That's exactly how today started. We met up at 6am, had a cruddy breakfast (I'm sick and tired of the scrambled eggs and nasty sausage...I'm stocking up on bananas from other times because of it), then loaded up the buses for the firing range. This sign was the first thing I saw when entering. The reason for being at this range was to fire through about 120 rounds using the M4 rifle and use a computer system to tell us where we were hitting and missing the targets. We shot at 75 meters, 175 meters, and 300 meters. Our targets were silhouettes which went down when hit then popped back up. By the way, 300 meters is over three football fields. We varied among the kneeling position, supported prone (on belly, using sandbags to support rifle), and unsupported prone (just you and the rifle). We did 3 sets of 40 rounds. The first round was without body armor and the last 2 were with it. BIG difference in shooting with the armor on because of all the padding and the need to be close and intimate with the rifle. In the end, I had a few adjustments to make and by doing that, I did awesome. I actually did better with everything on because it created a more tight, controlled pose. Once we all cycled through, we cleaned our weapons and yet another meal of MRE's. Today's "meal" was vegetable lasagna. I say again...I despise these things.
Next up, the M9 "stress shoot." Here's the deal: the point of this qualification is to "stress us" while still making sure we can be accurate and maintain safety of our weapon. It was all "live fire." We started out in 90F heat, Category 5 (the highest) heat level, in full body armor. We first ran in place for 2 minutes then stop, load the first of three magazines (6 rounds each), fire off 2 shots then run forward and drop to the ground behind two sandbags and fire off 4 more rounds. While on the ground, change out the magazine, jump to our feet then run left to a pretend window and squat. 4 more shots at the silhouettes as directed by the drill sergeant. I was also accompanied by another drill sergeant who had the exclusive job of yelling at me to "stress me" and "hurry me." After the window, I ran right to squat below a barricade and got off 2 more shots before changing out another mag. New mag and 2 more shots before running to about 5 feet in front of the silhouettes and putting out my 4 final shots. If you are "friend" of mine and want to see the video I had a friend shoot of the whole thing, see my "wall." Afterwards, lots of time to sit in the shade and wait for the whole company to get their turn.
We ended up being rushed off the range, you might say. We all saw the clouds coming but those in charge apparently decided it wasn't threatening enough. The picture you see here is what we saw coming. The cool gusts of wind were starting and common sense would dictate that we seek cover. Nope! We waited until the HAIL started before getting in the buses. Remember, we all have our weapons and body armor with us. Boarding our buses is a slow process. By the time I got a seat, my back was soaked and the hail was dinging off of the windows. Nice.
To wrap the day, we cleaned our weapons to get all the carbon off and prepare for tomorrow. Tomorrow is pre-qual day. We will basically practice-shoot all day for our qualification on the M4, scheduled for Thursday. Once we shoot on Thursday and qualify, I'm guessing we will be done with all shooting except for HEAVY WEAPONS on Friday. :-)
Not too many days are left at this location. While I'll never reveal actual movements in advance on this blog, I will tell you it is drawing more near. With that comes a big step towards Oz and the more real this whole thing becomes. My days left on U.S. soil are limited now. Along with that, I will say that I'm missing home quite a bit today. Back in Kansas, the pear trees are blooming, the trees have buds on them, and the color will be bursting soon. The Tin Man will be playing soccer soon, too. I never even miss practices of hers. I love being at the field, watching her play. One thing we do every night right now...while we can...is to call and pray together at bedtime. We recap the day and just have some casual conversation. We always say "I love you" before hanging up but rarely "I miss you." Tonight, I did. I don't know what it is about those 3 words but they send a jolt of emotion through me. Man or not, I can't keep the tears from welling up when I say them. "Tin Man and Scarecrow...I love you and miss you from the deepest parts of my heart."
Goodnight, everyone.
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