The role of a U.S. Coast Guard small arms instructor falls 

primarily under the Gunner’s Mate (GM) rating, though other specialist ratings also have personnel trained as instructors. GMs are responsible for the maintenance, operation, and instruction of all ordnance, from hand-held firearms to shipboard weapons systems. 

Becoming a Small Arms Instructor

The path to becoming a small arms instructor in the Coast Guard generally involves:

• Enlisting as a Gunner’s Mate: The primary way to work with all firearms systems is to join as a GM. This involves a 10-week “A” School in Yorktown, VA, where personnel learn the operation, maintenance, and administrative skills for small arms and machine guns.
• Completing specialized instructor training: The Coast Guard offers specific instructor courses, accessible via the TCYorktown or Special Missions Training Center (SMTC) portals. These include the Small Arms Instructor School, Firearms Instructor (FAI) course, Advanced Marksmanship Instructor (AMI) course, and Precision Marksmanship Instructor (PMI) course.
• Developing instructional skills: Instructors also complete an Instructor Development Course (IDC), which focuses on adult learning theories, presentation skills, and performance evaluation to effectively train others. 

Responsibilities

As a small arms instructor, your duties would be administrative and instructional: 

• Training Personnel: Instructors train other Coast Guard members on the proper use of firearms to ensure readiness for law enforcement and defense duties.
• Program Management: A significant portion of the job is administrative, including logging expenditures, maintaining records, and accounting for all weapons and ammunition.
• Maintenance and Repair: GMs and instructors are also responsible for the cleaning, maintenance, and repair of firearms. 

A U.S. Coast Guard small arms instructor is a trained professional who teaches Coast Guard members how to safely and effectively operate and maintain small arms and crew-served weapons

. This is a specialization, often held by Gunner’s Mates (GM), and requires completing specific advanced training courses like the Advanced Marksmanship Instructor (AMI) Course or Precision Marksmanship Instructor (PMI) Course. These instructors ensure unit readiness for law enforcement and defense duties by training personnel on various firearms, from pistols and rifles to heavy machine guns. 

Key aspects of the role

• Primary Duty: To train Coast Guard personnel on the use, maintenance, and safety procedures for small arms and crew-served weapons.
• Job Specialization: The role is often filled by Gunner’s Mates (GM), who are responsible for all Coast Guard firearms and weapons systems. However, other enlisted personnel can become instructors after completing specific training.
• Training and Courses:
  • To become an instructor, members must complete intensive courses at training centers like the Special Missions Training Center (SMTC).
  • Examples include the Advanced Marksmanship Instructor (AMI) Course, Precision Marksmanship Instructor (PMI) Course, and Instructor Development Course (IDC).
• Curriculum: Training covers a wide range of topics, including:
  • Small arms safety and fundamentals
  • Marksmanship and various firing positions
  • Weapons maintenance
  • Malfunction clearing
  • Shooting while moving
  • Tactics and shipboard engagements
• Instructor Requirements:
  • Completion of an intensive, resident course, such as the 15-day AMI course.
  • Passing both written and practical evaluations, often requiring an 80% or higher score.
  • May require an existing qualification level on specific weapons.
• Instructor Development: Instructors also receive training in teaching methodologies through courses like the Instructor Development Course (IDC).