20 Apr 04

From a friend in country:

"John, it's amazing! We find newly-arriving Army troopers charging their M-16 magazines one round at a time. When I ask them why they're not using the charging bracket that comes in the bandoleers, I get a blank stare. They have no idea what the bracket is for!

In stateside rifle training, the Army has apparently decided small arms are so dangerous that they can't be handled safely by anyone, under any circumstances. So, when these troopers report to the 'range,' they never handle ammunition! All magazines are charged beforehand, by range staff (that is the reason none of these guys know how to use the charging bracket). Rifles are fired. All rounds are accounted for, and soldiers are then searched to be sure not a single round of ammunition leaves the range in a pocket. They call that "training." When these troopers get over here, they don't have a clue what to do with a loaded rifle (or pistol) that they must carry all the time.

Happily, most learn fast, but what a frightful disservice we're doing to these brave, young men by treating them in "training" with such contempt and condescension. They're courageously fighting for their country over here, but they are neither trusted nor respected by their own system."

Comment: If this country plans on prevailing in any war, we have to starting treating our Soldiers and Marines like adults and honored warriors, instead of incompetent and expendable cannon fodder. "Training" does not exist merely for the entertainment of the "trainers." It is supposed to prepare soldiers for what they will encounter in a real, shooting war. As it is now, small arms training is failing catastrophically in that regard, all in the name of "safety" and political correctness. Shame on us!

/John