NCO trains cadets on M16

Photo By Staff Sgt. Quanesha Barnett | Sgt. Patricia Parrish, radio operator-maintainer sergeant, with 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 17th Field Artillery Brigade, was selected to train cadets at Fort Knox, Ky., this summer because of her expertise on the M16 rifle.  

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, UNITED STATES

08.06.2015

Story by Sgt. Quanesha Barnett 

17th Field Artillery Brigade

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - Every year, noncommissioned officers are selected to attend the George Blair Location of Miss and Hits (LOMAH) at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Sgt. Patricia Parrish, radio operator-maintainer sergeant, with 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, was selected to attend this summer because of her expertise on the M16 rifle.

During the training, Parrish was the range safety. She spent two months training cadets at the range.

“We had approximately 130 cadets to train within two months, on grouping, zeroing and down range firing,” said Parrish. “We learned that for some cadets, this was their first time using an M16 weapon, and the training was very challenging for them. Some days were long and hot, but the overall training was very useful to the cadets.”

As the training continued, the cadets became confident in their skills and the fundamentals of the M16 rifle.

“They learned that safety was the number one priority while being on the range and while handling a rifle,” said Parrish.

She said that some cadets asked, “How do you remember the fundamentals of firing an M16 weapon?” With a smile on her face and her hand on her hip, she responded, ”Well, I love to go to the range and fire, so I get a good sight picture, focus on my breathing, trigger squeeze and a good position.”

She went into the details of how to be an expert shooter and the next day the cadets used the fundamentals she shared with them.

“They were a success,” said Parrish.

At the end of the training, she told some cadets, “A weapon is the first line of defense against all enemies, and remember to keep your assigned weapon beside you at all times.”

“I enjoyed the training with the cadets and I’m willing to train others,” Parrish said.

• Date Taken: 08.06.2015
• Date Posted: 08.06.2015 18:02
• Story ID: 172417
• Location: JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, US