GUNNER'S MATE (GM), US Coast Guard Photo

YORKTOWN, Virginia (July 25, 2002)--Gunner's Mate (GM) students at Reserve Training Center Yorktown take aim on the firing range. Gunner's Mate (GMs) are the Coast Guard's small arms weapons specialists. GM is one of the oldest ratings. The rating was formally established in 1797. As a member of this rating personnel work with everything from pistols, rifles and machine guns to 76MM weapons systems. They will be responsible for training personnel in proper handling of weapons, ammunition and pyrotechnics. GM's perform maintenance on all ordnance/gunnery equipment