Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers trained on the common remotely operated weapon station. Credit: US Army.

Virginia Army National Guard (VNG) soldiers in the US has completed a training on the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) system.

The training was designed to familiarise soldiers with the M153 CROWS, which allow gunners to engage targets without leaving the armour protection.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The system can be mounted with the 40mm MK19 grenade launcher, the M2 Browning 50-caliber machine gun, the M240 Bravo machine gun and the M249 machine gun, as well as other vehicle platforms.

Additionally, the CROWS system features four-axis targeting and colour day and thermal cameras to enable the operator to engage targets while on the move or stationary, as well as at night.

Tank Automotive Command contractor and instructor Donald Nelson said: “The CROWS keeps the soldiers inside safe.

“They can identify and lase their target, giving them a distance to where the target is, allowing the weapon station to either elevate or depress for the strike of the round.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Training included a basic introduction, safety description and familiarisation with the CROWS operation.

Subsequently, the personnel learnt about weapons configuration and installation.

116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team First Lieutenant Walter Best said: “This is essential for us. We have three CROWS systems we are signed for that my squad has and we need people who know how to use them.”

“The whole idea is to train the trainer. Anybody who goes through this course, at the end, should be able to give a course and help train up the platoon or company. That is the goal at the end of this.”