Putting an explosion downrange: 931 SFS performs grenade launcher training

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Abigail Klein
  • 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  As Air Force defenders, members of the 931st Security Forces Squadron often train for real-world scenarios to stay at the top of their game.  During the July Unit Training assembly, this training included firing M203 grenade launchers.

The M203 is a single-shot 40mm under-barrel grenade launcher that is attached the underside of a rifle, including the M4 carbines the 931 SFS Airmen trained with today.  The training is an annual requirement to keep the Airmen current on the weapons skills that will be required of them on post during any deployment.

"Certain posts will require the member be qualified on the M203 as well as the other machine guns," said Master Sgt. Scott Flaherty, 931st SFS action officer.  "The M203 is a very simplistic weapon because it's easy to load and fire. "

The day-long training included a classroom session, as well as time spent firing practice paint rounds from the M203 at McConnell's Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Facility. In addition to balancing the 6.5 pound weight of the M4 combined with the M203, the Airmen must also focus on their targets. 

"One of the biggest challenges of using the M203 is gauging the distances of targets and using the sights," he said.  "Ideally, the Airmen try to hit a point target at 150 meters and an area target within 350 meters.  The M203 is able to target an area from 50 to 400 meters."

While the targets fired at today may have been inanimate, the training hits home for the defenders, who often deploy for at least six months at a time.

"Weapons familiarization training like this is very important," said Airman 1st Class Erin Hein, 931 SFS.  "When you are in a real combat situation, you don't have time to think about what you need to do to use your weapon.  You have to rely on actions you've done over and over again and have ingrained into your muscle memory."

Since its activation October of 2011, the 931st SFS has grown to more than 50 members and continues to be involved in a number of operations around the globe.