Above: Pioneers 2005.
Mad Hatter's Report
I arrived at camp Stasa early Saturday, I brought my wife along to see what it is we do here.
I called back to the range, and Super Six cleared me to come on back. The Pioneer Class was getting ready for their hike. These folks look SHARP! Full gear, Full Camo, Painted faces. Neither my wife or I saw them standing in full view until we were within 50 yards of the camp. The Camo was really effective.
It seems to me that the AR-15 is becoming the weapon of choice among the Pioneers. Perhaps the reduced weight of the .223 offsets the added gear they carry. Mobility IS really the key to getting things done. The AR's also really add to their flexibility when it comes to working as a unit.
The Good News; We have a new Level One person among us, The Bad news, It isn't me (yet)
I didn't catch his call sign, But he's from the Bay County area, He's well equipped, and he hit the pie plate 10 for 10 the first time up. When it came time to do it for the official record, He had little trouble repeating. 10 for 10 again!
We then did our level one Hike, Four set out, The new guy and I (Still carrying Two rifles) to qualify, One re-qualify, and one gung-ho lady who was going for Level 2. We were well under our time target when I broke a buckle on my pack. I told the rest of the group to go ahead, I'd catch up. Our new friend stayed by my side, Citing the well proven principles of never leaving someone behind. Better to have Two "Two-Person" teams than to leave a three person team with a straggler to fend for himself.
The Pioneers took a little target practice between exercises, then I shot for level one. As always, I was good enough to be effective, But not up to the standard. My AK was hitting bowling pins at 100 yards, But couldn't keep a group tight enough for qualification. My CETME seems to be suffering from the same affliction that's troubled some of the others. A little work on the sites should take care of that.
Weather was wonderful! Everyone was focused, and the day was productive.
So, If you're reading this, Still undecided whether you want to come out and get involved, or still trying to decide if we're what you're looking for, Come on out! Read all you want, But firsthand knowledge is always the best.
See Ya Soon!
Mad Hatter
Livingston County
Note: Doc re-qualified L2, Rude Guy re-qualified, Tree Frog of Saginaw County Qualified L1, and "Barrett" and "Razor 67" also qualified as brand new SMVM members, both bringing excellent gear and prior service into the fold.
Careful, guys. She is Level 2 Qualified, carries concealed, and knows Aikido.