5 Ways To Become An Army Machine Gunner

Becoming an Army machine gunner is a prestigious and challenging career path that requires a unique combination of physical and mental skills. Machine gunners play a crucial role in providing suppressive fire to protect infantry units and destroy enemy positions. If you're interested in pursuing this career path, here are five ways to become an Army machine gunner:

Understanding the Role of a Machine Gunner

Machine gunners are responsible for operating and maintaining machine guns, which are used to provide suppressive fire and destroy enemy positions. They work closely with infantry units to provide cover fire, allowing troops to maneuver and complete their objectives. Machine gunners must be skilled in marksmanship, tactics, and communication to effectively perform their duties.

Meeting the Basic Requirements

To become an Army machine gunner, you must meet the basic requirements for enlistment in the Army. These requirements include:

• Being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Being between the ages of 17 and 35
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent
• Scoring a minimum of 31 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
• Passing a physical fitness test and medical examination

Step 1: Enlist in the Army

To become a machine gunner, you must first enlist in the Army. You can visit an Army recruiter or enlist online through the Army's website. Once you've enlisted, you'll attend Basic Combat Training (BCT), where you'll learn the basic skills needed to become a soldier.

Step 2: Complete Advanced Individual Training (AIT)

After completing BCT, you'll attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at the Army's Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia. During AIT, you'll learn the skills specific to your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), including machine gunnery, tactics, and communication.

Training to Become a Machine Gunner

To become a machine gunner, you'll attend the Army's Machine Gunner Course, which is part of the Infantry School's curriculum. The course teaches you the skills needed to operate and maintain machine guns, including:

• Machine gunnery techniques
• Marksmanship
• Tactics
• Communication
• Maintenance and repair of machine guns

Step 3: Gain Experience and Specialize

After completing AIT and the Machine Gunner Course, you'll be assigned to an infantry unit, where you'll gain experience and specialize in machine gunnery. You'll work closely with other soldiers to provide suppressive fire and destroy enemy positions.

Step 4: Attend Additional Training

To advance your career as a machine gunner, you may attend additional training courses, such as the Army's Advanced Machine Gunner Course or the Sniper Course. These courses teach you advanced skills and techniques, including:

• Advanced machine gunnery techniques
• Sniper marksmanship
• Long-range target engagement
• Counter-sniper techniques

Step 5: Stay Current and Advise

To stay current in your career as a machine gunner, you'll need to complete periodic training and certification requirements. You'll also have the opportunity to advise and mentor junior soldiers, sharing your knowledge and experience to help them become skilled machine gunners.

Benefits of Being a Machine Gunner

Becoming a machine gunner offers many benefits, including:

• Opportunities for advancement and promotion
• Specialized training and skills
• Camaraderie and esprit de corps
• Sense of pride and fulfillment
• Opportunities for education and career development

Conclusion

Becoming an Army machine gunner requires a unique combination of physical and mental skills, as well as a strong commitment to serving your country. By following these five steps, you can pursue a career as a machine gunner and play a crucial role in protecting infantry units and destroying enemy positions.

Army Machine Gunner Image Gallery

We hope this article has provided you with valuable information on how to become an Army machine gunner. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us.