Understanding the Department of Energy’s Submachine Gun Qualification
The Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for managing national energy policies, overseeing nuclear materials, and ensuring the security of sensitive assets. This includes maintaining a well-trained security force equipped with a range of firearms, from handguns to more advanced weaponry like submachine guns. Among the qualifications that these personnel undertake is the DOE Submachine Gun Qualification, a series of drills designed to assess proficiency with the submachine gun.
The DOE Submachine Gun Qualification Overview
The DOE submachine gun qualification involves several stages that test both accuracy and the ability to respond to threats at various distances. Participants typically utilize a submachine gun replica, such as the Colt 633, known as the DOE SMG, which has been designed for compactness and usability. This qualification consists of nine distinct stages ranging from short-range engagements to longer distances, requiring multiple rounds and techniques.
Equipment Needed for Qualification
- Firearm: A submachine gun or a pistol-caliber carbine, such as the DOE SMG clone.
- Ammunition: Approximately 60 rounds.
- Magazines: Two magazines to facilitate drills.
- Magazine pouch: A micro chest rig or any belt attachment to hold spare magazines.
- Targets: DOE standard targets, FBI Q, USPSA, or IPSC equivalent targets.
- Shot timer: A timer or app to keep track of timed drills.
- Safety gear: Essential eye and ear protection.
Details of the Qualification Stages
The qualification is divided into nine stages, each designed to test different skills under timed conditions. The participant starts each stage in a low-ready position, focusing on speed and accuracy while engaging targets placed at specified distances.
Stage 1: 3 Yards
Aim and fire a two-round burst to the torso within two seconds. This drill emphasizes quick reaction time in close quarters.
Stage 2: 5 Yards
Fire two two-round bursts: one to the torso and one to the head, all completed in five seconds.
Stage 3: 5 Yards
This stage incorporates a failure drill, requiring two shots to the body followed by one to the head, all within three seconds.
Stage 4: 7 Yards
Engage with a two-round burst, execute a magazine change, and fire another two-round burst, completing it all in ten seconds.
Stage 5: 7 Yards
Fire two rounds in semi-automatic mode within a two-second window.
Stage 6: 10 Yards
Complete two two-round bursts in three seconds, assessing moderate distance engagement capability.
Stage 7: 15 Yards
Fire a well-aimed headshot, with the drill repeated six times for proficiency under a three-second time limit.
Stage 8: 25 Yards
Transition from a standing to a kneeling position, executing two rounds on target in four seconds.
Stage 9: 50 Yards
Finally, transition to the prone position and fire two rounds at a longer distance, all within a six-second time frame.
Conclusion: Skills Assessment and Experience
The DOE SMG qualification is designed to challenge marksmanship skills and ensure that personnel can effectively respond to a variety of threats. Even though the drills may appear straightforward, the added pressure of time promotes real-world applicability. Participants looking to engage in this qualification can find it rewarding as it enhances their handling skills and overall situational awareness in high-stakes scenarios.
For those owning a DOE SMG clone, completing this qualification can offer a practical way to gauge shooting proficiency and experience the training standards utilized by Department of Energy security personnel.
