Comfort, confidence and safety were some of 308th Brigade Support Battalion's goals during its short range marksmanship training at Yakima Training Center Nov. 17.

The 308th BSB deployed from Joint Base Lewis-McChord Nov. 8 and spent more than two weeks at YTC learning to efficiently operate a field brigade support area and also took the opportunity to improve the unit's weapons proficiency.

Although to some it seems impractical to pack up a battalion and travel more than two hours away from a base where plenty of space and several small arms qualification ranges are already available, YTC provided a number of advantages over the battalion's home station of JBLM.

The commander, Lt. Col. Gary Spearow, said part of the reason for choosing YTC was to eliminate many of the distractions that occur in a garrison environment that prevent maximum participation in training. Coming to the field provides Soldiers the opportunity to focus on training.

As a BSB, much of 308th's energy is spent on providing support to 17th Fires Brigade, to include maintenance, fuel, water and parts for vehicles. Outside of having the expertise to provide this technical support, Soldiers must also maintain their tactical proficiency, which is why many of battalion's personnel welcomed the opportunity to sharpen these skills during SRM training.

"It was great doing the range," said Spc. Dongmin Shin, A Company, 308th BSB. "I haven't learned this since basic training. It was a good refresher and the best part of the (field training exercise)."

The SRM not only served as a refresher for many of the battalion's Soldiers, it was also used to certify a select group of senior leaders already skilled in marksmanship to coach other Soldiers and help run future ranges.

"I learned from my mentors and now I have an opportunity to teach other students and subordinates," said Staff Sgt. Wilson Nguyen, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 308th BSB.

Nguyen was one of the leaders who went through the screening process prior to the battalion SRM range. After shooting one of the best zeroes, he was chosen to go through the train the trainer course where he was taught how to coach other Soldiers in marksmanship, identify any challenges and run a safe range.

Some of the things Nguyen felt has been helpful to him and plans to pass on to other Soldiers, is the importance of steady position, stance, aiming, breathing, trigger squeeze; but most importantly not anticipating each shot.

Although using their weapons might not be a daily requirement for many assigned to the BSB, its leaders and Soldiers recognize to serve in the profession of arms means developing comfort and confidence in one's weapon, regardless of the job.

"All Soldiers have the right to defend themselves and this training is important for us to learn how to protect each other," Nguyen said.

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