Spangdahlem Airmen train with new high-tech weapon

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Eydie Sakura
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) --  The sound of gunfire ricocheting off concrete walls is an everyday occurrence for Airmen at the combat arms training and maintenance unit here.

At one of the few indoor Air Force firing ranges, the range features a target retrieval system and a hard gel backstop that will soon be replaced by a steel backstop. This will allow heavy weapons to be fired with automatic fire.

A new addition to the arsenal and technology at the unit is the M-4 carbine, a smaller version of the M-16 rifle with upgrades in technology. It uses a reflex red dot sighting system for quick-reaction engagements and an infrared imaging device for targeting 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, noncommissioned officer in charge of combat arms with the 52nd Security Forces Squadron.

“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 Airmen here on the M-16 and M-9 pistol. The 52nd SFS Airmen receive extra training on the M-203 grenade launcher, M-240, M-60 and M-249 machine guns, M-500 shotguns and now the M-4.

Training on the M-4 made Capt. John Borchardt, 52nd SFS acting commander, a bit apprehensive whether he could keep his expert rating with the M-16.

“I wasn’t sure how I was going to rate with (the M-4),” Captain Borchardt said. “I like the M-16 for its accuracy, and it’s very much a meat and potatoes kind of a gun. The M-4 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 (875 yards) 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, Air Force officials implemented a policy where Airmen firing weapons should train with their gas masks on to ensure they can use 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 combat arm unit’s primary responsibility. The combat arms Airmen also inspect any weapon being deployed to ensure proper serviceability, as well as inspecting it once it returns.

“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.” (Courtesy of U.S. Air Forces in Europe News Service)