Military Sealift Command is in the process of replacing the M9 Beretta pistol with the M18 Sig Sauer pistol and the M14 Springfield rifle with the M4 Colt rifle. The replacement process is taking significantly longer than planned. Whereas MSC has repeatedly stated that there is NO requirement for mariners to be qualified on both pistols and both rifles, as there is only a need to be qualified in the weapon used to stand watch, the transition process is nevertheless causing a need for mariner qualification in all weapons.
STAR Center is aware that AMO contracted companies are using private providers to train AMO officers in all 5 weapons. Feedback received is that the training process of these providers is not ideal.
STAR Center has created a 5-weapon, 5-day schedule, submitted to and approved by MSC, that trains one (1) weapon each day, 0800 to 1600. To meet the requirement for Security Watchstander Advanced (SWA), which includes required Rules for the Use of Force (RUF), we will train for 2 to 3 hours per evening, Monday through Wednesday, from 1700 each day. It is recognized that this is not ideal, but it is the only way to meet the training requirement and to complete by 1600 Friday.
Until we have some experience, we are unsure of what time may be available to remediate and re-shoot for those who fail to qualify during their initial live fire attempt. We will do our best to assist whenever we can.
The new 5-weapon schedule will have its first offering 05 to 09 October and on the following dates (those enrolled in any of these dates will be notified and switched to the 5-day format):
* October 12 to 16, November 30 to December 03, January 04 to 0-8, 2027, February 01 to 05, February 08 to 12, March 08 to 12, March 29 to April 02, April 12 to 16, April 26 to 30, May 17 to 21, May 24 to 28.
We will continue to offer 4-day Small Arms training as previously advertised for EITHER the legacy weapons (M9 Beretta pistol, M14 Springfield rifle and Shotgun) OR the new weapons (M18 Sig Sauer pistol, M4 Colt rifle and Shotgun) – with SWA on Fridays – on the following dates:
* October 26 to 29, November 02 to 05, December 14 to 17, January 18 to 21, 2027, February 22 to 25, April 05 to 08, May 03 to 06
When the weapon switch onboard MSC contracted vessels is 100% complete, expected some time in 2027, STAR Center will revert to the 4-day schedule for the new weapons only.
Any questions regarding MSC Small Arms and SWS courses should be directed to Patrick Jones, Manager, Small Arms Training, at 800-942-3220 Ext. 7270 or via .
STAR Center’s course schedule can be accessed at https://www.star-center.com/schedule.html. Enrollment questions or applications should be directed to Student Services at 1-800-942-3220 Ext. 201 or via .