A couple of days ago we shot a .30 caliber machine gun. This a relic from a Sherman tank. The range guys salvaged it from a group of weapons brought here by EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) to be destroyed. I don't have any idea how a machine gun from a Sherman tank wound up in Iraq. One of those things that make you go "hmmmmmm".
I realize there's no ammo in the feed tray. This is my "smile for the camera" shot.
We also get to shoot some foreign weapons. I carry an AK 47 rifle. We got a change to shoot RPGs (rocket propelled grenades) recently. This is a Soviet era antitank weapon that's a favorite with third world countries and terrorists.
This is the most ergonomically incorrect weapon imaginable. The trigger is forward of the support handle. Notice my right hand is forward and my left is behind, close to my shoulder. And once you put in the warhead it's very unbalanced.
It's also astonishingly loud. There's no kick to speak of, but the overpressure when the rocket motor fires and the sound is stunning.
We had to have a little fun.Here's my "Jihadist Dave" pose.
That's a dummy warhead, by the way.
One of my more creative guys used an RPG with this training round as our Christmas tree. He decorated and it looked quite good.
3 comments:
Hi Dave,
My name is Barry Peretz, Gail's husband from Rotary. Glad to hear you're okay.I don't know if you're into sports, but if you are things are hopping around the valley. New head coach for the Cardinals Green is out and a young guy from the Stellers is in. His name is Whizenhut. The Suns have won 13 in a row and are something like 25 out of 27. They have an awesome team.
I read about this war all the time. Stay safe and get home as soon as you can. I'll try to stay in touch.
Barry
I've enjoyed reading your stuff! I especially liked the turkey stories. Are there any single soldiers there who would like a female penpal? My daughter is 28, and I'm sure would be happy to either email or write someone. Thanks, and God bless and protect you all. patti
Hi Dave
Was scrolling down through this one with my heart racing hoping you hadn't shown all your other nation weapon firing experience :) Didnt want to have to explain that one!
Love the blog, you have me in stiches, you capture things there so well.
Thinking of and praying for you guys all the time. Say hi to COL Abbas and all the team for me
Donna
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