Sniper!! Not so much...

So I had my M16 refresher training last week. I haven't shot in about 3 years and everytime I shoot, I'm always 2 away from getting marksman. Things started out well. After throwing on our bullet proof vest, ear and eye protection, and helmet, we start. We start out by shooting at a small target to "zero" our guns, at a simulated 300 yds. The instructors evaluate our shooting and then tell us which way we need to turn the knobs to adjust the gun sight. After my first 5 shots, I had a nice cluster about 4 inches to the right of the little figure. I get my adjustments and I'm a sniper!!! 4 outta 5 in the circle at 300 yds away with my miss being 1/2 inch from the target. Everything was flowing perect! My breathing was great (thank you Call of Duty 4), the gun was working perfectly, it was going to be a good day.





Next came the qualifying round. In order to "qualify", you have to hit 10 targets a total of 19 times out of 50 shots. To get expert, you have to hit 42 out of 50. I was feeling confident and I knew today was the day I got my Marksman Ribbon. Once I begun shooting, I knew today wasn't the day. We have 90 seconds to shoot 10 shots. No problem, right? Well, my gun starts jamming, my bullets start falling out of my magazines, my glasses start fogging up, my gas mask starts fogging up, my little foam ear plugs won't stay in my ear, I ran out of time trying to fiddle with my gun and had to rush my shots when they let me try again, etc.... Needless to say, I didn't get expert. I hit 35 out of 50 which isn't terrible, but I was dissappointed. and so was this monkey.




I have another chance to redeem myself. Next month I have to shoot the M9 pistol. I have to carry one everywhere I go in Afghanistan or I'll get in trouble. Yes...they authorized me to carry a gun, scary ain't it. I'm a little nervous about that whole thing but I'd rather have one than not, know what I'm saying? The last time I shot one was about 5 years ago and I did terrible. I had to hit 4 out of my last 5 qualifying shots to ensure I wouldn't have to come back and do the whole class over. I passed but I wasn't comfortable with the gun. I'm used to carrying glocks from my childhood days in the hood. Ok...not really .

Over all my pre-deployment stuff is going smoothly. I finally got to retire my basic training uniforms. I've been wearing the same BDU's for 12 years. If we ever moved to someplace foggy, I was ready. I received 4 new uniforms and 2 pairs of boots for my deployment. Saved about $500 on uniforms. The army has had this type for awhile and we're just following them. I like them so far, although I've only worn them one duty day.




As always, I'll keep you posted (you being the 3 people that read my blogs, lol) as time goes by. Have a good Sunday.

MP