are pretty keen to get in and get their hands on the weapon.
“The soldiers are eager and quick learners, so they’re progressing better than expected with their training. They’re not at the same level as Australian soldiers yet, but they are getting better.”
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