Reflexive Fire

Today we went to the range to try out hand at reflexive fire, the same skill we practiced without rounds the day before. On previous ranges, the targets averaged 175m, almost two football fields away from us. Here the closest target was just 12.5m away - think soccer, penalty shot - and the furthest was only 25m. Very up-close and personal. Everyone in the Platoon has a combat support role (logistics, mechanic, administration, etc.). We all hope never to see an enemy that close. Practicing once at the range hardly prepares you for the real thing. In fact, the real thing is exactly what happened to Jessica Lynch and her convoy. They were a bunch of transportation specialists who happened to take a wrong turn. They were ill-prepared for the resistance they encountered. My unit practices that kind of scenario. Also, if we do move over land, it is generally with infantry support due to the nature of our mission. I hope that the soldiers I trained with today get more training before they end up in Iraq.