Malmstrom's CATM range teaches valuable skills to combat Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Today's combat Airmen need to be well trained in order to keep up with the rigorous demands their careers place on them on a daily basis. Being fit to fight is a necessity and the training allowing our military members to withhold this standard is constantly evolving.

For Malmstrom Air Force Base's Combat Arms Training and Maintenance range, teaching Airmen these skills is their priority. With every class, the experienced instructors work with Airmen to better their skill sets, and use their knowledge to create a fighting force that is primed and ready to go.

"I take pride in my job," said Senior Airman Mitchell Newson, 341st Security Forces Support Squadron combat arms instructor. "The whole job is honestly guns, teaching and helping other people become proficient with weapons as well.

"There is a lot of information that we teach these men and women," he continued. "What most people don't realize is that a lot of classroom learning takes place before even going out to the range. It's these men and womens' job to understand their weapon. That's their tool, and in some cases their lifeline. Combat arms in extremely important. Having a weapon is no good if you don't know how to properly use it."

On an annual basis, the CATM range trains more than 5,500 military personnel. The majority of this training goes to Malmstrom's security forces members. Yet, with the increasing demand across the Air Force for all Airmen to have at least a basic knowledge of weapons function and tactics; there are people from many different career fields learning these concepts.

The knowledge gained from a CATM course covers a wide variety or scenarios, techniques and weapons systems. From handguns to the M4 carbine, the course provides an in-depth look at how to maintain and shoot these weapons with precision.

"This is my third time taking the Air Force Qualification Course," said Airman 1st Class Dalton Grice, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron member. " In my job, I'm part of a fire team that provides tactical response to the missile field. Our main weapon is the M4 and if something were to ever go down, I need to know how to shoot it.

"Through this course, we learn the skills needed to accomplish the mission," he continued. "A lot of times we get so much information that it's hard to retain it all at once so the refresher courses help a lot when it comes to knowing the material. Tactical reloads, combat reloads, clearing out the weapon, function checks and even all the shooting positions are just a few of the things we learn while attending."

All in all, the skills learned through CATM are only a fraction of what makes a good combat Airman. But without them there is no possibility of this title being achieved. Through hard work, the Airmen and instructors work to achieve a common goal. That goal is to provide a fighting force skilled and ready to face anything.

"I proudly say that I work at Malmstrom's combat arms center," Newson said.