thedrifter
12-21-08, 07:18 AM
Marines keep rifle skills in sight
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December 20, 2008 - 6:01 PM
JENNIFER HLAD
The Marines have jobs in administration, communications, supply, logistics and motor transport. But when they deploy to Iraq early next year, they need to be ready for anything.
The Marines and sailors of Combat Logistics Regiment 27 recently participated in pre-deployment rifle training designed with that in mind.
"We're Marines. We can go do any job at any time," said Staff Sgt. LeRoy Griffin, a combat engineer with CLR-27. "We're always ready for the unexpected."
The training included working with the advanced combat optical gunsight, which many of the Marines had not used before. After adjusting the sights, they practiced walking forward while firing, and pivoting to fire at a target.
Sgt. Richard Googe, a combat marksmanship instructor, said the course of fire is designed "to help the Marines better engage targets while on the move and from different positions."
The Table III shoot is required for everyone who deploys, Googe said, in case " ... they're ever in that situation, they'll know what to do."
Lance Cpl. Josh Burleyson went through the training Monday and also is a rifle coach. He said many Marines don't realize all they have forgotten about the basic fundamentals of the weapon and that's why training is important.
Even practice using the sling is good, he said, so they don't get tangled up in combat.
"When stuff hits the fan and the adrenaline is going, people (can) forget what to do," he said.
Lance Cpl. Kelly Buskirk, a motor transport driver, said the training was the first time she had used the M4 rifle, and the first time she used that type of sight.
She said walking and shooting at the same time was a challenge mainly because she was nervous.
The training is different from a normal stint at the rifle range because of the faster pace, Buskirk said.
"This helps me out a lot," she said. "It puts me in a real, like, combat situation."
Griffin, who has deployed four times, said the training helps familiarize the Marines with the weapon and sight before they leave for Iraq. It also allows them to get used to shooting quickly at a close range, he said.
Cpl. Ryan Byrd said for those who are not comfortable with the rifle, the training is good, however he wished the course of fire was longer.
Contact interactive content editor and military reporter Jennifer Hlad at jhlad@freedomenc.com or 910-219-8467
Ellie
Comments | Recommend
December 20, 2008 - 6:01 PM
JENNIFER HLAD
The Marines have jobs in administration, communications, supply, logistics and motor transport. But when they deploy to Iraq early next year, they need to be ready for anything.
The Marines and sailors of Combat Logistics Regiment 27 recently participated in pre-deployment rifle training designed with that in mind.
"We're Marines. We can go do any job at any time," said Staff Sgt. LeRoy Griffin, a combat engineer with CLR-27. "We're always ready for the unexpected."
The training included working with the advanced combat optical gunsight, which many of the Marines had not used before. After adjusting the sights, they practiced walking forward while firing, and pivoting to fire at a target.
Sgt. Richard Googe, a combat marksmanship instructor, said the course of fire is designed "to help the Marines better engage targets while on the move and from different positions."
The Table III shoot is required for everyone who deploys, Googe said, in case " ... they're ever in that situation, they'll know what to do."
Lance Cpl. Josh Burleyson went through the training Monday and also is a rifle coach. He said many Marines don't realize all they have forgotten about the basic fundamentals of the weapon and that's why training is important.
Even practice using the sling is good, he said, so they don't get tangled up in combat.
"When stuff hits the fan and the adrenaline is going, people (can) forget what to do," he said.
Lance Cpl. Kelly Buskirk, a motor transport driver, said the training was the first time she had used the M4 rifle, and the first time she used that type of sight.
She said walking and shooting at the same time was a challenge mainly because she was nervous.
The training is different from a normal stint at the rifle range because of the faster pace, Buskirk said.
"This helps me out a lot," she said. "It puts me in a real, like, combat situation."
Griffin, who has deployed four times, said the training helps familiarize the Marines with the weapon and sight before they leave for Iraq. It also allows them to get used to shooting quickly at a close range, he said.
Cpl. Ryan Byrd said for those who are not comfortable with the rifle, the training is good, however he wished the course of fire was longer.
Contact interactive content editor and military reporter Jennifer Hlad at jhlad@freedomenc.com or 910-219-8467
Ellie