Page 6 - The Dispatch September 2018

TEXAS MILITARY DEPARTMENT

N POINT

ENGAGEMENT SKILLS TRAINER HELPS SOLDIERS REFINE MARKSMANSHIP SKILLS
Story and Photos By: Spc. Jason Archer Command Sgt. Maj. Toby Mendoza, range operations
100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment non-commissioned officer in charge, oversees the EST as
part of his responsibilities. As an award-winning machine
CAMP SWIFT, Texas - Camp Swift recently upgraded an ag- gunner and rifleman, Mendoza credits some of his success
ing virtual reality shooting system that allows Soldiers to to using this technology.
fire unlimited rounds and hone their shooting skills before
ever stepping foot on a live-fire range. “In 2007, my team won the [Marksmanship Advisory
Council] 5 Regional machine gun competition,” Mendoza
The Engagement Skills Trainer (EST) II replaced the EST said. “All of our shooter training for the competition that
2000. The improved system mimics a live-fire range using year took place in the EST.”
state-of-the-art video projectors, air compressors and la-
sers. It also measures shooter data used for coaching and The EST-II occupies two rooms in a building built specifical-
can simulate other scenarios. ly for the systems around 10 years ago. In the small arms
room, Soldiers can fire the M4 carbine, shotgun, M9 pistol,

6 TheDISPATCH SEPTEMBER 2018