Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Kyle Christian Nicholson

Oceanside,CA

Summary

Responsible Gunner with experience engaging with enemy personnel for the United States Marines. Proficient with operating machine guns and artillery. Adept in teaching and applying day and night combat techniques. Offering 25+ years' expertise to a dynamic new position.

Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level Weapons Instructor position. Ready to help team achieve company goals.

Proficient Gunner adept in exercising good judgment and tactical skills. Special expertise in opposing and repelling enemy forces using fire support, maneuvering tactics and close combat techniques. A dedicated leader with experience training 1,350 military personnel for success.

Proficient Gunner adept in exercising good judgment and tactical skills. Special expertise in opposing and repelling enemy forces using fire support, maneuvering tactics and close combat techniques. A dedicated leader with experience training 1,700 military personnel for success.

Proficient Gunner adept in exercising good judgment and tactical skills. Special expertise in opposing and repelling enemy forces using fire support, maneuvering tactics and close combat techniques. A dedicated leader with experience training 1,700 military personnel for success.

Hardworking well-qualified combat professional maintaining equipment, completing patrols and briefing leadership. Knowledgeable about risk, safety gear and terrain assessments. Valid Secret Security clearance.

Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level Weapons Instructor position. Ready to help team achieve company goals.

Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.

Recent graduate with foundational knowledge in Weapon Systems and hands-on experience gained through academic projects and internships. Demonstrates strong teamwork, problem-solving, and time-management skills. Prepared to start career and make meaningful contributions with commitment and drive.

Knowledgeable Master Gunner/Combat Vehicle Instructor making complex concepts easier to understand while challenging students to think critically. Monitored student progress and adjusted instruction as needed. Familiar with different assessments and pedagogical methods to help gauge understanding and learning.

Caring Master Gunner with 25+ years of experience in Weapons and Tactics instruction. Expert in closely monitoring student progress while implementing modern educational techniques into daily practices. Committed to long-term student success through well-rounded educations.

Highly tolerant Weapons Instructor dedicated to supporting safe classroom environment. Energetic and motivated with extensive knowledge in various subjects.

Creative Weapons Instructor offering 25+ years of experience developing and implementing Weapons/Remote Weapon Systems course curriculum. Proficient in evaluation, monitoring student performance and organizing examinations. Hardworking and energetic individual with excellent communication and supervisory skills.

Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in Weapons and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.

Recent graduate with foundational knowledge in Remote Weapon Systems and hands-on experience gained through academic projects and internships. Demonstrates strong teamwork, problem-solving, and time-management skills. Prepared to start career and make meaningful contributions with commitment and drive.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

ACV Master Gunner / Vehicle Instructor

MLT Systems
11.2019 - Current
  • Company Overview: www.mltsystems.com
  • Developed, wrote and instructed the MK-44S Weapon System Curriculum for ACV-30mm platform.
  • Assisted in the development of instruction for the Pilot Course for the Follow-on Operational Test and Operation (FOT&E) students on the new ACV-30mm platform.
  • Constructed and instructed the ACV-30mm Scaled Target Range, for the integration of the new KILL-CHAIN gunnery processes, and chair-drill exercises.
  • Advised Battalion/Company/Platoon Level Commanders on the capabilities of the FOV-ACV Fleet.
  • Created and developed the new ACV-30mm Gun cards for the MK-44 Turret RWS.
  • Responsible for the training of over 1,700 Marines and civilians on three variants of the ACV Family of Vehicles, to include weapon systems, platform instruction, demonstration, practical application and evaluation.
  • Assisted in training and development of over 30 Instructors to both MLT Systems OPNET team and the Transition Training Unit (TTU) instructor facets.
  • Contributed to the development of all Performance Evaluation Checklists (PECLs), and the Assault Amphibian Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (AATOPS). , Technical Manuals (TMs), and Training and Readiness (T&R) Standards.
  • Instructed a combined 27 classes on CROWS Weapons Systems and ACV Operator Platform.
  • Assisted in certifying 1,325 ACV students on the ACV/CROWS Platform.
  • Developed ACV Curriculum and wrote the CROWS Curriculum for the ACV-P Vehicle Platform, to include Periods of Instruction (POIs), PowerPoints (PPs), Lesson Plans (LPs), Student Handouts (SHs), and PECLs.
  • Assisted in the training of 22 - OPNET classes, 4 - ACV-CNETT classes, and 1 – ACV-30 Class.
  • Assisted in Course Content Review Boards (CCRBs) post each graduation class, to validate and verify correct data and content within the curriculum, including editing Terminal and Enabling Learning Objectives (TLOs and ELOs).
  • Assisted and conducted After Action Review Boards (AARs), post each class/training evolution to identify trends to improve curriculum development.
  • Primary Instructor for 140 hours of Classroom Instruction on the ACV and CROWS.
  • PracApp Instructor for 1,200 hours of Practical Application on the ACV and CROWS.
  • Maintained and operated assigned ACV variant vehicles, including regular inventory of SL-3 gear, and Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS).
  • Served as a Position/Primary Safety Officer (PSO) in dozens of live fire events for the ACV-Fleet for five years, for multiple weapon systems.
  • Vehicle Commander for 320 Splashes into the Jetty/Open Ocean combined, on the ACV.
  • Developing, maintaining, and implementing a classroom and practical application curriculum for Remote Weapon Station (RWS) Systems, with operator-level routine preventative maintenance of the AAV/ACV system, subsystems, and equipment controls.
  • Maintaining proficiency with ACV systems and confirmed with the Training Manager.
  • Assisting the Training Manager by collecting student feedback for the assessment of NETT effectiveness.
  • Www.mltsystems.com

AAV Master Gunner/AAV Section Leader/EFV Master Gunner/AAV Crew Chief/AAV Operator

United States Marine Corps
04.1996 - 09.2019

AAV Master Gunner (MG) / Turret and Weapons Instructor

United States Marine Corps
07.2013 - 07.2017
  • As an AAV Master Gunner, trained, prepared and evaluated 50 Marines annually with academics, practical application and Gunnery Table packages.
  • Advised the Company Commander on all training and evaluations to ensure proper and current engagement technics are passed and adhered to.
  • Maintain accurate gun table records on all Crew Chief Gunners within the company.
  • Served as the company Senior Instructor and Operator or the AAV Turret Trainer (AAV-TT) to ensure that all AAV Crews qualify through the training program.
  • Served as a company liaison to the Regiment on all matters pertaining to range requirements and support equipment at training locations aboard station and off-location.
  • Mentored, advised and assisted the company in AAV gunnery sustaining, preparation and Gun Skills Test (GST).
  • Worked with Regimental Gunner for allocation of ammunitions, based on the company’s annual training plan, and quarterly bulletin/training plan.
  • Maintained the AAV simulators, equipment and software and pre-program software to illustrate, track, and identify engagement scenarios on gunnery tables for the AAV’s.
  • Utilized and managed the Marine Corps Training Information Management System (MCTIMS) to track those Marines/Sailors trained on gunnery tables, testing, and how to identify those that require to retrain on engagement techniques.
  • Designed a tracking system to frame development of gunners and AAV crews, in order to facilitate a progressive learning curve to properly educate and train Marines to better effectively become adherently improved gunners on the AAV.
  • Liaison to additional AAV Master Gunners within the AAV community, and the AAV Schoolhouse.
  • Evaluations from gun-crews utilized to modify current engagement tactics for future AAV/ACV Gunnery tables and evaluations.
  • Managed a crew of 3 as vehicle commander; training/employment of vehicle’s weapons system.
  • Managed a section of 12 personnel and 4 AAV’s as the supervisor responsible for the training continuum, readiness and tactical operation to employ the vehicles.
  • Assisted in fixing and maintaining the AAV simulator, in order to continue company level training for AAV gunnery tactics for section and platoon level gunnery packages.
  • Coordinated, equipped and built multiple gun ranges to AAV Training and Readiness Manual (T&R) gunnery specifications, referencing DA PAM 385-63 and Marine Corps Order 3570.1C to set-up ranges to those standards, procedures and specifications.
  • Created, facilitated, and trained company level Marines, on all small and medium caliber weapons.
  • Instructed Marines on more advanced engagement techniques, utilizing Periods of Instruction (POI) on FBI based local ranges.
  • Educated personnel on internal and external ballistics, to advance their understanding of round muzzle pressures and aerodynamic co-efficiency.
  • Trained, instructed and evaluated 250+ Marines on small arms weaponry, to create a Regimental Shooting Team of 10 members each year.
  • Marines developed high efficiency in marksmanship, and won 2 dozen division level medals and a Team Trophy.
  • Shooting team won the Michael T. Finn Trophy in the Pacific Division competition.
  • Regimental first time win, in the history of the trophy and the unit.

PM-AAA AAV Master Gunner (MG) / EFV/ACV Weapons SME

United States Marine Corps
06.2010 - 06.2013
  • As the Program Office AAV Master Gunner for the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) and the Amphibian Combat Vehicle (ACV), provided operator perspective and gunnery subject matter expertise in support of all AAV Turret matters.
  • Provided recommendations and interface with the logistics support with the General Dynamics’ guns and ammo team.
  • Interfaced with the PM-Weapons community with ACV/EFV employment and embarkation concepts.
  • Interfaced with Assault Vehicle Testing Branch (AVTB) and the New Equipment Training Team (NETT) on all gunnery and turret related documents, test plans and training initiatives.
  • Supported gun and ammunition acquisition activities, to include: testing, conferences, presentations, lethality analysis studies, POM initiatives, IPT’s, contracting and NATO data exchange.
  • Supported ACV/EFV survivability initiatives, and general support to PM Mechanical Systems.
  • Served as the MCSC Senior AAV Gunner and Operator for PM-AAA.
  • Attended weapon conferences globally, representing the PM-AAA program office, and acting as the ACV/EFV Master Gunner.
  • Designed and built a Combat Vehicle Weapons System database, utilizing Microsoft software, while cross-comparing 56 global turreted weapon system vehicles.
  • Performed analyses, testing evaluations on 17 of those weapon systems.
  • This in turn supported and changed perspectives on offensive employments at Combat Development & Integration (CD&I) Quantico, VA.
  • Liaison to additional AAV/EFV Master Gunners within the AAV community, and the AAV Schoolhouse.
  • Evaluated those gun-crews in global units were utilized to modify current engagement tactics for future EFV/ACV Gunnery tables and evaluations.
  • Certified BFV/AAV Master Gunner for the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV).
  • Assisted in the Coordination, equipping and building gun ranges to ACV/EFV Training and Readiness Manual (T&R) gunnery specifications, referencing DA PAM 385-63 and Marine Corps Order 3570.1C to set-up ranges to those standards, procedures and specifications.
  • Trained, coached and instructed 100+ Coaches/Marines on small arms marksmanship.
  • Possess college level reading and writing level abilities, and able to transpose to high school levels.
  • The ability to speak and comprehend the English language to understand the technical language and terms associated with the operation and operator maintenance of the AAV.

AAV Master Gunner / Section Leader / AAV Crew Chief

United States Marine Corps
04.2005 - 08.2010
  • AAV operator responsible for the employment, operation and maintenance management of the vehicle and its weapons system.
  • The heavy equipment tracked armored vehicle can transport 21 Marines or 10,000 pounds of cargo.
  • AAV Master Gunner, train, prepare and evaluate all company Marines annually with academics, practical application and Gunnery Table packages.
  • Advised Company Commander on all training and evaluations to ensure proper and current engagement technics are passed and adhered to.
  • Maintained accurate gun table records on all Crew Chief Gunners within the company.
  • Served as the company Senior Turret Instructor and Operator on the AAV Turret Trainer (AAV-TT) to ensure that all AAV Crews qualify through the training program.
  • Served as a company liaison to the Battalion on all matters pertaining to range requirements and support equipment at training locations aboard station.
  • Licensed to drive the 26-ton heavy equipment vehicle in land and water operation.
  • Certified in EWTG Infantry Battalion Communication Course.
  • Served as Battalion Logistics Chief as a Sergeant; SNCO billet, for 14 months.
  • Many times in the absence of the Battalion Logistics Officer, in all facets for work-ups, logistical support for 120 AAVP7A1 vehicles, and over 50 motor transportation vehicle assets.
  • Certified Combat Crew Chief Course (CCCC).
  • Served as Platoon Commander Assistant for 13 months concurrently within a deployment; ran the platoon in the absence of the Platoon Sergeant or Platoon Commander, in all facets for AAV platoon employment, gunnery tactics, and logistics.
  • As an AAVP7A1 Crew Chief, managed a crew of 3 personnel, and as the vehicle commander for training and employment of the vehicle and weapons system.
  • Managed a section of 12 personnel and 4 AAV’s as the supervisor responsible for the training continuum, readiness and tactical operation to employ the vehicles.
  • Managed a communication AAVC7A1 section crew/team from 2009-2010.
  • Served as a Section Leader, Senior Practical Application Evaluator, and Master Gunner for the company, concurrently, for basic land driving, gunnery engagement techniques, and Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Business Management

The University of Montana
Missoula, MT
06-2027

Bradley Master Gunner - Master Gunner

Bradley Master Gunner School, Fort Benning, GA.
Fort Benning, GA
07-2008

Skills

  • Leadership development
  • Weapon assets
  • National security
  • Supervisory skills
  • Weapons training
  • Firearm safety
  • Team communication
  • Military operations
  • Camouflage techniques
  • RWS weapons expertise
  • Coordinate defenses
  • Adaptability
  • Coordinating training
  • Briefing leadership
  • Willingness to learn
  • Weapons deployment
  • Training expertise
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Personnel mentoring
  • Professionalism
  • Defensive tactics
  • Combat weaponry
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Combat lifesaver certification
  • Self aid buddy care (SABC)
  • Maintaining equipment
  • Mission planning
  • Weapons handling
  • Firearms
  • Military training
  • Safety regulations
  • Navigation skills
  • Teamwork
  • Active listening
  • Organizational skills
  • Decision-making
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Teamwork and loyalty
  • Physical stamina
  • Tactical operations
  • Security procedures
  • Offensive operations

Accomplishments

  • Supervised team of 12 staff members.
  • Collaborated with team of 8 in the development of MK44-S RWS Curriculum.
  • Achieved outstanding results through effectively helping with the graduation of the Pilot Course for FOT&E Marine Corps Students on the ACV-30mm platform.
  • Achieved outstanding results by completing accurate effective fires on targets for the MK44-S weapon system with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Documented and resolved Troubleshooting Tactics/Techniques which led to 100% of my students passing with flying colors on the MK44-S ~ RWS.

Certification

  • Licensed on the ACV-P / ACV-C / ACV-30, MLT Systems, Jan 2020 - Present day.
  • Certified MK-44 S Operator Course Certification, Northrup Grumman - Aug, 2024.
  • Intermediate Swim Qualification and Underwater Egress Certification Training - April 2024.
  • Instructor Development Course (IDC – now FLEX) Training - May, 2022.
  • Field Level Maintenance (FLMNET) Certification Course Training - June, 2023.
  • Certified MK-44 S Maintenance Course Certification, Northrup Grumman - Aug, 2023.
  • Certified MK-44 S Maintenance Course Certification, Northrup Grumman - Aug, 2023.
  • Certified · CROWS Operator Course Certification , Picatinny Arsenal - Apr, 2022.
  • Certified · CROWS Train the Trainer Course (T3) Certification, Picatinney Arsenal - May, 2022.
  • Scuba Diver Basic Qualification & Certification License - Jan, 2021.
  • ACV Operations (OPNET) NETT Course Certification Training - Jan, 2020.
  • DAU Courses: ACQ 101, 202, 203; PMT 252, 257 Training - Sept, 2010 - July, 2011.
  • Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt) Training - Marine Forces Systems Command (MCSC) - Fall, 2010.

Timeline

ACV Master Gunner / Vehicle Instructor

MLT Systems
11.2019 - Current

AAV Master Gunner (MG) / Turret and Weapons Instructor

United States Marine Corps
07.2013 - 07.2017

PM-AAA AAV Master Gunner (MG) / EFV/ACV Weapons SME

United States Marine Corps
06.2010 - 06.2013

AAV Master Gunner / Section Leader / AAV Crew Chief

United States Marine Corps
04.2005 - 08.2010

AAV Master Gunner/AAV Section Leader/EFV Master Gunner/AAV Crew Chief/AAV Operator

United States Marine Corps
04.1996 - 09.2019

Bachelor of Arts - Business Management

The University of Montana

Bradley Master Gunner - Master Gunner

Bradley Master Gunner School, Fort Benning, GA.

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Kyle Christian Nicholson