Photo By Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde | Marines from 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, fire rounds at a target while at the...... read more read more
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CAMP DWYER, HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — Marines from Headquarters and Service Company of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, arrived at the makeshift rifle range with large packs and complete sets of personal protective equipment under rain-threatening clouds the afternoon of Jan. 23, at Camp Dwyer, Helmand province, Afghanistan.
The Marines were at the range to perform various firing drills to help better prepare them for their current deployment in southern Helmand province.
"There's going to be a lot of pivoting and shooting, facing away from the target and turning around very quickly; usually engaging the target with two shots at a time," said Cpl. Sandro Ola, a field radio operator, about the shooting drills. "It's very quick and to the point," he added.
The shooting drills also consisted of firing while moving toward the target, reloading rifles quickly and correcting weapons malfunctions while under pressure.
Ola, from Anchorage, Alaska, feels that the firing drills will benefit the Marines who will be working with Afghan national army to conduct counterinsurgency operations in southern Helmand province.
"It's very crucial that we have this training," he said. "When we have the opportunity to take that shot, we know when to take it and when not to take it [because of the training]."
The drills consisted of two separate shoots, one during the day and the other at night. During the night fire, Marines made use of night vision goggles and laser-aiming devices to help them see their targets.
"The night fire will help the Marines [get used to] utilizing their [night vision goggles]," said Staff Sgt. William Hart, the officer in charge at the range. "The more training they have with their gear and [optics] and everything, the more comfortable they are when it comes to the real thing."
The Marines agree that repetitive training by shooting their rifles is a key element for combat readiness for when the battalion enters their area of operation.
"The whole point of [the firing drills] are to get you used to moving around and shooting with your rifle," said Pfc. Joseph Attaway, an administrative clerk from Statesboro, Ga. "Whenever the time comes when you have to shoot (the enemy), you just do it out of habit."
| Date Taken: | 01.23.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 01.27.2010 00:13 |
| Story ID: | 44475 |
| Location: | CAMP DWYER, AF |
| Web Views: | 477 |
| Downloads: | 411 |
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