My unit was the first group of soldiers to try out the latest FATS at Ft Hood back in 2003. It is a GREAT system in that it is very realistic. First you have to obtain a battle sight zero, then you have to qualify just like you would with a real M-16. Then they start throwing you into the scenarios. We actually got allocated to the system's admins for two months and we were "ordered" to run through every scenario, and try every weapon. The greatest thing I can tell you about this system is that it allows you to practice shooting at moving targets as a fire team. Some are so large that you can practice as a platoon. The air line hanging from the weapon is a slight nuisance when firing in the prone, but otherwise is no problem. Also yes there are different weapons other than the M-16 to include MK-19, .50 BMG, AT-4, M-9, M-14, M-60, SAW, M240G, M203s, and some more. What's funny is that many of the guys who shoot expert at a still target won't hit crap when shooting at a moving one! Have fun though, learn from the training, and if you don't know how to operate the weapon ASK. I've seen a lot of officers, and cadets screw up a weapon b/c they didn't want to hurt their pride by asking the PFC, or SPC next to them how to properly set-up and fire the certain weapon they were on. Most will be happy to help you. Also if you want to learn even more about individual and crew served weapons ask the local National Guard unit if you can have someone teach you on theirs. Most will have guys who had to miss some drill come in during the week to get dredit for the hours they may have missed on the weekend.
