Washington and Oregon National Guard soldiers conduct new weapons training.

In a recent training initiative, Soldiers from the Washington and Oregon National Guard, specifically from the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team and 96th Troop Command, kicked off the new year with rigorous new weapons training. The training took place at Camp Murray and Joint Base Lewis-McChord on January 16th and 17th, as reported by Sgt. 1st Class Nicolas A. Cloward of the 122nd Theater Public Affairs Support Element.
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U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Dustin Davis, a section sergeant with Bravo Coy, 1st Sqn, 82nd Cav Rgt, 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Oregon National Guard, fires the M3 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Jan. 17, 2024 (Picture source: U.S. Army/Sgt. 1st Class Nicolas A. Cloward)

The training program commenced with comprehensive classroom instruction at Camp Murray. The primary focus was on familiarizing the soldiers with three new weapon systems: the M110A1 Squad Designated Marksman Rifle, the Mk22 Precision Sniper Rifle, and the M3 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System. Soldiers delved into understanding the functions, safety protocols, and maintenance procedures for these advanced weaponry. The Mk22 Precision Sniper Rifle, set to replace the Army's existing sniper rifles, boasts a modular, multi-barrel design that equips sniper teams with increased versatility and firepower. The following day, despite the rainy conditions, soldiers ventured to the ranges at Joint Base Lewis-McChord for practical hands-on training with these cutting-edge weapons.

Of particular note is the M110A1 Squad Designated Marksman Rifle (SDMR), which provides infantry, scout, and engineer squads with the capability to engage targets up to 600 meters away. As Sgt. 1st Class Tylor Anderson, an infantry platoon sergeant with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment, 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Washington National Guard, pointed out, the introduction of the M110A1 as a primary weapon system for his weapons squad leader enhances their ability to plan for enemy engagements effectively.

Another noteworthy addition is the M3 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System (M3 MAAWS), often referred to as the Carl Gustaf. Produced by Saab, this 84 mm lightweight, man-portable recoilless rifle offers adaptability with a wide range of munitions suitable for various combat scenarios.

These new weapons not only enhance the soldiers' capabilities but also require them to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure effective and safe utilization. As they become more proficient with these advanced tools, they can pass on their expertise to their units, ultimately maintaining an edge on the battlefield.

U.S. Army Ranger Sgt. 1st Class Tylor Anderson, an infantry platoon sergeant with Alpha Coy, 1st Bn, 161st Inf Rgt, 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Washington National Guard, shoots his M110A1 Squad Designated Marksman Rifle (SDMR) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Jan. 17, 2024 (Picture source: U.S. Army/Sgt. 1st Class Nicolas A. Cloward)

Defense News January 2024