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LESSON PLAN

GRENADE LAUNCHER MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS

CS0401

INTRODUCTION (2 MIN)

(ON SLIDE #1)

1. GAIN ATTENTION. Once you graduate and check into your new unit, some of you will find yourselves being selected to serve as a fire team leader. As the fire team leader, your assigned weapon will be a service rifle with a mounted M203 grenade launcher. Armed with this weapon, you will need to be able to destroy point targets and engage targets so that your unit can effectively destroy the enemy. Weather it be in buildings or in defilade, you will be the Marine counted on the tactfully employ your weapon with expertise and vigilance. With the knowledge from this period of instruction you will be able to provide your fire team with the ability to destroy lightly armored vehicles, enemy concentrations of troops and lightly fortified enemy positions.

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2. OVERVIEW. Good morning/afternoon, my name is _________. The title of this lesson is “Grenade Launcher Weapons Maintenance and Operations”. The purpose of this period of instruction is to teach you the skills necessary to properly maintain and operate the grenade launcher. To do this, we will discuss the characteristics, nomenclature, how to clear the weapon, disassemble, clean, inspect, assemble, perform a function check, load, unload, malfunctions and misfire procedures associated with the M203 grenade launcher. This class relates to all weapons classes you will receive here at the School of Infantry.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE

Have the students read the learning objectives to themselves as you read them out loud. Emphasize the task in each learning objective to the students. Check for understanding by asking questions, as required.

3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES.

a. TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES.

(1) Given a service rifle with a mounted M203 grenade launcher, cleaning gear, and lubricant, maintain an M203 grenade launcher, ensuring the weapon is complete, clean, and serviceable. (0300-M203-1001)

(2) Given a service rifle with a mounted M203 grenade launcher that fails to fire and ammunition, while wearing a fighting load, perform misfire procedures for an M203 grenade launcher, by returning the weapon to action. (0300-M203-1002)

(3) Given a service rifle with a mounted M203 grenade launcher and ammunition, while wearing a fighting load, perform weapons handling procedures for the M203 grenade launcher, without endangering personnel or equipment. (0300-M203-1003)

b. ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVES.

(1) Given a list of choices, identify the characteristics of an M203 grenade launcher, in accordance with FM 3-22.31. (0300-M203-1001a)

(2) Given a list of choices, identify the nomenclature of an M203 grenade launcher, in accordance with FM 3-22.31 (0300-M203-1001b)

4. METHOD/MEDIA. I will teach this class using the informal lecture, demonstration, and practical application methods. I will be aided by computer-generated graphics, a service rifle with a mounted M203 grenade launcher, a 40mm dummy round, a demonstrator, and your student handouts.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE

Explain to the students the procedure for completing the Instructional Rating Forms (IRF’s). Inform students that the IRF’s will not be collected until the entire period of instruction has been taught.

5. EVALUATION. You will be evaluated on this information during a performance evaluation on TD-___. To achieve mastery you must properly perform weapons handling, clean, and perform misfire procedures for an M203 grenade launcher. You will also be evaluated through a written examination on TD-___ that will contain questions pertaining to this class.

6. SAFETY/CEASE TRAINING (CT) BRIEF.

a. In the event that an injury or mishap occurs that requires immediate medical attention or medical evacuation, training will cease until the situation can be properly managed and required number of personnel is on hand to continue training.

(ON SLIDE #2)

TRANSITION: Are there any questions on anything that we have covered so far? (Pause and receive questions) If not, let’s begin by discussing the characteristics of the M203 grenade launcher.

(ON SLIDE #3)

BODY (101 MIN)

1. CHARACTERISTICS. (2 Min)

a. The M203 grenade launcher is a lightweight, single shot, breech loaded, pump action (sliding barrel), shoulder-fired weapon attached to the service rifle.

(ON SLIDE #4)

b. Weapon.

(1) Length of rifle and grenade launcher is 39 inches.

(2) Weight of rifle and grenade launcher, both fully loaded is 11 pounds.

c. Ammunition.

(1) Caliber: 40mm.

(2) Weight is approximately 8 ounces.

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(ON SLIDE #5)

d. Operational Characteristics.

(1) Single shot action.

(2) Aiming with leaf sight or quadrant sight.

(3) Muzzle velocity: 250 feet/sec.

(4) Trigger pull: 5 pounds.

(ON SLIDE #6)

(5) Maximum range is 400 meters.

(6) Maximum effective ranges.

(a) Against an area target: 350 meters.

(b) Against a point target: 150 meters.

(ON SLIDE #7)

(7) Minimum safe firing range (HE).

(a) Training: 165 meters.

(b) Combat: 31 meters.

(8) Minimum arming range: 14 to 27 meters.

(9) Rate of fire: 5 to 7 rounds per minute.

(ON SLIDE #8)

TRANSITION: We have now covered the M203’s general characteristics. Are there any questions about anything I’ve covered so far? (Pause and receive questions) If there are no (more) questions for me, I have a few for you.

QUESTION: What is the maximum effective range on an area target?

ANSWER: 350 meters.

QUESTION: What is the maximum effective range on a point target?

ANSWER: 150 meters.

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Now we are going to talk about the nomenclature of the M203.

(ON SLIDE #9)

2. NOMENCLATURE. (3 Min)

The following are the major components of the M203 grenade launcher and their purpose.

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a. Hand Guard.

(1) The hand guard assembly houses the rifle barrel.

b. Leaf Sight Assembly.

(1) The leaf sight assembly is attached to the top of the hand guard.

(2) The leaf sight assembly consists of the sight, its base and mount, an elevation adjustment screw, and a windage adjustment screw. The folding, adjustable, open ladder design of the sight permits rapid firing without sight manipulation. The front sight post of the M16A2 service rifle serves as the front aiming post for the M203 leaf sight.

c. Quadrant Sight Assembly.

(1) The quadrant sight assembly, which attaches to the left side of the rifle’s carrying handle, enables the grenadier to adjust for elevation and windage.

(2) This assembly consists of the mounting screw, sight latch, rear sight aperture, sight aperture arm, front sight post, and sight post arm. It allows the gunner to accurately engage area targets that are further than 250 meters.

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(ON SLIDE #10)

d. Receiver Assembly.

(1) The receiver assembly houses the firing mechanism and ejection system and supports the barrel assembly.

e. Trigger Guard.

(1) The trigger guard protects the trigger. The trigger guard can be opened to allow usage of gloves or mittens.

f. Safety.

(1) The safety is inside the trigger guard, just in front of the trigger.

(2) For the launcher to fire, the safety must be forward. When the safety is rearward, the launcher is on SAFE. The safety is manually adjusted.

(ON SLIDE #11)

g. Barrel Assembly.

(1) The barrel assembly holds the cartridge ready for firing and directs the projectile.

h. Barrel Latch.

(1) Locks barrel in the closed position.

(2) To open the barrel, depress the barrel latch and slide the barrel forward.

(ON SLIDE #12)

TRANSITION: We have now covered the nomenclature of the M203. Are there any questions about anything I’ve covered so far? (Pause and receive questions) If there are no (more) questions for me, I have a few for you.

QUESTION: When the safety is to the rear of the trigger guard launcher is on?

ANSWER: SAFE

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Now we are going to talk about how to clear the M203.

(ON SLIDE #13)

3. CLEARING PROCEDURES. (2 Min)

a. When clearing the weapon, you must not forget to clear the service rifle.

b. Push in the barrel latch, and pull the barrel forward.

c. Watch to see if a round extracts. If one does, catch it with your firing hand.

d. Place the safety on SAFE.

e. Inspect the barrel to ensure a round is not present.

f. Pull the barrel to the rear until it clicks. This cocks the weapon.

(ON SLIDE #14)

TRANSITION: We have now covered how to clear the M203. Are there any questions about anything I’ve covered so far? (Pause and receive questions) If there are no (more) questions for me, I have a few for you.

QUESTION: What is the first thing that should be cleared on the weapon?

ANSWER: The service rifle.

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Now we are going to talk about how to disassemble the M203.

(ON SLIDE #15)

4. DISASSEMBLE THE M203 GRENADE LAUNCHER. (2 Min)

a. Disassembly.

(1) Before the M203 can be disassembled, both the rifle and the grenade launcher must be cleared.

(2) When disassembling the weapon, place each part on a flat clean surface, such as a table or poncho, in order to keep track of all the parts and assist in assembly of the weapon.

(3) Loosen the mounting screw and remove the quadrant sight assemblies from the carrying handle of the service rifle.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE

The barrel assembly and hand guard assembly can be removed in either order. Ensure students follow all performance steps during practical application and performance examination.

(ON SLIDE #16)

(a) Barrel assembly. Push the barrel latch and move the barrel forward until it hits the barrel stop. On the left side of the hand guard, insert a cleaning rod into the fourth hole back from the muzzle, depress the barrel stop, and slide the barrel forward and off.

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(b) Hand guard assembly. Pull back on the service slip ring and remove the hand guard by pulling it up and back. Push the barrel latch and move the barrel forward until it hits the barrel stop. Use a cleaning rod to depress the barrel stop and slide the barrel forward and off.

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(ON SLIDE #17)

TRANSITION: We have now covered how to disassemble the M203. Are there any questions about anything I’ve covered so far? (Pause and receive questions) If there are no (more) questions for me, I have a few for you.

QUESTION: What is the first thing that should be cleared on the weapon?

ANSWER: The service rifle.

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Now that we have the M203 disassembled let’s talk about the care and cleaning of each part.

(ON SLIDE #18)

5. CLEANING THE M203. (2 Min)

a. Bore. Attach a clean, dry rag to the thong and thoroughly moisten the rag with CLP, Pull the rag through the bore several times. Attach the bore brush to the thong, pull it through the bore several times, and follow this with more rags, moistened with CLP, if needed. Pull dry rags through the bore and inspect each rag as it is removed. The bore is clean when a dry rag is removed and no trace of carbon is found. Pull a rag lightly moistened with CLP through the bore to leave a light coat of lubricant inside the barrel.

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(ON SLIDE #19)

b. Breech Insert. Clean the face of the breech insert retainer with a patch and CLP. Remove the CLP cleaner with dry rags, and then lubricate the breech with a light coat of CLP.

c. All other parts. Use a brush and dry rags to clean all other parts and surfaces. Apply a light coat of CLP to the exterior of the launcher after cleaning.

d. Safety Mechanism. Clean the safety mechanism properly with CLP. Lubricate the safety with CLP.

(ON SLIDE #20)

TRANSITION: We have now covered cleaning the M203. Are there any questions about anything I’ve covered so far? (Pause and receive questions) If there are no (more) questions for me, I have a few for you.

QUESTION: What type of lubrication do you use on the M203

ANSWER: CLP – Cleaner Lubricant Preservative (CLP).

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Now we are going to talk about how to inspect the M203.

(ON SLIDE #21)

6. INSPECTING THE M203. (2 Min)

a. Check the hand guard for cracks, dents, or distortion that prevent its firm attachment to the rifle.

b. Check leaf sight for bent or damaged parts and for rust or corrosion.

c. Check leaf sight for legibility of marking.

d. Check barrel for cracks and general condition, Inspect all parts for wear and damage.

e. Check for burrs, scratches, nicks, or other damage.

(ON SLIDE #22)

TRANSITION: We have now covered inspecting the M203. Are there any questions about anything I’ve covered so far? (Pause and receive questions) If there are no (more) questions for me, I have a few for you.

QUESTION: The hand guard is inspected to ensure there are no signs of what?

ANSWER: Check the hand guard for cracks, dents, or distortion that prevents its firm attachment to the rifle.

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Next we will cover how to assemble the M203.

(ON SLIDE #23)

7. ASSEMBLE THE M203 GRENADE LAUNCHER. (2 Min)

a. The weapon is assembled in reverse order of disassembly procedures.

b. Install the barrel by pressing the barrel stop and sliding the barrel into the receiver until the barrel stop engages.

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c. Lock the barrel by moving it rearward until it closes with a click.

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d. Install the hand guard by pushing down on the slip ring of the service rifle. At the same time, align the front of the hand guard with the base of the front sight of the service rifle. Push the rear of the hand guard onto the barrel of the service rifle and secure it with the slip ring.

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e. Install the quadrant sight bracket assembly and quadrant sight assembly clamp to the sight mount of the service rifle and then tighten the mounting. When reinstalling the quadrant sight, slide it fully forward on the sight mount.

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(ON SLIDE #24)

TRANSITION: We have now covered how to assemble the M203. Are there any questions about anything I’ve covered so far? (Pause and receive questions) If there are no (more) questions for me, I have a few for you.

QUESTION: What should be done with the disassembled parts?

ANSWER: They should be placed on a flat clean surface, such as a table or poncho, in order to keep track of all the parts and assist in assembly of the weapon.

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Now we are going to talk about performing a function check.

(ON SLIDE #25)

8. FUNCTIONS CHECK. (2 Min)

Perform a function check in order below to ensure that the grenade launcher has been assembled correctly. Report the weapon to the armory at once if the launcher fails to function.

a. Sear Function Check.

(1) Cock the launcher and pull the trigger. The firing pin should release with a metallic click.

(2) Hold the trigger to the rear and cock the launcher again.

(3) Release the trigger, and then pull the trigger again. The firing pin should release.

b. Safety Function Check.

(1) Check the safety on both the SAFE and FIRE positions by pulling the trigger.

(2) The launcher must be cocked before the safety can be placed in the SAFE position.

(3) The firing pin should not release with the weapon on SAFE, and the firing pin should release with the weapon on FIRE.

c. Leaf Function Check. Check the leaf sight windage adjustment screw for proper operation.

d. Barrel Stop and Latch. Move the barrel forward and back and ensure both the stop and barrel latch function.

(ON SLIDE #26)

TRANSITION: We have now covered how to perform a function check. Are there any questions about anything I’ve covered so far? (Pause and receive questions) If there are no (more) questions for me, I have a few for you.

QUESTION: How is a function check performed on the safety?

ANSWER: By pulling the trigger in both the SAFE and FIRE positions.

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Now we are going to talk about loading and unloading the weapon.

(ON SLIDE #27)

9. LOADING THE M203 GRENADE LAUNCHER. (2 Min)

a. While loading the M203 grenade launcher, ensure the weapon is pointed in a safe direction. During training all weapons must point down range away from all personnel.

b. Use only 40mm ammunition designed for the M203 grenade launcher. High velocity 40mm ammunition designed for other weapons such as the MK-19 automatic grenade launcher is larger and may cause the weapon to explode or cause serious injury.

c. Loading Procedures.

(1) Depress the barrel latch and slide the barrel forward.

(2) Once the barrel is forward, place the weapon on safe. Then visually inspect the barrel to ensure it is clear.

(3) Insert a clean, dry, un-dented round into the chamber and slide the barrel rearward until it locks with an audible click.

(ON SLIDE #28)

TRANSITION: We have now covered how to load ammunition. Are there any questions about anything I’ve covered so far? (Pause and receive questions) If there are no (more) questions for me, I have a few for you.

QUESTION: How do you ensure the weapon is clear?

ANSWER: Visually inspect the barrel.

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Now we are going to talk about steps to unload the M203.

(ON SLIDE #29)

10. UNLOADING THE M203 GRENADE LAUNCHER. (2 Min)

a. Unloading Procedures.

(1) Depress the barrel latch, and move the barrel forward.

(2) The cartridge case or round should automatically eject. If the case is stuck, tap the case with a cleaning rod to remove it. This is only done with expended cartridges.

(3) If unloading unexpended ammunition, place one hand between the barrel and the receiver to catch the unexpended round as it is extracted or hold weapon close to ground to reduce the distance the round can fall.

(4) Place the safety on SAFE.

(5) Slide the barrel rearward until it locks in place.

(ON SLIDE #30)

TRANSITION: We have now covered how to load ammunition. Are there any questions about anything I’ve covered so far? (Pause and receive questions) If there are no (more) questions for me, I have a few for you.

QUESTION: How would you remove a stuck expended cartridge?

ANSWER: Tap the case with a cleaning rod to remove it.

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Now we are going to talk about steps to take if your M203 fails to fire.

(ON SLIDE #31)

11. MALFUNCTIONS. (3 Min)

a. Malfunction. A malfunction occurs when a mechanical failure prevents the weapon from firing properly. Neither defective ammunition nor improper operation of the weapon by the grenadier is a malfunction. The weapon should be cleaned, lubricated, and retried. If it still fails to function, it should be turned in to the unit armory.

(ON SLIDE #32)

b. Stoppage. A stoppage is an unintentional interruption of the cycle of operation or functioning that may be cleared by immediate action.

c. Immediate Action. Immediate action refers to anything the grenadier does to reduce a stoppage without taking time to investigate the cause. Immediate action should be taken in the event of either a hang fire or misfire. Either can be caused by an ammunition defect or by a faulty firing mechanism. Any failure to fire must be considered a hang fire until that possibility is eliminated.

d. Hang fire. A hang fire is a delay in the functioning of the round’s propelling charge at the time of firing. The length of this delay is unpredictable, but in most cases it ranges between a split second and 30 seconds. Such a delay in the functioning of the round (hang fire) could result from the presence of grit, sand, frost, ice, or excess oil or grease.

e. Misfire. A misfire is a complete failure of the weapon to fire. A misfire in itself is not dangerous, however, because it cannot be immediately distinguished from a hang fire, it must be considered to be a hang fire until proven otherwise.

(ON SLIDE #33)

TRANSITION: We have now covered malfunctions that may occur with the M203. Are there any questions about anything I’ve covered so far? (Pause and receive questions) If there are no (more) questions for me, I have a few for you.

QUESTION: Any failure to fire must be considered a what?

ANSWER: Any failure to fire must be considered a hang fire until that possibility is eliminated. Now we are going to talk about the procedures that you will use should you encounter a misfire.

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Now lets discuss misfire procedures.

(ON SLIDE #34)

12. MISFIRE PROCEDURES. (2 Min)

Because a hang fire may cause a stoppage, the following precautions must be observed until the round has been removed from the weapon and the cause of the failure determined:

(1) Keep the M203 pointed down range or at the target and keep everyone clear of its muzzle. If the stoppage occurs during training, shout “Misfire” and clear the area of any Marines not required.

(2) Wait 30 seconds from the time of the failure before opening the barrel assembly to perform the unloading procedure.

(3) After removing the round from the receiver, determine whether the round or the firing mechanism is defective.

(4) Examine the primer to see if it is dented.

(a) If the primer is dented, separate the round from other ammunition until it can be disposed of properly.

(b) However, if the primer is not dented, the firing mechanism is at fault. Once the cause of the failure to fire has been corrected, the round may be reloaded and fired.

(ON SLIDE #35)

TRANSITION: We have now covered misfire procedures for the M203. Are there any questions about anything I’ve covered so far? (Pause and receive questions) If there are no (more) questions for me, I have a few for you.

QUESTION: How long must you wait from the time of the failure before opening the barrel assembly to perform the unloading procedures?

ANSWER: Wait 30 seconds from the time of the failure before opening the barrel assembly to perform the unloading procedure.

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Now we are going to talk about how to keep the M203 clean and ready to fire.

(ON SLIDE #36)

INTERIM TRANSITION. Are there any questions over anything we have talked about so far? (Pause and receive questions) We will now go into the demonstration portion of the class.

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DEMONSTRATION (15 MIN)

The purpose of this demonstration is to show the students how to disassemble, assemble, perform a function check, load, unload, perform misfire procedures, and clean the M203. The student instructor ratio will be 400:16

STUDENT ROLE: Observe the demonstration. You may need to have the students move to another part of the classroom to observe.

INSTRUCTOR ROLE: Demonstrate how to disassemble, assemble, perform a function check, load, unload, perform misfire procedures, and clean the M203.

1. Safety Brief: Review ORAW and brief students and instructors on hazards pertaining to demonstration.

2. Supervision and Guidance: Ensure all students grasp the concept of disassembly, assembly, performing a function check, loading, unloading, holding, assuming a firing position, and performing misfire procedures on the M203.

3. Debrief: After the demonstration ask the students if there are any questions. Summarize and clear up areas of confusion.

INTERIM TRANSITION: Now that we have seen how to disassemble, assemble, perform a function check, load, unload, perform misfire procedures, and clean the M203, are there any questions on anything we have covered so far? (Pause and receive any questions) Now you will have an opportunity to apply these actions during the practical application of this lesson.

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PRACTICAL APPLICATION. (60 Min)

The PA is designed to give the students the opportunity to practice how to disassemble, assemble, perform a function check, load, unload, perform misfire procedures, and clean the M203.

This Practical Application requires 30 SL-3 complete M203’s, 30 40mm Dummy Cartridges.

PRACTICE: The students will be given the opportunity to how to disassemble, assemble, perform a function check, load, unload, perform misfire procedures, and clean the M203. Each student will be given as many opportunities to practice as necessary to feel comfortable with the steps, or until time restrictions have arrived.

PROVIDE HELP: Each Combat Instructor will assist his/her station of students. Ensure that the instructors are answering questions from the students.

1. Safety Brief: Review ORAW and brief students and instructors on hazards pertaining to practical application.

2. Supervision and Guidance: Ensure all students grasp the concept of disassembly, assembly, performing a function check, loading, unloading, holding, assuming a firing position, and performing misfire procedures on the M203. Allow students the total time of 60 minutes to practice.

3. Debrief: Ensure that all students have executed each step to disassemble, assemble, perform a function check, load, unload, hold, assume a firing position, and perform misfire procedures on the M203. After the practical application ask the students if there are any questions.

TRANSITION. Now that we have conducted practical application for maintaining and operating the M203 grenade launcher, are there any questions on anything covered during this class? (Pause and receive questions)

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(ON SLIDE #36)

SUMMARY. (2 MIN)

We have covered characteristics, nomenclature, clearing, disassembly and assembly, performing a function check, loading and unloading, misfire procedures, how to disassemble, assemble, perform a function check, load, unload, perform misfire procedures, and clean the M203. Armed with this knowledge, I am confident that you will be able to properly maintain and operate the M203 grenade launcher not only here in training, but in the operating forces as well. Those with the Instructional Rating Forms please respond to the questions or make comments as appropriate. Once you are done, I will collect the forms.

|INSTRUCTOR NOTE |

|Refer to the training schedule and provide the students with instructions regarding what to do and where to form in preparation for the next |

|training event. |

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