Gotta be Handy With the Steel

September 7th, 2005

Didn't do too much today, but I did get to go out and fire 9mm pistols with an MP unit who happened to have a gross excess of ammunition. Taking some initiative, I asked about going to this particular range yesterday, but the CO shot me down. He cited that others in the unit supposedly have priority for ammunition, one thing we never seem to have in sufficient quantity. This stems from allocation errors by desk jockeys way above my level. I will conceede that other individuals might have priority on the M9 (current Army issued 9mm pistol), but they won't be outside the wire on convoy escort half as much as I am. The pistol is a tool in a toolbox I intend to make as big as possible. It's my own opinion that we need to get as much experience with various weapons before leaving NC, no matter what the probability is of actually having to use that particular weapon. Some of my peers do not agree. All of this can be derived from the 'Warrior' mindset, and the willingness to learn one's craft. There are many here that possess this mindset. There are also many that do not, which disturbs me.

Either way, I tracked down my driver and a vehicle to transport myself (Since no one else wanted to go) to the range. I'm really glad I got out of the office, as the weather was just about perfect today. It's one of those days that makes you glad to be in a profession that spends a decent amount of time outside, as opposed to being stuck always flying a desk or occupying a cubicle. The oppressive heat in NC has disappeared, at least temporarily. Private Charlie rolled up in a Humvee with the top and doors removed, exactly the way one would want to cruise around on a day like this. Maybe someday I'll roll around Boulder with the same setup. Maybe.

I arrived at the range, checked in with the First Lieutenant running the range, and was almost immediately handed an handful of high capacity magazines. I think I blew through 20 or 25 mags in a 40 minute period. Not bad for one afternoon. Who doesn't like keeping the barrels hot?