Stinger team members rehearse firing Stinger missiles in preparation for firing live missiles during exercise Artemis Strike in Crete. Credit: US Army / Capt Judith Marlowe.

The US 7th Army Training Command’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) is set to begin Stinger air missile training as part of its latest strategic initiatives.

As part of the planned exercises, the army will train soldiers to use the FIM-92 Stinger portable air defence missile system.

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In preparation, nearly 50 observer, coach and trainers (OCTs) took part in their own training on the Stinger defence missile system at the Hohenfels Training Area in Germany.

JMRC was the first combat training centre to have received Stinger training for OCTs.

“The army readiness centre will be responsible for observing, coaching and training the individual two-man Stinger teams using the shoulder-fired configuration.”

The army readiness centre will be responsible for observing, coaching and training the individual two-man Stinger teams using the shoulder-fired configuration.

Stinger teams will be examined on the mission-essential tasks, including site placement, determining air avenues of approach and defending a critical location. Proper operation of the FIM-92 missile system will also be assessed.

Air Defense Integrated Office Training and Doctrine director lieutenant colonel Aaron Felter said: “In parallel efforts, the goal is to get 62 Stinger teams into the operational force as soon as possible.

“In concert with that, additional short-range air defence (SHORAD) battalions are being stood up, which will result in aligning one SHORAD battalion with each division.