08July06

The deadly "Hesitant-Reload," from a friend and student curr ently in Country:

"John, we've lost several troopers over here to the 'Hesitan t-Reload Syndrome." This represents a flaw in our current training, and we t ry to correct it when guys arrive, but sometimes there is no time before they find themselves in active fighting.

When troopers reload their rifles, many commit the twin, deadly mistakes: They (1) stop and look down at their rifle, and (2) thrust their rifle =99s muzzle in the air in an attempt to gain access to the magazine well. Insurgent sharpshooters are waiting for them to do just that!

So long as they are in motion and/or using cover skillfully, our troopers make difficult targets, but, as you say in your courses, 'It=80 s a reload, not a recess!' Many troopers act as if they get to relax and stop paying

attention to what is going on around them when a reload becomes necessary, instead of staying in motion and being actively engaged visually, WHILE they are reloading. We have to constantly remind them to stay in motion and/or relo ad behind cover. Hesitating in the open to reload is suicide!

The second issue is thrusting muzzles into the air. 'Muzzle down! ' is a constant refrain around here, but new troopers often forget. Even when you are taking full advantage of the relative safety provided by good cover, a rifl e barrel protruding into space is an all-too conspicuous flag and lets the enemy know exactly where you are and, often, what you are doing. When the vertical, protruding barrel subsequently tilts forward, enemy sharpshooters know you've reloaded and are about to fire over the wall. They just put their crosshairs where your head is likely to appear and wait. They're usually r ight on the money!

Tell your Marine and Army students about this. You must fight THROUGH your

reload, staying in motion and using cover. Keep the enemy guessing! He should never be sure of exactly where you are or what you're doing or are a bout to do. Keep your muzzle down, always!"

Comment: This is sage, and hard-earned, advice from one who is in a positio n to know. Let us all take note, while we still can!

/John

08July06

It works both ways! This, from a friend and colleague who has just returne d from an overseas tour:

"Amen, Brother! In Iraq, I habitually watched to see which way the muzzle, typically elevated, went when the insurgent moved. I couldn't see him, but I always knew in which direction he was headed. When the muzzle stopped and tilted forward, I focused in. I killed two via shots to the head, just as you described. I'd been following their movement behind a wall by the six inches of barrel poking up. When their heads appeared, exactly where and w hen expected, I was always ready. They never finished their prayer!"

Comment: Hope they're enjoying the seventy-two virgins!

/John