Small Arms Range - Exercise Brave Ram

Small Arms Range - Exercise Brave Ram
MCpl Joshua Ward, 3 Troop, Recce Squadron, Task Force 3-09

On Monday 10 August, soldiers of Recce Squadron began a week-long range exercise consisting of several practices. We spent two days on the firing pad at Juliette tower firing the Coyotes' weapons systems. On Wednesday, we began the small arms portion of the range week. Recce Squadron is now in the final stages of its pre-deployment training and weapons handling must be at 100%.

To break the ice, we began with basic weapons handling drills to ensure range safety. Once everyone was confident, the serials began. The practice consisted of five serials, including several different personal weapons. The first serial was to zero, a practice to adjust the sights of the C8 Assault Carbine. This weapon is equipped with an EO tech sight, designed for fast and accurate shooting. Conducted at a range of 50m, each soldier fired 3 five-round groupings to ensure their rifles were properly sighted. Following sighting, we began basic target
engagements. Firing two rounds (double tap) at several targets, we finished with engagements that required automatic fire. The third serial was conducted at night. The soldiers used night vision goggles (NVGs) to aid their vision in the dark, however, looking through the sights with the NVGs is extremely difficult. To help maintain quick and accurate shooting, we used our PEQ 4s, helping us to zero in on targets with ease. on their rifles to aid in night shooting. With our "gucci" equipment, we made quick work of the targets that faced us in the pitch-black conditions.

On Thursday morning, the small arms range continued. The basics were now covered and more intense serials began. Soldiers that are employed as surveillance operators have their C8 Assault Carbines equipped with the M203 grenade launcher and they practiced firing live rounds at a variety of targets at many different ranges. Meanwhile, other soldiers prepared to shoot serial four. This serial was designed to replicate enemy and neutral targets in close proximity. The targets were marked with blue and red paint and pop-up targets were used to test reaction. The firing point officer would call out a colour and the soldiers had to engage those targets without hitting the other colours. If that was not difficult enough, they then fired the same shoot on automatic with a transition to their 9mm Browning pistols. This meant that once they were out of ammunition with the rifle, they switched to the pistol and continued engaging the targets. The final serial was a long range shoot with just the pistol. Pistols are very difficult to fire at ranges more than 25m. This serial included engaging pop up targets at 50 meters - slightly difficult. During these serials, there was also additional weapons training taking place off to the side. Soldiers had the opportunity to work on their skills with the C9 Light Machine Gun (LMG), and the C6 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG). This was conducted as a refresher shoot and they engaged multiple targets at various ranges.

The small arms portion of our range week was a great opportunity for
Recce Squadron soldiers to refresh their skills after summer leave. After all the training throughout the year, we all have the tools required for the fast approaching tour to Afghanistan. Still, the sharpening of skills will continue as we prepare for many other types of training that await us in the weeks ahead.

Lots of targets to choose from - positive ID
was a must with neutral targets scattered throughout.

Soldiers from I43, 1 PPCLI, refresh their skills on
the C9 LMG.

TO B SQUARDON

Recce Sqn soldiers build firing bays for the M203 grenade launcher.