On The Firing Line
Rifle range is tomorrow
I've spent the past week cleaning my M16A4, and aligning the sites so it'll shoot properly.
It's nice to be issued this weapon again because since last July I was given the M249 Machine gun to carry into Iraq.
An impressive weapon with incredible firepower, but quite lumbersome.
I have a lean build, and a strong back, but I'm not a wrestler.
I'm not that soldier you see in the movies with the muscles the size of his head with a gatlin gun in his hands.
Although I can carry the M249, I'd rather be quick on my feet
Taking quick shots than going for cover to avoid getting shot in a combat zone.
So every day this week I'll have to get up at 4AM in the morning to drive to the range.
My goal is to shoot better than when I did in boot camp.
I shot near perfect the four days we practiced but on qual day I barely passed.
I thought about too much and the consquences of failing and being held back.
It's much more different this time around
My rifle badge I wear on my uniform is what Marines call a "pizza box"
The badge is pretty much a square with a target on it.
I think it really means... "hey I can't shoot for shit"
I would like that when I put on my dress blues for the marine corp ball on the 6th I don't have that pathetic thing on.
It'll probably be pretty cold tomorrow morning, so I'll wear gloves so my hands don't shake.
Hopefully the wind won't be too bad, and affect where the round goes downrange.
