Author Topic: JOIN THE WEAPONS SQUAD!!!  (Read 29973 times)

SFC Heckman

  • 11B Infantryman
  • Combat Element
  • Posts: 477
JOIN THE WEAPONS SQUAD!!!
« on: August 11, 2015, 05:32:20 PM »
1-506th Infantry Regiment Weapons Squad

The 506th IR is looking for you to join our ranks in one of our hard-hitting Weapons Squads. While you will still be an 11B and have all the training of your peers from our challenging OSUT program, you will also become specialized in the use of our three most deadly weapons systems... the M240, the FGM-148 "Javelin", and the M3 MAAWS (Carl Gustav).

Medium Machine Gun Team
The M240 is a belt-fed, gas-operated medium machine gun that fires the deadly 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge at 750-950 rounds per minute. We use the weapons system to destroy our enemies at ranges all the way out to 800m. Utilizing its high rate of fire we are able to suppress enemy combatants and allow the rifle squads to advance.

The M240 will be operated by the Machine Gunner, who is also the senior member, and assisted by the Assistant Machine Gunner. While it may seem the Machine Gunner is doing all the work while engaging the enemy and providing suppressive fire the Assistant is responsible for a host of others duties such as providing ranges for the gunner and giving feedback for round placement, providing close security to the gunner, engaging all targets that appear at closer distances, carrying the vital supplemental ammo the Gunner needs to keep raining hell on the enemy, and the prime responsibility of taking over for the Gunner if he is incapacitated.

Obviously without the M240 Gunners and Assistants we are at a severe disadvantage when we are in combat and I know this Platoon Sergeant would never want that.

Anti-Armor Team

The FGM-148 Javelin is a man portable fire and forget anti-tank missile system. Using its attached CLU (Command Launch Unit) the weapons system is capable of detecting and destroying armored target at ranges up to 2000m. Since it can lock on to a targets heat signature the Javelin makes quick work of moving targets as well. Nothing can hide from the devastation brought by the Javelin.

The Javelin is manned by the Anti-Armor Specialist who leads the team and when you add the Assistant Anti-Armor Specialist to the mix you have 2 soldiers that have the know-how and equipment to disable an entire convoy. With the extra ammo carried by the Assistant and his ability to acquire targets and assess the broader picture while the Leader has his head attached to the CLU this team becomes a definitive force multiplier every time they exit the helo's.

The M3 MAAWS (Multi-role Anti-armor Anti-tank Weapon System) is an 84 mm man-portable reusable anti-tank recoilless rifle. It can be loaded with various munitions to suit mission needs including the deadly Air Burst Projectile. Our targets, be them infantry or armor, cannot escape from the precision and versatility of the MAAWS when it is in the hands of one of our Anti-Armor Specialists.

You won't find a single member of the Rifle Squads that hasn't had an armor piece roll up onto their position just to have it magically explode into a fiery wreck thanks to the work of the Anti-Armor Gunners and their assistants.

How to Join

This is the best part about joining the outstanding troopers in the Weapons Squad! To join you simply tell you OSUT instructor that you want to be a Machine Gunner or an Anti-Armor Specialist when you finish your final day of training! That simple.

I know that I speak for every Platoon HQ when I say that we wouldn't be able to do what we do without our Weapons Squads. If any of this interests you I urge you to give Weapons Squad a shot.

Also I urge any current members of our Weapons Squads to post comments, videos, pictures, or anything else letting a potential recruit know what it's like being a part of that squad


Sergeant First Class Heckman
Platoon Sergeant
1st Platoon, Alpha Company
« Last Edit: April 28, 2022, 08:47:27 PM by CPT Drumheller »
M. HECKMAN
SFC, USA
Reserve Platoon, 1-506 Infantry


1LT Franklin

  • 11A Infantry Officer
  • Combat Element
  • Posts: 538
Re: JOIN THE WEAPONS SQUAD!!!
« Reply #1 on: August 11, 2015, 05:48:38 PM »
Here is one of the weapons teams saving our lives
<a href="//www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaA3nU0eEXA" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaA3nU0eEXA</a>
T. FRANKLIN
1LT, IN
Platoon Leader, Co A\1-506 Infantry


SSG (Ret) McAllister

  • 11B Infantryman
  • Retired
  • Posts: 210
Re: JOIN THE WEAPONS SQUAD!!!
« Reply #2 on: August 11, 2015, 06:24:29 PM »
As a Javelin gunner all I can say is there is nothing more satisfying than watching a Javelin rocket travel 2km out and ruining a heavy tank crews day.  It's a nice feeling to know that to a T-72, you're as scary to them as an overhead Apache or an A-10.
A. MCALLISTER
SSG, USA
Retired


R. Nelson

  • Posts: 65
Re: JOIN THE WEAPONS SQUAD!!!
« Reply #3 on: August 12, 2015, 11:18:24 PM »
Former machine gunner here, I absolutely loved raining down lead at an alarming speed on top of some Russian heads.

SSG (Ret) Kang

  • 11B Infantryman
  • Retired
  • Posts: 972
Re: JOIN THE WEAPONS SQUAD!!!
« Reply #4 on: August 12, 2015, 11:28:27 PM »
Besides the weapons systems that are used.

Weapons Squad is a great place to start if you want to step up in the leadership ladder. Unlike the rifle squads where there 2 fire team leaders, there are four section leaders in weapons.
K. KANG
SSG, USA
Retired


Alexandrov

  • Posts: 305
Re: JOIN THE WEAPONS SQUAD!!!
« Reply #5 on: August 12, 2015, 11:46:51 PM »
I am currently in charge of javelin crew for havoc 1 and am dam proud of my squad and section the ability to just pop over a hill and take out a btr which has been hurting the whole platoon in a matter of seconds is just amazing not to mention working along side of SFC Heckman has Its perks too if you have any questions plz message me for Javlin section

1LT (Ret) Aston

  • 11A Infantry Officer
  • Retired
  • Posts: 833
Re: JOIN THE WEAPONS SQUAD!!!
« Reply #6 on: August 22, 2015, 06:02:11 AM »
We couldn't do what we do without the weapons teams. Some of the most amazing moments I've experienced in my 3 years of playing ArmA involved our gunners doing what we otherwise couldn't. I'll say this: If there is a hell, the enemy might want to go there for some R&R after two rounds with our weapons teams.
J. ASTON
1LT, USA
Retired


Biggs

  • Posts: 686
Re: JOIN THE WEAPONS SQUAD!!!
« Reply #7 on: September 16, 2015, 09:09:39 PM »
As someone who started out in Weapons Squad, I definitely recommend them for prospective new recruits. They give a well-rounded experience of being a front-line infantryman by giving you the responsibility of being the point-man and security force of the Squad, whilst assisting and directing the awesome firepower of an M240B or Javelin Missile System to destroy the enemy.

For those who want the full experience in the 506th, join Weapons Squad.

SGT (Ret) Caruthers

  • 11B Infantryman
  • Retired
  • Posts: 264
Re: JOIN THE WEAPONS SQUAD!!!
« Reply #8 on: September 23, 2015, 11:03:10 PM »
<a href="//www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kzzIIhrB-I" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kzzIIhrB-I</a>
R. CARUTHERS
SGT, USA
Retired


1LT (Ret) Aston

  • 11A Infantry Officer
  • Retired
  • Posts: 833
Re: JOIN THE WEAPONS SQUAD!!!
« Reply #9 on: October 06, 2015, 03:51:12 AM »
Anti-Armor teams have now been authorised to carry the M3 MAAWS. Get them while they're hot!
J. ASTON
1LT, USA
Retired


Parsons

  • Posts: 468
Re: JOIN THE WEAPONS SQUAD!!!
« Reply #10 on: October 11, 2015, 11:25:58 PM »
<a href="//www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHfN3rCMBdQ" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHfN3rCMBdQ</a>

#JoinWeaponsSquad  #CarlGustav

Oakley

  • Posts: 308
Re: JOIN THE WEAPONS SQUAD!!!
« Reply #11 on: November 17, 2015, 06:58:32 AM »
I would like to say that all way through OSUT i was battling with the choice: go weapons or Not. and at the very last minute on the last day when SGT Stevens calls my name for me to say my desired MOS i just thought "F***k it 11B Machine gunner"

and one month later i can honestly say it was the best decision i have made in years.During my time in the 506th i Have been an Assistant Gunner for Havoc 2-4   

For all those with reservations out there, just as i had, here are the following points:

- As an assistant Gunner i do all the things regular infantryman does. ie) squad/fire team Formations, Convoy, Air Assault, MOUT, CQB, etc.
 
- Weapons Squads are RARELY at the "back" of the platoon. Weapons Squads Mostly Divide into 2 Teams ("Hammer" and "Anvil" in case of Havoc 2) of 1 MG team and 1 AT team. These Teams are then Attached to Regular Rifleman Squads as third fire team. So you will always be where the fight is the thickest.

- Which Leads to my next point. As a weapons Squad member you will have to know exactly what Rifleman Squads are doing so you can position you Weapon System in the most effectively way. Considering you have to know not only your team's job but also the job of the Rifleman Squad you are attached to, Arguably you will have a more complete skill set than your average Rifleman.

- Yes you will have to carry some extra ammo. be it Boxes for the 240B, Projectiles for the M3 MAAWS or Rockets for the Javelin. Yes you will have to Spot and Range for your partner, but by any means is that the ONLY thing you will do, that is one of the things you will do in ADDITION to your many rifleman duties making your job more varied and fun.

- Being an assistant does not mean you will never carry the main weapon system. some team leaders prefer to lead their fire team from the assistant spot since they don't have to worry about operating the weapon they can communicate and lead their team more effectively, that leaves you the assistant with the opportunity to carry the main weapon. Also squad leaders and team leaders like to train assistants on the weapons systems so there is a good chance that you will get the weapon on most squad training exercises.

- Weapons Squad Leaders/ team leaders are very experience and veteran individuals so you will have the honor to work alongside and be trained by such personnel.

- As someone mentioned before Weapons teams have more leadership billets than the Rifleman squads so you you aim to be a team leader or squad leader be it on either a rifleman or weapons squad. this is a good place to start in.

- Try it, give it a chance worst comes to worst you can Laterally transfer out after 30 days.

Hope this as helped to all those people coming through OSUT that are sitting on the fence about which MOS to take.

Finally if you are still not convinced i will leave you with the following:





 
« Last Edit: November 17, 2015, 07:39:50 AM by PV2 Oakley »

Oakley

  • Posts: 308
Re: JOIN THE WEAPONS SQUAD!!!
« Reply #12 on: December 06, 2015, 08:55:13 AM »


2-4 "Hammer" in support of  2-2 Squad During FTX during the defense of a building compound against enemy counter attack.
« Last Edit: December 06, 2015, 09:07:40 AM by PV2 Oakley »

SFC Heckman

  • 11B Infantryman
  • Combat Element
  • Posts: 477
Re: JOIN THE WEAPONS SQUAD!!!
« Reply #13 on: December 06, 2015, 12:51:23 PM »
***** Updated original post to add some information about the 3rd Weapons system... the M3 MAAWS.
M. HECKMAN
SFC, USA
Reserve Platoon, 1-506 Infantry


Parsons

  • Posts: 468
Re: JOIN THE WEAPONS SQUAD!!!
« Reply #14 on: March 24, 2016, 08:48:46 AM »
Another Reason to Join the Weapons Squad.

<a href="//www.youtube.com/watch?v=EagGqzCMx8Y" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EagGqzCMx8Y</a>