FRANKFORT, Ky. –
The Kentucky Army National Guard and the Virginia Marine Corps Reserve joined forces Jan. 11-12.
Soldiers with Kentucky Army National Guard’s 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade participated in a crew serve weapon class instructed by Virginia Marine Reservists.
Gunnery Sgts. Matt Logan and Gilbert Stubbs, trainers with the Marine Corps Reserve Training Unit in Quantico, Va., led the class.
Stubbs, who primarily trains Marines, said he was excited for the opportunity but unsure of what he should expect.
The first day of training, Logan and Stubbs instructed Soldiers on how to disassemble and reassemble the M249, M2 50. Cal, 240B, and MK19 weapon systems. They also taught the Soldiers skills they will need to be combat ready with crew serve weapons in theater.
The following training day, Soldiers with only 8 hours training on the weapons began to instruct other Soldiers who were new to the class.
“As far as progress goes, it couldn’t have been better,” said Stubbs.
With the help of the Virginia Marine Corps Reserve, 63rd TAB now has instructors, who are competent in crew serve weapons, within its ranks.
“Joint operations is where it’s all at moving forward,” said Stubbs. “We’re stronger together.”