8th Communications Battalion zeros in on combat marksmanship

[thedrifter]

8th Communications Battalion zeros in on combat marksmanship

6/13/2009 By Cpl. Jo Jones , Multi National Force - West
AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq —

United States Marines pride themselves on being America’s force-in-readiness. At any given time, Marines are prepared to deploy anywhere in the world to defend America and respond to crises. Even while deployed, they still find ways to continue their combat training in order to maintain their reputation of always being mission-ready.
Recently, Marines and sailors with 8th Communications Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Forward), reviewed weapons fundamentals in order to maintain their combat skills. Members of the battalion sat through courses and later put their academics into practice by shooting at a live-fire range aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, June 2, 2009.

“The Marines shot their rifles to get an accurate battlesight zero setting so their weapons shoot accurately when they go outside the wire,” said Staff Sgt. Adam Nemethy, an assistant operations chief with 8th Comm. Bn., and the small arms range officer-in-charge. “If you don’t BZO your weapon, you might as well be shooting into the wind.”

Wearing full personal protective equipment, the Marines and sailors convoyed to a small arms range where they were issued ammunition and briefed on weapons conditions and weapons safety. Afterward, they shot their rifles at close-range targets so they could make adjustments to increase the accuracy of their weapons.

Many of the service members also had a chance to shoot the M9 pistol, a weapon junior Marines don’t normally have an opportunity to fire.

“Coming out here gives the Marines a chance to fire the M9, and to learn about the different shooting positions and weapons handling techniques,” said Nemethy. “The Marines will be better when they go to the pistol range because they have had experience with it.”

Lance Cpl. James Halsey, a field wireman with 8th Comm. Bn., said weapons fundamentals are crucial to mission accomplishment.

“As Marines, our basic job is to be riflemen so it’s a good reminder that we need to stay vigilant and not get complacent with our mindset or weapons handling,” said Halsey. “We always need to be ready to respond to hostile situations or other missions.”

Staff Sgt. John Isenhour, a range coach with 8th Comm. Bn., said the shoot was a confidence booster for the Marines, helps them become better shooters, and keeps them focused on their responsibility to remain combat-ready.

Ellie