On the firing line

We recently had a weapon range exercise. For the American’s it is a chance to practice with our weapons. For the Iraqi’s it is their required qualification course so they can be signed off as safe to carry a weapon.

The course was run by one of our US weapons instructors and his Iraqi protégé. The Iraqi is learning how to run the course. Makes sense so far.

The first group up was the Iraqi officers.

When we run a weapons course it is a very standardized affair with the weapon master being very specific on what is to be done.

He might say something like:

“You will approach the line and prepare to FIRE!”

“APROACH the LINE!”

“You will fire THREE and only THREE rounds upon the order to FIRE!”

“PREPARE TO FIRE!”

“FIRE!”

It’s very regimented to avoid accidents. Makes sense so far.

The officers went up and followed instructions. The American would make the command and the Iraqi would parrot him in Arabic. It guaranteed that the officers should be able to understand at least one of them. Makes sense so far.

The officers did what they were told and while they weren’t particularly accurate they at least followed instructions.

Then the Iraqi enlisted went to the line. This included the folks who would be detailed to my Iraqi squadron as armorers and gun-smiths. You’d think that it would make sense they would be able to follow instructions. Makes sense so far.

“You will approach the line and prepare to FIRE!”

Bam babam, bam! The fusillade of bullets that tore into the earthen berm down range was quite impressive.

“CEASE FIRE! CEASE FIRE!”



Bam babam, bam! The continuing fusillade of bullets that tore into the earthen berm down range was still quite impressive.

“STOP FIRING!!!”



A few rounds went down range but the message was beginning to click with the folks.

The Iraqi weapon master was hiding behind us who were hiding behind the trucks and laughing nervously.