Spangdahlem Airmen train with new high-tech weapon

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Eydie Sakura
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The sound of gunfire ricocheting off concrete walls is an everyday occurrence for the troops at the combat arms training and maintenance unit here.

One of the few indoor Air Force firing ranges, the range features a target retrieval system and a hard gel backstop, which will soon be replaced by a steel backstop -- allowing for heavy weapons to be fired with automatic fire.

A new addition to the arsenal and technology at CATM is the M4 carbine, a smaller version of the M16A2 rifle with upgrades in technology. It uses a reflex red dot sighting system for quick reaction engagements and an infrared imaging device for target acquisition at night.

These unique features are incorporated into a smaller rifle design, allowing the stock to collapse and adjust to the size of the shooter, said Tech. Sgt. John Badey, 52nd Security Forces Squadron NCOIC of combat arms.

“The smaller design helps the security forces members with easier access in and out of vehicles, as well as being more suited for close-quarter battles,” Sergeant Badey said.

Currently, the combat arms unit trains all base members here on the M16 and M9 pistol. The 52nd SFS receives extra training on the M203 Grenade Launcher, M240/ M60/M249 machine guns, M500 shotguns and now the M4.

Training on the M4 made Capt. John Borchardt, 52nd SFS acting commander, a bit apprehensive about whether or not he could keep his expert rating that he currently has with the M16.

“I wasn’t sure how I was going to rate with this one (M4),” Captain Borchardt said. “I like the M16 for its accuracy and it’s very much a meat and potatoes kind of a gun. The M4 has a lot of bells and whistles.”

These bells and whistles offer more capabilities to the troops using them in close-quarter battles.

“Our threat is moving away from an enemy soldier who is 800-meters away over a hillside, to close-quarters battle where troops are kicking down doors and coming face-to-face in urban combat,” the captain said.

Being prepared for urban combat is a role the joint services are embracing. Just recently, the Air Force implemented a policy where all people firing weapons should train with their gas masks on to ensure they can operate their weapon in a chemical environment.

“It does no good to be able to wear your chemical ensemble properly without being able to use your weapon as well,” Sergeant Badey said.

Being prepared for a deployment and providing base security is the CATM unit’s primary responsibility. They also inspect any weapon going downrange to ensure proper serviceability, as well as inspecting it once it returns from an area of responsibility.

“We are here to provide the best training possible,” Sergeant Badey said. “When you come out to the range, make the most of the training you receive; it may be the last you get before you have to use it.”