After a lot of waiting around yesterday, we shot live rounds today. Yesterday we used an M16 rifle attached to a computer to "group and zero" our weapon. I did well, but the real thing is a little tougher.
Today we got to the range early and started shooting after our safety brief. We shot a number of sets of rounds on our rifle in order to get a good grouping and then have a Drill Sergeant set the sights for us. After "personalizing" the weapon, it will put the rounds where we want them, hopefully, if we continue to aim the same way. After setting the sights, shooting, and then cleaning it when complete, there is defintite feeling of accomplishment. This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine... (I won't be naming it Charlene).
We then received some familiarization with humvees similar to the ones we will convoy in. There is more than meets the eye. The afternoon was filled with our M9 pistol qualification. Although I used to shoot a 45, the 9mm is similar enough that I qualified as expert. We had to shoot the pistol in full battle gear, change out magazines during fire, drop to a knee to shoot during fire, and most surprising for me shoot with our none shooting hand for a few rounds. This qualification is most important to me as the pistol I was issued is my "go-to-war-weapon," meaning I take this one with me to Afghanistan. The rifle I will check back in before I leave here.
On a slightly troubling note, one of the captains that I became friendly with who roomed across the hall dropped out due to a medical disqualification/injury. He was active duty and volunteered to go over - he is a medical doctor and his skills will be sorely missed.
I am honored that my old shipmate from Richmond K. Turner posted here under the name "Paris." Greg is one of the officers attending a more arduous combat training school (2 months) and he is headed over to Afghanistan. Perhaps we will bump into each other there.
Today was long, but tomorrow will be longer. We'll leave at 0600 and return after a night fire at around 2000. I hear it's a fun day though.
8 comments:
The honor is all mine. If by arduous you mean long and boring then yes, a thousand times yes. Because of weather I wasn't able to do the full combat qual on the 9mm like Ithan. We were shooting in 12 degree temps on iced over firing positions - it rocked.
Keep up the fight Ithan and I will definitely look for you around the "camp".
Greg "Paris" Hilton
I told you the "Turner" was a great ship. Good luck and blessings to Paris too. Great work with the 9mm. "Just as I expected"
I just really noticed the "This is my rifle,there are many like it but this one is mine" bit. It goes on like, "I will guard my rifle as I guardbieyg my life because my rifle is my life ...." and comes right from the Marine Corps manual. When did the Army(Navy) steal that?
Hi,
Had a nice time the other night with a cute guy in East Brunswick. I was even able to undress him after dinner and sweet-talk him into the bathtub! After that, we played with some toys and said Bye-Bye to each other. I am looking forward to seeing him again soon.
Jane
I.Z.,
I was just introduced to your blog. It's great to be able to follow your adventure. All is well here and Florida is very nice.
Since you're such a prolific shooter, I have some bunnies that have been feasting on my impatiens I'd like you to take care of.
You're my hero!
Steve
Grandfather, the navy didn't steal it, I did from a movie of course - just like I have in most all the other posts. (I'll try to make movie lines a little more subtle in the future). Until then, another line from that movie that includes the title is, "Seven six two millimeter, full metal jacket."
Ithan -
Catching up on the adventure...
Some lessons learned from 2003:
Gas Inserts: Don't know if gas is an issue in Afghanistan - but I found the gas inserts to be a waste of valuable time. I was able to get a good seal with my regular ones - give it a try if you haven't already.
"Stuff": Not sure how much space/mobility issues you will have "in country" - but I had boxes mail to me - and then I mailed back at the end of the tour. Of course, silly me... I sent my whites - for that Embassy Dinner I was never invited to...
Rifle Hold: We have established recently how much smarter you are than me (Phd, PE, etc., etc.) - so hopefully you learned this one the easy way - but do NOT hold/rest the rifle against your upper arm. My bruise had colors I did not think existed in nature.
Think of you and your fmaily often - hang tough.
Navy Stacey
All this Military-speak is baffling. But my grandmother has a remedy for the gas inserts. Mint tea.
I think I've seen all The Big Bang Theory shows 4 times due to the writers strike. Still funny.
We've received 800 pages of consortium orders. Got ya covered. I volunteered to do your orders for next year which I know cosists of 3 packs of cigaretts for the only lab you do all year.Want matches, too?
Spending all my time at school on Integrity Violations. It's beating me up. I'm about 2 inches shorter as a result.
The state is changing our insurance and we will hear about the new choices Tues. We will sign you up for Double Cross Black and Blue Sheild.
Grades due Tues at 3 pm. so Johnson will be looking for you for tech help at 2:55. BTW- he has the cigars.
Don't wrestle with the priest.
Be safe.
TF
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