Lanes Training

This morning we went out to do a dry run for a task testing certain skills, between selected individuals, drivers and mounted weapons systems. Tonight we are going again to do a dry run testing the same skill sets, but using night optics. At a later date we will be do live fire drills for actual qualification. Its takes skill of shooting for the gunner, total communication between the whole crew, where each soldIer plays a specific and equally important part. I know my explanation is rather vague, but I'd rather play safe then sorry where operational security is concerned. This picture is before heading out for the night dry run.
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Night Driving

Tonight we are going out and getting some training using night vision glasses. It should be fun and interesting. I think all those times I had to go without a contact lens in one eye might have prepared me for this. When a person can use only one eye predominantly, it messes up depth perception. Things sometimes seem closer then they are. So I'll find out. Hopefully without banging up my vehicle.
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Small Pox Report

It actually looks worse then it is. The big red area around the scab is from the fresh bandages that I have to apply everyday. So far our company is doing ok and no outbreaks. Our sister Puerto Rican company hasn't met with the same success. As it stands right now that whole company is under quarantine. Apparently they didn't heed the medics warnings and were popping each others blisters. And so it spread. Six Barracks have red quarantine tags on the doors. As we were going to supper they were unloading boxes of bleach into each Barracks, as well as MRE's. It made the DFAC nicer as it wasn't crowded. :)
On a positive note, in another couple of days my scab will fall of and I won't have to worry about it anymore. :)
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New Glasses

It seems the military noticed people aren't fans of the old glasses. So they've moved forward and get soldiers these. I have a brown plastic pair that are for the field, but they re just as small as these.
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After the Range

The driver wasn't too willing to give an explanation as to why he was in the ditch, but about 2 minutes pushing and 10 soldiers later, he was on his way, amid a bunch of laughter at his expense.
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On the Range

I tried to catch it as the gunner was firing, all I got was smoke. Its unbelievable how quickly the 50-cal will throw 7-10 bullets down range. I was very glad they make us wear earplugs too. I could feel the compression waves hit me every time he fired. I can only imagine how bad my ears would still be ringing right now.
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The Big Toys

I'm on the range again today. These soldiers are getting the big boys set and ready to qualify. The temp is higher then it has been the last week or so, so I'm not bundled up like the little boy on A Christmas Story. The downside is that its snowing again...big white fluffy flakes. Its going to make visibility tough on the gunners. They range isn't even open for fire yet, so hopefully the snow will dissipate by the time it gets online. So we'll see. If I can I'll make another post.
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