Coalition forces share small-arms skills

Air Force Links ^ | Dec 16, 2005 | Staff Sgt. Scott Campbell

[SandRat]

12/16/2005 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Thirty people from the military security forces of five countries gathered for a coalition weapons training exercise at a desert air base Dec. 15.

The training was a cooperative training program to enhance international understanding within the security forces, said Master Sgt. Kevin Follis of the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. The sergeant works with the squadron’s combat arms training and maintenance section.

“We wanted to build a better working relationship between all defense forces on base,” he said.

Participants chose from nine types of firearms using 9 mm or 5.56 mm ammunition or a shotgun or grenade launcher. A range official qualified for each weapon, briefed participants on weapon capabilities and handling procedures before firing.

The training allowed the coalition forces a chance to become familiar with the weapons used by their counterparts. Popular among Americans were the Australians’ F88 Steyr, a 5.56 mm assault rifle.

“It was well presented with a knowledgeable staff. We have to give special thanks to the Australians for stepping up and providing an in-depth study on the Steyr,” Sergeant Follis said.

In turn, an Australian member said she particularly enjoyed firing the M249, a belt-fed fully automatic weapon.

“Give me the ammo for that and I’d be here till dark,” said Australian logistics specialist Cpl. Liz Espinoza with a laugh.

After firing, participants picked up the spent casings. Squadron commander Capt. Dustin Sutton thanked each participants for their parts in the exercise.

“Your participation demonstrates the effectiveness of a true partnership in building a free and democratic Iraq,” he said. “I hope we can continue our friendship and mutual support.”

Although no date has been set yet, participants were eager for the next training session to continue discussing differences between their services and equipment.

“The big question I heard was, ‘When are we going to do it again?’ Those are the magic words of appreciation for CATM people,” Sergeant Follis said.

[SandRat]

Sharing, teaching, improving security.

[quark]

Small arms practice:

[heldmyw]

But... but..

What if there are, you know.. consequences??

What if the 'man on the ground' actually comes up with questions, solutions, and plans to be more effective? More efficient?

I don't like the sound of this 'cooperation' thing. I'm just not comfortable thinking that someone, somewhere is improving skills, working with other nations, having fun and trying to help the world without having a bucket of urine dumped on them for being fascist, Bush-loving pooheads!

Sincerely

KHOWARD DEAN
(yeeeeaaaaaaaarggggghhh!)

[phoenix0468]

Wrong!~|, that's so wrong.

[beaver fever]

"Wrong!~|, that's so wrong."

Yeah but the sustain.........

[phoenix0468]

In turn, an Australian member said she particularly enjoyed firing the M249, a belt-fed fully automatic weapon.

This is one of the weapons I fired when in the Infantry. It is also refered to as the Squad Automatic Weapon or the SAW. Let me tell you, this weapon gets EVERYONES attention. I would say it was the premier squad level ground troop weapon until the M240B arrived on the scene. A weapon of similar capabilities in firing rate yet upping the round size from 5.56 to the NATO standard 7.62. Much louder, just as rapid, and if you don't mind the extra 25 or so pounds (with ammo) it is the weapon of choice in a gun battle. What I enjoyed, yes enjoyed, about both weapons was their incredible accuracy, ease of reload, and durability. Properly maintained these weapons will easily outlast any M-16 or M-4. I know some might prefer a .50 cal to the two, but you can't really carry a .50 cal around a battlefield as easily as a M240B. Here's a pic of the beast.

[phoenix0468]

Ok, now you owe me new monitor. Unfortunately he can only play the high chords.

[beaver fever]

I heard he does a wicked Far Side of the Moon but he only plays half of it.

[Ramius]

“Give me the ammo for that and I’d be here till dark,” said Australian logistics specialist Cpl. Liz Espinoza with a laugh.

I like her already... :-)

[phoenix0468]

Yeah, her and I would make fireworks together with the tracer rounds. Let me tell ya, it's a beautiful site to see those tracer rounds pierce your target then light up the range with that eery glow. Plus the sound of 800 rounds a minute is quite attention grabbing. HEHE.

[Ramius]

Roger that. Nothing in the world like depressing that butterfly trigger with your thumbs... especially at night.

[phoenix0468]

I fired the .50 cal once and had an adreniline rush for a week. I also had the opportunity to be a gunner on patrol in Bosnia, fortunately never had to use it over there. But I would have felt very confident if I had to.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT