More Army Training

Today, we went to “Combat town” which is a simulated Iraqi village. Because the Army offers a “one size fits all” training model, we spent the majority of the day learning about things we will never do. Things like how to search vehicles at check points and how to search detainees. One thing we did that was fun was kicking down doors to search buildings. Again, it has nothing to do with my job, but given a machine gun and nothing better to do, I figured that I would have some fun. I lead a squad of 4 guys into a building. Once inside, I saw cardboard poster of a little boy, an insurgent with a rifle, and peaking in the window taking pictures was a Navy Lieutenant. So, accessing the threat, I shot the Lieutenant 6 times.
This is a picture of me in all of my “battle rattle” which consists of a Kevlar helmet, body armor, knee and elbow pads, a camelback and a bunch of accessories attached to the vest. I also have an M-16 and a 9mm Beretta pistol. It is a fairly heavy load. I defiantly have a lot of respect for kids that wear all that gear in 120 degree heat, day in and day out.