MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO -- Nearly 40 prospective Marines from Recruiting Substation Chula Vista, Calif., got an early start on learning about common military weapons systems at the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Oct. 20.
The ISMT is an interactive, audio-video, weapons simulator consisting of infantry weapons fitted with lasers and computer-generated screens that display targets in different scenarios. It is used to train Marines on a variety of weapons without the complications and costs of firing live ammunition.
“This was the first time we have visited the ISMT,” said Sgt. Frank Santiago, RSS Chula Vista recruiter. “I believe this training will prove to be beneficial for the (prospective Marines) when they are on the rifle range at recruit training and the School of Infantry because they will already be acquainted with the weapons.”
At 8 a.m. the “poolees,” members of the Delayed Entry Program, rallied at their recruiting station before traveling to Miramar to partake in their mandatory monthly pool function.
“The purpose of the monthly function is to maintain unity between the recruiters and poolees. This way, the poolees can stay involved in the Marine Corps and be motivated for recruit training,” said Santiago, a La Puente, Calif., native.
Upon arrival to the ISMT, the poolees received a brief lesson on basic marksmanship instruction. They also learned about weapons safety and handling of the M16-A2 service rifle, M9 pistol and M240-G machine gun.
Before firing the simulated weapons, the poolees were given a demonstration and offered the chance to practice the prone, standing, kneeling and sitting positions with the M16-A2. They were then separated into groups and lined evenly among the weapons systems to apply what they had learned.
“I really enjoyed this experience because it was the first time I have ever held a weapon, and I am glad I got the opportunity to try it before leaving for recruit training,” said Cesar Rico, a San Diego, native.
Rico said he has always wanted to join the military, and he chose the Marine Corps because of both the physical and mental challenges. He starts recruit training on Nov. 5, and has a guaranteed military occupational specialty as a field radio operator.
Rico said his favorite simulated weapon to fire was the M240-G because of how powerful it was and how quickly it fired. He also preferred the scenario feature on the M240-G which allowed him to fire at moving combatants while navigating through city, village and desert scenarios.
“The ISMT visit was a huge success and some of the poolees are looking forward to firing live rounds during training. We definitely plan on making this a standard poolee function event,” said Santiago.