BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –
Reservists with the 940th Wing engaged in the newly expanded Combat Arms Training and Maintenance course during their Unit Training Assembly, April 14-15, 2012, at the firing range on Beale Air Force Base.
The basic marksman skills training recently changed to include more intensive weapons training. The new course incorporates target acquisition, threat discrimination, multiple-threat engagement, and surviving weapon malfunction and stoppages.
"They're making everyone step up, and those who were previously stepped up are stepping up even further," said Master Sgt. Nathan Roderick, 940th Security Forces Superintendent.
"We're coming around full circle, Air Force training is coming more in line with Army and Marine Corps ground combat skills," said Roderick, who has been a CATM instructor since 1996.
The course has changed from traditional firing to more combat-oriented training with three, instead of just two, skill assessments, according to Staff Sgt. James Chattin, who is also CATM instructor with the 940 SFS.
The first skill assessment is the basic rifleman and gas mask qualification course and includes standing, kneeling, prone supported and prone unsupported firing positions. The second, and newest, assessment involves short-range combat training. Reservists who are deploying and those who have "a need to arm up" are required to complete the first two assessments.
The third assessment of CATM training involves night firing and is only for career fields that require advanced weapons training, such as security forces, special forces and special operations.
Chattin admits some airmen are having difficulty adjusting to the changes in the course.
"Passing the class has become more of a challenge. A lot of people struggle with it, but it's better training," Chattin said. "I'd rather have you sit behind a desk for 180 days, than send you down range without all of the tools you need to survive."