The Starfleet Gunnery Course was first offered in the fall of 2145 to train members of the new Gunner’s Mate rating on the operation of space-based weaponry. This in turn was to prepare for the commissioning of Starfleet’s first starship, the USS Neptune, the following year. The Starfleet Gunnery Course offers instruction in mounted spaceship weaponry, deployable space torpedoes, as well as a review of personal sidearms. Students are required to obtain an expert and repair rating in Starfleet small arms as well as a maintenance certification to repair heavy weaponry in space.