Combat Lifesaving (CLS)

Over the past four days, we have learned about combat lifesaving.  In short, it's a course designed to train personnel in immediate casualty assistance so as to minimize loss of limbs and life on the battlefield.  Today, we completed the obstacle course where we encounter challenges and casualties in less than a half-hour and the instructors gave our team an A-.  To put it in perspective, the other part of the class (all Air Force) were still facing the first obstacle when we were leaving with our certificates!  In all fairness my team had some very good Air Force and Army servicemembers that were invaluable in ensuring our success.

Best,
Ben

Battle JAG - Phase 1.5.1

Last Friday I qualified (passed the course) on the M4/A1.  It was not pretty, I barely qualified on the Army's range which consists of seven pop-up targets (shaped like people) from ranges of 50m to 300m.  It was a very ugly day to shoot.  It was like being in the Pacific Northwest again.  The temperature was in the 50's, it was raining all day and wind was about 10-15 mph.  In short, I'm glad it's over.  I'm hoping to have another opportunity to obtain an expert rifle qualification before I depart Fort Dix, but I'm not holding my breath.  Money is tight and thus getting additional training is very difficult.  It's almost as difficult as getting a shirt properly dry cleaned. 

Shortly after arriving at Fort Dix on March 23rd, I dropped a shirt off at the base dry cleaners.  When I went to pick it up the first time, I could see the stains on the collar while it was still hanging on the rack ten feet away.  Despite sending it back for a second time, they still didn't get it right and they have now had it nearly three weeks.  I'm hoping that they'll have it back before I depart the country...we'll see.  I already miss Celebrity Cleaners on Bristol St. in Newport Beach as they always get any stains out of my shirts--no less in one day!

That's all for now.

Ben

M4/A1 Familiarization Shoot & "Zero"

Today we began our rifle training.  The initial part of this training was familiarization with the M4/A1, its components, and how to "zero" (set the sights to shoot accurately from a distance of 300m).

Because I have a prescription for eyeglasses I was instructed to shoot with my prescription inserts.  After expending approximately 40 rounds trying to zero my weapon, I ditched my inserts and shot without them.  I immediately zeroed my weapon in my first six shots (see below).  The goal was to hit the inner ring of the target 5/6 times and hit the dark part of the target with all six shots.  The target is designed to replicate a target at a distance of 300m.  However, rather than shoot from 300m, we shoot from 25m.  The image below will hopefully clarify what I have otherwise articulated inartfully.

Note that this is only the preliminary portion of our rifle qualifications.  Hopefully, I'll be able to qualify as an expert (like I did with the M9 [9mm]) tomorrow. 

Best,
Ben

Battle JAG - Phase 1.5

In the evolutionary process that is "mobilization" I am coming to the sobering revelation that the current threat in Afghanistan will not likely be negated by my ability to shoot a weapon.  Rather, my ability to negate the threat will depend on a keen sense of situational awareness concerning my physical surroundings.  My understanding is that the biggest threat to NATO and US personnel is that of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). in short, IED's are similar to land mines except that they can be activated in a variety of ways and are designed to destroy a multitude of targets (personnel, vehicles, etc.).  It has been very enlightening to learn of all the various ways in which Afghan insurgents (Taliban, Al Qaeda, etc.) are targeting coalition forces.  Nonetheless, I continue to soak up as much of the information being taught to me (and my fellow Navy and Air Force classmates) as well as honing my weapons skills to ensure my safety during this deployment.  For your viewing pleasure (what good is a dissertation without at least one visual aid) here is a recent picture of me and my M4/A1 rifle, which has yet to be given a name as "Excalibur" has already been taken by my roommate LTJG Greg "Blue Falcon" Melville.

Inter-Service Rivalry (AKA Navy Dominance!)

My training included land navigation (dead reckoning, terrain association, and vehicle with GPS) this week and I can proudly say that the Navy team (inspired by my competitive desire) beat not only the Air Force (five separate teams) but also the Army at each type of land navigation exercise.  Go Navy!

Even more flattering was overhearing an Airman saying to other airmen in his training unit that he wished he was with the Navy because "they are fast and efficient!"  Those who have served know how much of a compliment that this is.  In all fairness, I must tip my hat to the Army instructors who have provided the great training that allowed us to succeed.

Best,
Ben

If You Thought That I Was A Bad Driver...

If you thought that I was a bad driver, I contend that the reason for this is that I was driving the wrong vehicle.  On Thursday, I participated in tactical driving courses (day and night) for the M1151A HMMWV (Humvee).  I now know why the Governator fell in love with the Humvee!

Weapons Training

As part of my role in Afghanistan, I will be working "outside the wire" (off the base where I will live).  Because I will be outside the wire, I am required to obtain weapons qualifications in a 9mm pistol and M4 rifle.  On Tuesday I was able to obtain an expert qualification in the 9mm (which is the easier of the two weapons quals).  Posted below are some pictures of me at the range.

Did I mention that the temperature was about 35 degrees with the windchill.  I will shoot the M4 next week.  For now I am learning to drive the M1151A1 HMMWV or Humvee.  Pictures to follow.

Best,
Ben