US Army getting its sting back
The 7th Army Training Command’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) of the US Army will soon begin observing, coaching and training soldiers using the FIM-92 Stinger Man-Portable, Air Defense System (MANPADS).
In preparation for the training, around 50 observer coach/trainers (OC/Ts) have attended their own training on the Stinger system at the Hohenfels Training Area.
The FIM-92 is being reintroduced to brigade combat teams across the army.
JMRC was the first combat training centre to receive the Stinger training for OC/Ts. JMRC will primarily observe, coach and train the individual two-man Stinger teams using the shoulder fired configuration, though the Avenger and other variants may also be used.
The Stinger teams will be evaluated on the mission-essential tasks of site placement, determining air avenues of approach, defending a critical location, de-conflicting engagements of enemy aircraft based on sector of fire and proper operation of the FIM-92 Stinger.
The FIM-92 Stinger IR-homing MANPADS is effective against helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles and fixed wing aircraft.
Lt Col Aaron Felter, the director of training and doctrine for the Air Defense Integrated Office, said: ‘Bringing back the Stinger addresses a self-identified gap that the army created and has recognised. We’re getting back to the basics and providing short range air defence to manoeuvre units.’
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