Border Transition Team Confirms Zeroes

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Mark Wojciechowski | Soldiers from Forward Operating Base Caldwell's Border Training Team walk done range to check their targets at the zero range. The group likes to get out once a week to check their weapons for functionality and aim.  

BALAD, IRAQ

05.31.2006

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Mark Wojciechowski 

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Staff Sgt. Mark Wojciechowski
133rd MPAD

BALAD RUZ, Iraq (May 9, 2006) " Border security operations in Iraq are very important for the safety of the Iraqi people. If the Border Training Team comes in contact with the enemy, weapons functionality and marksmanship proficiency will determine who will survive the battle.

The Border Transition Team for this area of eastern Iraq trains on various ranges whenever possible to improve their familiarity with their weapons and marksmanship to stay at tactical proficient and at a heightened state of readiness.

Composed of several different members from different units in the Task Force Band of Brothers area of operations, these Soldiers were tasked to come together and help the Iraqi Border Department become more proficient at border security.

1st Lt. Adam Rankin, operations officer for the BTT at Forward Operating Base Caldwell, said, "We like to try and get out at least once a week to check our zeros."

The group uses the M68 Close Quarters Optic aiming device mounted on their M16A2 rifles.

"Sometimes when we are out on missions they get bumped around and it is always good to get out and get small arms marksmanship practice to get more proficient while we are over here," said Rankin, who is from Yuma, Ariz. "This is one of the most important preparations we can have to make sure everything is zeroed and ready to go.

"If you are not hitting what you are aiming at then you are not being effective."

Checking your zero and conducting functions checks when you get a chance is very important. After all, your weapon may be your lifeline if and when a bad situation arises.

• Date Taken: 05.31.2006
• Date Posted: 05.31.2006 15:30
• Story ID: 6609
• Location: BALAD, IQ