20cows
Member
I had a visit with my nephew this week end and I just had to brag on him a little. This is the lad that I took rabbit hunting every time he came to visit. This was most of the shooting he did growing up. After three years of college, he decided to go into the military. This came as a suprise to the family as there has not been anyone in the military since WWII. There is no anti-military sentiment, but Dad was too young for Korea and too old for Viet Nam. I was too young for Viet Nam and so on.
I have great deal of respect for his descision, because he has volunteered to go in harm's way when he doesn't have to. And he didn't just join to further his education. He chose to be in a rifle squad and is now part of a Stryker brigade which is a rapid deployment outfit. He will see combat.
Any way, back to the visit. His unit was involved in some training exercises that involve the fancy "laser-tag" eguipment so you know when you get "killed". He said his company was not expected to do well as most of the company leadership was temporarily off at other training schools. Though he's an E3 he was in the role as squad leader for the exercise.. (I'm not real sure what all the numbers mean). When I asked him if he got killed, his reply was a confident "no". He said that although the command had apparent low expectations, his company has a reputation for aggressiveness and they "kicked @$$". They did quite well.
When I asked how he was shooting he told me that he was the DSM, or the Designated Squad Marksman. Though not exactly a sniper, but if there is a need for precision shooting out to 600 m, he's their man. Did I mention he was the only one in his basic training group (250) to qualify expert marksman with both open and optic sights? (I taught the boy to shoot, you know!)
I know there are folks on this board with a lot more military experience than I (I have none) and I hope my rambling does not sound silly, but I am extremely proud of this young man voluntarily standing up to be counted in trying times. We need more like him.
I have great deal of respect for his descision, because he has volunteered to go in harm's way when he doesn't have to. And he didn't just join to further his education. He chose to be in a rifle squad and is now part of a Stryker brigade which is a rapid deployment outfit. He will see combat.
Any way, back to the visit. His unit was involved in some training exercises that involve the fancy "laser-tag" eguipment so you know when you get "killed". He said his company was not expected to do well as most of the company leadership was temporarily off at other training schools. Though he's an E3 he was in the role as squad leader for the exercise.. (I'm not real sure what all the numbers mean). When I asked him if he got killed, his reply was a confident "no". He said that although the command had apparent low expectations, his company has a reputation for aggressiveness and they "kicked @$$". They did quite well.
When I asked how he was shooting he told me that he was the DSM, or the Designated Squad Marksman. Though not exactly a sniper, but if there is a need for precision shooting out to 600 m, he's their man. Did I mention he was the only one in his basic training group (250) to qualify expert marksman with both open and optic sights? (I taught the boy to shoot, you know!)
I know there are folks on this board with a lot more military experience than I (I have none) and I hope my rambling does not sound silly, but I am extremely proud of this young man voluntarily standing up to be counted in trying times. We need more like him.
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