1. A method of identifying and tracking a target during operation of a gimbaled weapon system (GWS) while maintaining a weapon associated with the GWS in a non-threatening position comprising the following steps, in combination: a) providing a GWS having a sighting system, a weapon cradle and a weapon, wherein the weapon cradle is elevated using a first elevation drive; b) positioning the weapon in a non-hostile position using the first elevation drive; c) moving the sighting system in elevation using a second elevation drive to acquire a visual image of a target, the movement based on signals received from an observation unit located remotely from the GWS, the movement occurring while the weapon is maintained in the non-hostile position; and d) tracking the target using the sighting system while maintaining the weapon in the non-hostile position.