Training in Iraq Continues for Colorado Guardsmen

Photo By Liesl Marelli | The casings are ejected as Cpl. Jeremiah Winters fires his M249 squad automatic weapon while conducting reflexive fire training in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, Oct. 5. Winters is assigned to the 188th Forward Support Company, 3rd Battalion, 157th Field Artillery, Colorado Army National Guard, 115th Fires Brigade.  

RAMADI, IRAQ

10.06.2009

Story by Liesl Marelli 

3rd Battalion, 157th Field Artillery

AR RAMADI, Iraq - The open desert in certain regions of Iraq creates a playground for training that helps Soldiers maintain situational awareness and also hone their marksmanship skills.

Not far from Camp Ramadi lays open land where Soldiers can take their weapons, ranging from pistols to crew served weapons, and test fire, conduct reflexive fire training or verify the optics on their weapons are properly zeroed for the utmost accuracy.

"It's different shooting out here because there is a higher threat level around you," said Staff Sgt. Norman Clark, a sergeant of the guard for Battery A, 3rd Battalion, 157th Field Artillery.

When the Colorado Guardsmen shoot at the ranges back home at Fort Carson, Colo., they don't need to have anyone pull security or scan for threats.

"Once we roll into the area [where we fire our weapons], we set up a defensive perimeter with our vehicles and shoot from inside that perimeter," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Banks, Battery A, 3-157th FA training non-commissioned officer. "We are always at a hyper state [of alert] for any unseen threats," he said regarding the Soldiers' situational awareness.

"We have classes every day on our weapons and other situations [that may arise]," said Spc. Patrick Simpson, a Soldier who was originally deployed with 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery, Oklahoma Army National Guard, but stayed in Ramadi when 3-157th FA took command. Simpson, an Oklahoma City, Okla., native said he has confidence in the Soldiers on the Quick Reaction Force team he currently serves with.

"I don't think anyone on the QRF would freeze up [if they received enemy contact] because everyone is comfortable with their positions."

Reflexive fire training helps Soldiers, like those on the QRF, react at a moment's notice to engage the enemy.

Clark describes the value of reflexive fire training as someone who is "able to go from a non-threatening state to engaging someone with your weapon rapidly."

"You don't want to be walking around with your weapon pointing up. Basically, we practice shooting from different positions because you never know what direction the threat will be from."

Soldiers practice moving from their left and right, kneeling and turning around to face their six o'clock in order to practice moving to face the threat without flagging [pointing their weapons unsafely] at anyone around them. Soldiers refer to this as having proper muzzle awareness.

Another way Soldiers sustain a comfort level with their weapons is ensuring the weapon is properly cared for and maintained.

"I go to the range every chance I get in order to perfect my skills as a marksman," said Banks, a Greeley, Colo., resident, who is responsible for tracking the training conducted by Battery A Soldiers ranging from survivability skills and weapons training to first aid.

In addition to being proficient at operating their weapons, Soldiers are also adjusting to the difference in maintaining them in the Middle East.

"You should never lube your weapon as much here," said Clark regarding the reduced amount of lubrication on the weapon to keep it operational because of the sandy environment. "It's imperative [to be proficient with your weapon] because it can save your life. If your weapon isn't zeroed, it won't help you."

A zeroed weapon is when the sights and scopes on a particular weapon are aligned for the Soldier's eyes who operate it. Although some weapon systems don't require it, zeroing means that the optics on the weapon are optimized for the Soldier's eyes. Everyone's sights require different adjustments so once the Soldier zeroes his or her weapon, someone else may not be able to pick it up and aim as well because of the differences.

"I treat this thing like gold," Clark said about his weapon. "I don't even want to bump my scope."

Clark, who teaches hunters safety courses in Colorado said, "I've had classes and taught my Soldiers that your weapon is basically your life. If you don't take care of it, it can't save yours."

• Date Taken: 10.06.2009
• Date Posted: 10.14.2009 18:03
• Story ID: 40132
• Location: RAMADI, IQ