Snipers ready IA for competition

Photo By Sgt. Angel Turner | Pfc. Sam Forsyth (left), a sniper assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, marks his Iraqi counterpart's shot group during marksmanship training, Nov. 20. Forsyth, a native of Apple Valley, Minn., has trained with the Iraqi Army's 2nd Division commando unit for the past three weeks to help them gain proficiency on the M16 rifle in preparation for the Iraqi Army’s marksmanship competition in Baghdad.  

JOINT SECURITY STATION INDIA, IRAQ

11.18.2010

Story by Pfc. Angel Turner 

4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

JOINT SECURITY STATION INDIA, Iraq—At a shooting range just outside the gates of a joint security station in northern Iraq, the sound of gunfire echoed through the morning air.

U.S. snipers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, mentored soldiers of the Iraqi Army’s 2nd Division commando unit, here, Nov. 18.

"We're experts on our weapon systems," said Staff Sgt. Michael Tice, the sniper section sergeant. "We're passing on the skills that we've developed to make them more proficient."

IA combat team instructors have trained with the Garry Owen soldiers for the past three weeks to enhance their basic rifle marksmanship skills for an upcoming Iraqi Army marksmanship competition in Baghdad.

"(Before this training) the IA soldiers have never touched a M16," said Tice, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y. “We've taught them how to zero and shoot (the M16) from various positions. About a week ago their shot group was within three inches, but now they are within a half inch."

As each Iraqi loaded their weapon, they focused on their targets and used the four basic principles of marksmanship to obtain the best possible shot group. Breathing steady, applying the proper trigger squeeze, and looking through their site picture at their assigned targets, the IA fired to improve their skills during the training.

From standing to kneeling—and at times lying in the prone position, soldiers consistently shot accurately. Just three weeks of training and the IA commandos are now as proficient on the M16 as they are on their own AK-47 weapon system.

"It's been a great experience," said Spc. Ahmed Aoda, an Iraqi combat team instructor. "We've become more proficient at zeroing (the M16) and on the fundamentals of marksmanship."

At the competition, IA soldiers will shoot their M16s from different positions and distances, in hopes of having the tightest shot group once completed.

"I really enjoy working with them," said Pfc. Royce Applegren, a sniper from Chicago. "It feels good to coach them and help them develop their skills, but at the same time help us (maintain) our skills. Once we're done training, they're going to be able to go train their soldiers everything we've taught them. I'm confident they'll do well in Baghdad."

After the IA soldiers complete their marksmanship competition, they will continue to receive additional training from the 2-7 Cav. soldiers throughout the next year.

• Date Taken: 11.18.2010
• Date Posted: 11.22.2010 14:05
• Story ID: 60667
• Location: JOINT SECURITY STATION INDIA, IQ