Pirate Range Density

On March 22, 2024, Seton Hall’s Pirate Battalion Army ROTC cadets conducted a live fire Rifle Qualification at Joint Base-Fort Dix. While at the range, our Pirates had the opportunity to shoot various weapon systems. The M249 squad automatic weapon, the new Sig Sauer M17 pistol, and the M4A1, which is the current United States Army service rifle were all among the weapons our cadets trained on. The main objective of this field training exercise was to qualify the Junior on the M4A1 in preparation for Advanced Camp this upcoming summer which takes place annually at Fort Knox, Kentucky. While cadets were qualified on the M4A1, they also had plenty of time over the course of the training weekend to practice their fieldcraft in the rain, as there were heavy torrents throughout the qualification period on Saturday.

To ensure that the range weekend went smoothly and was carried out safely, all Senior MS4 Cadets were tasked with a specific role to aid in its planning and execution. The operation began with a Combined Arms Rehearsal at Seton Hall University, Walsh Library, led by Senior MS4 Cadet James Connolly. The first main challenge with this particular operation was synchronizing travel between three different modes of transportation. Cadets were privileged to have aid and reinforcements to fulfill transportation in style. The Battalion arrived at Fort Dix in UH60 helicopters, commonly known as “Blackhawks'' before making the move to the range where qualification would begin. Without the help of the New Jersey Army National Guard who allowed our cadets to ride in their birds and who sent personnel to help instruct on the range, we would not have been able to have a successful training weekend.

The first major event of the weekend was M4A1 zero. Junior cadets were expected to zero their weapon to a 25 meter target in preparation for the M4A1 qualification test the following morning. National Guardsmen and women stood by and served as range safety specialists, assisting the process by teaching cadets how to properly adjust their optics to get the most precise shot grouping on their targets. After all cadets sighted in their weapon systems they began weapons familiarization training on the M17 pistol and the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon.

Saturday’s weapons qualification began with inclement weather in the form of pouring rain. The cadets showed toughness and perseverance by operating and carrying out their duties even when the terrain and climate made things uncomfortable. The Junior MS3 cadets as a class showed that their Preliminary Marksmanship Training they received earlier in the semester was effective and meaningful. All MS3 cadets qualified with their M4A1s and were generally unphased by the poor conditions.

In conclusion, this operation as a whole gave the cadets valuable experience and training in multiple different Warrior Tasks. The Senior MS4s learned why attention to detail and Team collaboration are important for organizing such complex missions. In addition, they learned how to zero and qualify their future soldiers with the M4A1 and teach the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship. The Junior MS3s as a class fully qualified and showed proficiency with their weapon systems which will allow them to be successful for this summer’s training event. In total the Pirate Battalion fired 9,000 rounds for the weekend and learned valuable skills that they will carry forward as future officers.

Categories: Campus Life