Q/A on IWTS

We are answering some questions that have been brought up in reference to the Integrated Weapons Training Strategy and how it is reported. As we discussed in previous posts, there are six tables for each gate, and four gates that take the unit from individual training through unit training. Specifically today, we will address what it takes for a squad or.vehicle crew to be qualified. The reference for our discussion is TC 3-20.0 dated June 2015.

Above illustrates what this looks like for the squad. Table I is a Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures evaluation. Gate II is simulations: for the squad, this entails use of simulation systems to practice coordination between the teams. Gate III is the TADSS, for the squad is MILES Gears.

Table IV is the squad STX lane. It is dry-fire as an organization. Paratroopers need to practice not only their shot process, but also need to be communicating with their fellow team members. Team leaders need to learn and reinforce that they are in control of what the team does or does not do. New squad leaders learn that this is where you take that step back and look at the bigger picture.

Table V is the blank run. It is a full on dress-rehearsal. It is done with blank rounds or universal training munitions to give the Paratrooper an idea of what live-fire will be like, but still has a level of safety incorporated into it. This gives the team leaders and squad leader their final check prior to qualification.

Table VI is squad qualification. It is a live-fire event that is done to show that the squad has developed their level of thought and awareness to the point that the shot process is done by unconscious competence built from rep after rep. They are now able to focus on the larger tasks of closing with, and destroying the enemy by means of fire and maneuver.

For the gun truck crew, it is a similar process. Above illustrates what this looks like for the squad. Table I is a Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures evaluation. Gate II is simulations: for the squad, this entails use of simulation systems to practice coordination between the teams. Gate III is the TADSS, for the crew, practicing movement and maneuver as a section.

Table IV is the crew STX lane. It is dry-fire as a crew. Paratroopers need to practice not only their shot process, but also need to be communicating with their fellow team members. Team leaders need to learn and reinforce that they are in control of what the team does or does not do. New squad leaders learn that this is where you take that step back and look at the bigger picture.

Table V is the blank run. It is a full on dress-rehearsal. It is done with blank rounds to give the Paratrooper an idea of what live-fire will be like, but still has a level of safety incorporated into it. This gives the crews and section leader their final check prior to qualification.

Table VI is crew qualification. It is a live-fire event that is done to show that the squad has developed their level of thought and awareness to the point that the shot process is done by unconscious competence built from rep after rep. The section leaders are now able to focus on the larger tasks of closing with, and destroying the enemy by means of fire and maneuver.

So to sum up, Gate III is the crew/squad qualification table. It has three pre-requisite events, and three ‘live fire’ events. Once the crew or squad is qualified, it is good for a year for DTMS.

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