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Marines operating a Light Armored Vehicle with 2nd Light-Armored Reconnaissance Battalion swiftly move to a new position for the next course of fire during the unit’s annual gunnery qualification at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 18, 2016. The purpose of the training was to increase readiness and ensure that the Marines maintain their proficiency employing the weapons.

Photo by Cpl. Shannon Kroening

Take aim: 2nd LAR conducts gunnery training

23 Mar 2016 | Cpl. Shannon Kroening The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website

Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion conducted annual gunnery qualification training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 18-22, 2016.

The Marines of 2nd LAR conduct their qualifications with the M242 Bushmaster 25 mm chain-driven auto-cannon and the M240B 7.62 mm machine gun to maintain their proficiency and confidence employing the weapons systems.

“The reason that we do these qualifications is to ensure that the Marines are ready for whatever the commander may ask of us,” said Sgt. Christopher Huey, a recent graduate of the Master Gunner course and one of the Master Gunners supervising the course. “We need to make sure that no matter if it is a deployment or an exercise, that we here at 2nd LAR perform at our best.” 

During the live fire, crews are expected to engage various targets ranging as far as 1,600 meters to include vehicle targets, moving targets and troop targets. Each crew of Marines is graded on maneuvers and accuracy. 

The unit is preparing for their upcoming integrated training exercise in 29 Palms in May; they are busy training to the full extent and have hopes to complete the ITX on a successful note.

“I tell my Marines to stay motivated because this is our way of life,” said Master Sgt. Kevin “Lock Shields” Dumais, the company operations chief for Bravo Company. “We train like we fight, and at the end of the day we will be better for it.”

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