training by the 75th Field Artillery Brigade Oct. 9, 2020, in the Middle East." /> 
qualification range Oct. 9, 2020, in the. " /> 
Having competed and reviewed their M9 pistol target, a team of Soldiers from the 75th Field Artillery Brigade pose for a photo during a Diamond Brigade event." />
FORT SILL, Okla., Oct. 22, 2020 -- Soldiers of the 75th Field Artillery Brigade completed requirements of the Army’s new marksmanship qualification range Oct. 9, while deployed to the Army Central Command area of responsibility in support of operations Inherent Resolve and Spartan Shield.
Capt. Phillip Herold, acting range officer-in-charge, said the brigade completed the M4 carbine and M9 pistol qualification ranges.
“The intent of the training ensures Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, and officers remain current on their assigned weapon,” he said.
Whether at home or overseas, Soldiers in the Army are required to train and qualify on their assigned weapon, proving their proficiency and ability to successfully fire upon and hit the required amount of targets.
“It’s important, especially in a deployed environment, that Soldiers and leaders maintain their basic Soldier skills,” said Herold. “Going to the range is honestly one of those training events that I believe allows Soldiers to gain a deep understanding of their equipment and focus on the fundamentals of marksmanship.”
The four fundamentals of marksmanship are: maintaining a steady fighting position, using correct aiming techniques to obtain a proper sight picture, breathing properly, and squeezing the trigger in a way that does not interrupt your aim.
Apart from the standard M4 and M9 qualifications, Diamond Brigade Soldiers also completed a night shoot as part of an ongoing Diamond League competition.
“During the Diamond League portion, four teams of four came out to shoot a target with limited visibility at a 75-meter distance,” continued Herold. “Each team member was given 10 rounds and had to shoot two or three rounds per M4 firing position. Different areas of the silhouette counted for a certain amount of points, and whichever team scored the most out of 40 rounds was the winner.”
The captain called the competition a huge success as it strengthened Soldiers’ use and understanding of the four fundamentals of basic rifle marksmanship in a safe and fun environment.
The Diamond Brigade continues to train and stand ready across the globe as it serves as the largest and most lethal field artillery brigade in the Army.
