CPT McGilbra: Demon Company Gunnery

Identified! UP! On the Way! BOOM! Nothing like the sound of a 120mm smoothbore being fired from a M1A1 main battle tank. Soldiers of Demon Company 2nd Battalion 9th Infantry Regiment have been gearing up for months at Camp Casey to come out to KTC and show off their tanker skills.

Before Demons could put big bullets down range they had to conduct an intensive train-up at Camp Casey. This training consisted of completing Tank Crew Gunnery Skill Test (TCGST), which is a series of individual and crew stations that soldiers must complete and pass in order to be certified crew eligible to conduct live fire from a tank. Soldiers also had to pass levels in the Unit of Conduct Fire Trainer (UCOFT) which is an electronic tank simulator.

For the last two weeks tank crews have negotiated Tank Tables at KTC that have tested the ability of crews to dentify and engage various enemy targets. Crews not only had to find the targets but also have to posses the ability to put steel on target. Varius weapons used include the main 120mm gun, gunners coax machine gun, the loaders M240 machine gun, and the tank commanders (TC) 40 cal. It is the TCs responsibility to ensure the right engagement commands are given depending on the enemy target that is presented.

For the soldiers of Demon Company it has been some long days. The work that goes into maintaining a 70 ton killing machine is almost an endless task. Crews have to ensure they conduct thorough maintenance. even with daily maintenance crews along with mechanics will have to scramble to fix last minute communication, computer, or mechanical issues. These tanks require a lot of TLC.

Firing days can be even longer, with each Table requiring both a day and night run soldiers will be up for nearly 24 hours. Crews have also had to battle Mother Nature, as she has caused training to be stopped or postponed due to heavy fog that leaves crews unable to conduct safe training.

with pre training completed at Camp Casey, maintenance conducted, and great weather the Demons were finally released to send big bullets down range. For the past two weeks Demon crews have been working like a well oiled killing machine. demon Company has proven it is the best of the best. Soldiers are more than pumped at being released from the restraints of garrison life to be able to come out gunnery. I asked PVT Hubbard his thoughts on gunnery :Gunnery is the time where I finally feel like I am doing my job, being able to fire live rounds and ride on my tank is a great feeling.”

Even though all the crews did an outstanding job, you still have to identify the best of the best. This gunnery Demon 65, the Executive Officers Tank gets the title of TOP TANK by scoring 934 out of 1000. Demon 34 scored a 900, both being distinguished crews. Demon Company once again lead the way. This will serve as motivation for other crews for next gunnery when they will be gunning for the title of TOP TANK.

CPT Leon McGilbron
D Company Comander