Bravo Forward Surgical was formed on Okinawa by
U.S. sailors from around the world. Coupled with Marine support elements,
Bravo Forward Surgical will deploy to Afghanistan to provide medical support
to service members across the region.
The training was necessary as the M4 will be the teams' primary
weapon while deployed.
Many of the sailors had not fired an M4 before. For many, it was
also their first time firing an assault rifle.
The instructors taught the sailors weapons safety rules, the
different weapons conditions, different firing positions and
corrective actions.
"The instructors did a great job in teaching us," said Navy Capt.
Peter True, a psychiatrist with Bravo Forward Surgical. "They took
us through step-by-step and gave us a very good introduction to the
weapon.
"It was especially good for someone like me who has never fired the
M4 carbine before," he added. |
|
Sailors with Bravo Forward Surgical, 3rd Medical
Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group,
sight in on targets at a familiarization range on Camp Hansen, July
20, 2010. |
Before the shooting commenced, the sailors took time "snapping in," practicing
the various firing positions. While the sailors practiced each position,
instructors explained the mobility versus stability of each position.
"They're learning everything just like we did back in boot camp," said Sgt.
Joshua Dargis, a weapons coach and chemical, biological, radiological and
nuclear defense specialist, at 3rd Medical Bn. "We're teaching them from the
ground up."
After a couple of hours of "snap in" time, each sailor was given 140 rounds of
5.56mm ammunition to hone marksmanship skills on green, plastic enemies.
"There's nothing like firing a weapon to really get to know its ins and outs,"
True said. "We got to see how the scope worked, how accurate it was, and we
tested it out with all of our gear on."
The sailors fired while sporting the Modular Tactical Vest complete with Small
Arms Protective Inserts, magazine pouches and the Kevlar helmet, like they would
wear in a real combat situation.
"After firing, I now feel a lot more prepared and comfortable with my weapon,"
said Petty Officer 3rd Class Erik Brengman, a psychiatry technician with Bravo
Forward Surgical. |
