I Love Marines!

**TonyU** · 07-31-2007, 18:22

This week we're holding an Assault Rifle Operator Class (M16/AR-15 variants).
This class currently has two Marines, Desert Storm veterans. So as we're teaching the nomenclature portion I see that, although they're paying attention, they have this glassy look in their eyers like this is old hat to them. But of course it is. Also you can tell they are very comfortable with the weapon as opposed to others. Again, but of course. Throughout the course they had no problem zeroing in their rifles and were hitting everything they aimed at. One thing I've noticed as well that although they are experienced with the weapon they follow all directions and do not need to be watched and did not come into this course with preconceived notions and attitudes that sometime comes with those notions.
Man, are they fun to teach and watch.

**David Craik** · 07-31-2007, 19:45

Hell, you think they'd be exempt from such a class. We weren't planning on making Riddick Bowe do the boxing portion of his short boot camp stay.

**Webmaster** · 07-31-2007, 21:33

Think you were impressed so far. Wait until you see them do immediate action in the event of a stoppage! It happens so quickly and automatically, that folks not familiar with it will wonder what the heck they just did.

**TonyU** · 07-31-2007, 21:38

Originally Posted by Webmaster

Think you were impressed so far. Wait until you see them do immediate action drills!

That's what brought this whole thing about as that is drill we finished today with.

Don't get me wrong, this is not the first time I've taught Marines or other military guys. I've also attended many tactical schools with them as well. These two just stood out to me these past two days.

**Webmaster** · 07-31-2007, 21:48

Originally Posted by TonyU

That's what brought this whole thing about as that is drill we finished today with.

Sorry, I amended my post on you probably as you were replying.

Anyway, kinda scary how many people just stand there looking at their weapon when they have a stoppage. Glad to hear the you are teaching immediate action drills to your folks. Darn important skill that needs to absolutely automatic.

On a similar note, when I was at the Staff NCO Academy, we got real familiar with every weapon in the Marine Corps arsenal from the Company & Battalion level down including the various crew served weapons. Being an Admin pogue, my exposure was pretty minimal at that point, and seeing the grunts in the class do gun drills with the crew served stuff was damn impressive. Thank God they are on our side!

**TonyU** · 07-31-2007, 21:52

Since we also carry a hand gun, we do a transition first, get cover, then when there is a dull in the action, find cover, and get the rifle back in the fight.
For those that may not understand, we utilize these weapons as patrol and/or entry weapons where there may be a case of needing to stop a threat immediately. These guys were smooth and accurate with a pistol as well.
It was good to see.