Page 7 - The Dispatch September 2018

TEXAS MILITARY DEPARTMENT

AT4 light anti-armor weapon and the M203 grenade launch- run the EST II with training given by Mendoza’s staff.
er. In the crew-served weapons room, training is conducted
on the MK19 automatic grenade launcher, M2 machine gun, Wade Ferguson, Mendoza’s civilian counterpart at Camp
M240 machine gun and the M249 squad automatic weapon. Swift, is in charge of briefing incoming platoons on how to
effectively use the system. Ferguson said he has seen groups
“The system allows us to mix the weapons to the needs of who use the EST II effectively do better when they get to a
the teams being trained,” Mendoza said. “As more upgrades live-fire range.
become available, we are able to coach them and really tai-
lor their training.” “When you get a Soldier that hasn’t qualified in over a year,
it can be difficult for them,” Ferguson said. “Using the sys-
Data is measured before, during and after each shot. Coach- tem helps save time, frustration and saves the state money
es can monitor shooters’ pitch, cant, trigger squeeze and in ammo and other range costs.”
steady position in real time via sensors in EST II’s weapons.
After an iteration, the system can playback everything re- The facility at Camp Swift will host 10 to 300 Soldiers per
corded on the screen. weekend. An individual weapon connected to the EST II can
fire upwards of 60,000 rounds before it needs servicing.
The implementation of technology at Camp Swift helps ser-
vice members continue their mastery of Soldier tasks, Men- “At 10 cents per round or so, for the M4, one of our weapons
doza said. The installation also utilizes other simulators, can save around $6,000 in just ammunition,” Ferguson said.
including the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer and the Vir- “But the time saved is much more valuable.”
tual Convoy Trainer.
Command Sgt. Maj. Mendoza looks to future technologies
“Technology is making training more efficient,” Mendoza to continue to improve training available to Texas Nation-
said. “Soldiers can fly helicopters, drive tanks and call for al Guard personnel. Future technologies include replacing
fire in simulators,” he added. “Especially Guard Soldiers that data cables with Bluetooth technology and more realistic
can’t train everyday this technology safely gets them famil- scenarios.
iar with equipment.”
“Technology helps NCOs train Soldiers, but the EST is just
The Army’s upgraded tech also makes the training available another tool. There is no replacement for dime drills and
to more Soldiers. As advances make systems more efficient, dry firing,” Mendoza said. “The training must start with fa-
tools like the EST II can be more mobile, Mendoza said. Sol- miliarization of weapon systems at the home station.” -D
diers with a basic understanding of computers can learn to

(ABOVE) Nationl Guard member participates in Cyber Shield 2018, A joint operation that bring military, governmental and civilian
technical experts to increase the National Guard's ability to provide state governors versatile suite of Information technology and
cyber security capability to be deployed and utilized as states develop internet defence programs.
(Photo By: Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Runser, Indiana National Guard Headquarters)

www.tmd.texas.gov 7