MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- On Dec. 22, a new target system will replace the current target system of manually walking targets back and forth in the pits on the Hue City range here on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.
According to Chief Warrant Officer Mario Heikell, Field Firing platoon commander, computers in the pits will operate the target system.
The new targets, each containing round impact sensors, will collapse upon a sensed impact and reappear when programmed to.
"The system will allow us to program a scenario," said Capt. Rex Jones, former Field Training company commander, during an interview in August 2004, when construction for the automated moving targets began. "If we want the target to fall after three hits, and pop back up after a few seconds, we are able to do that."
The system supports limited exposure and low light/darkness firing and multiple and moving target engagements.
"The new system saves man hours and will be more efficient than manually walking the targets," said Heikell. "This is an evolution that will make the targets more consistent and expedite the process of field firing."
The system is slated for completion by Dec. 27.