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March 05, 2006

Balad

Yesterday was one of those cool days. Got up and went to the company to get our new M4s, and I don't mean we just turned in our M16s and got replacement weapons. They gave us unopend boxes. So now we have lighter and shorter weapons that are easier to use in an urban environment, which also don't give up much range.

Then we headed to the range to zero and qualify. It took 6 shots to see where my rounds were going - they were so far off center that only 1 barely grazed the 8 1/2 x 11 paper target. Managed to zero the sight with 12 more rounds and went to qualify. 34/40. Not bad considering I have shot since Kuwait, and that was only 6 rounds.

The temperature is starting to rise again, so I was pretty soaked with sweat - we had to wear all of our protective equipment to the range. I drove the company's John Deere Gator ATV back to Slayer and back. It only goes about 15 mph, and the trip took about an hour, but it was fun bouncing around in a 4-wheeler for a while.

Finally, I was dropped off at the heloport for a trip to Balad, which is about 40 miles north of Baghdad. That is the closest hospital that has the necessary equipment for the hearding test that is required for my officer candidate school physical. 5 hops in a blackhawk (my first ever) that took a total of about 3 hours. We stopped in some unknown base for dinner, then, from what I overheard, so I may be wrong, Taji and Fallujah, for quick drop-offs and pick-ups.

I will probably be here for a couple days and will post some more photos when I get back to Slayer.

Posted by TJ at March 5, 2006 10:35 AM

Comments

Hey TJ!
The next time you will go for trip to balad with Blackhawk, come to pick me up I'm very interested ;)
Arnaud
Ps: and i'll try your M4!

Posted by: Arnaud [TypeKey Profile Page] at March 5, 2006 09:41 PM

I doubt you wore earplugs when you were at the range. You need to, each time you don't you loose a little bit of your hearing.

By the way, you might not lose "much" range but you will lose accuracy with the M4 or any shorter barreled weapon.

They are worthless anyway for killing or even stopping anyone (except by a lucky shot) because of their caliber, grain and veliosity.
Much like the 9mm which by some accident in the stupid highers is being replaced finally by a new 45cal.

Have fun and Continue the Mission.

Papa Ray
West Texas
USA

Posted by: Papa Ray [TypeKey Profile Page] at March 6, 2006 08:32 PM

Papa Ray,

Why would you doubt we wore earplugs? We did. Also wear them on all military trasport flights. I have enough ringing already from 24/7 generators nearby.

Posted by: TJ [TypeKey Profile Page] at March 8, 2006 09:31 PM

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