allotted sufficient time to master foun- dational skills during Gunnery Skills Test (GST) training and simulations, without being rushed. This investment in time dur- ing prerequisite tables produces higher success rates and greater comfort with the platform. For crews that struggle, commanders can utilize “Table B: Basic Skills Engagements” to provide on-de- mand, remedial training. Although this requires ammunition outside of standard authorizations, it is a vital tool for eleva- ting a potential Q2 or Q3 crew to a Q1 standard, thereby strengthening the unit’s overall lethality.
Implementing Advanced Challenges and Fostering Competition To truly test the mastery of top-tier crews, leaders should integrate challenges that go beyond standard qualification tables. This includes creating detection drills with peripheral targets, small threats, and artificial obscurants. Furthermore, “Table C: Complex Engagements” is an existing tool designed for this purpose. According to TC 3-20.31-25, “Table C pro- vides a series of live-fire engagements to showcase a unit’s experienced crews on a Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV), de- monstrate their mastery of their profes- sion, and to demonstrate their lethality in a rigorous, competitive course of fire.” This table serves as an excellent frame- work for internal competitions, such as “Top Gun” or Sullivan Cup selections,
creating a competitive environment that pushes the best crews to further hone their skills and demonstrate true mastery of their platform.
Conclusion
Leaders’ responsibility to the Armor com- munity extends beyond meeting qualifi- cation standards. We must actively cultivate lethality by using every asset at our disposal. For our new crews, it means providing the time and stability necessary to build a strong foundation for future success. For our experienced crews, this means shifting the focus of AARs to combat effectiveness, maximiz- ing advanced simulator capabilities, and introducing complex challenges. While these efforts may demand additional time and resources, the goal must be to create the most proficient and lethal crews pos- sible, ensuring our forces are prepared for the rigors of combat.
Sergeant First Class Chas Ward is a Gun- nery Team Chief at the Bradley Master Gunner School at Fort Benning, GA. His previous assignments include serving as Division Main Battle NCO, Division Master Gunner, and Battalion Master Gunner for the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY, and as Squad Leader for the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regi- ment at Fort Wainwright, AK. A graduate of the Bradley Master Gunner School, the Maneuver Senior Leaders Course, and
the Tactical Information Operations Plan- ner Course, his awards include the Meri- torious Service Medal, Special Army Interrogator Badge, Master Gunner Ident- ification Badge, four Army Commenda- tion Medals, and three Army Achievement Medals.
Sergeant First Class Kenneth Shelton is a Bradley Master Gunner Instructor with N Troop, 3-16 Cavalry at Fort Benning, GA. His previous assignments include serving as Squadron Master Gunner and Platoon Sergeant for 5-7 Cavalry, 1ABCT, 3ID at Fort Stewart, GA, and as an OC/T and Battalion Master Gunner for 3-362 Armor Battalion, 5th Armor Brigade at Fort Bliss, TX. His military education includes the Bradley Master Gunner School, Battle Staff NCO Course, Common Faculty De- velopment Instructor Course, and the Maneuver Senior Leaders Course. He holds an associate of science in firearms technology from Sonoran Desert Insti- tute. His awards include seven Army Commendation Medals, six Army Achieve- ment Medals, seven Army Good Conduct Medals, the Iraq Campaign Medal with three combat stars, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korea De- fense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Component Achievement Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (numeral 5), the Master Gunner Identification Badge, and the Basic Army Instructor Badge.
Secretary of the Army, Hon. Dan Driscoll, fires a 25mm cannon from an M3A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle while visiting Fort Stewart, GA., June 23, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Resnick)
Spring 2026 CAVALRY & ARMOR JOURNAL 9
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