OPERATION OCTOBER SWELTER: OCTOBER 2007

Saturday, October 6th, 2007

Camp Stasa, Michigan

Instructor: Bishop

Medic: Doc

Support: Thumper, Chuckwagon

Mostly sunny, with temps in the HIGH 80's. It was hotter than a mug!

Fifteen good folks showed up to participate in a very constructive and informative training day headed up by the good and excellent people of Wayne County One.

In the rather uncomfortable heat of this October morning, the first priority was a three mile road march, which was timed for those needing to qualify L2. Latecomers jumped in and joined. Everyone not assigned to the day's support element walked at least two miles. There were quite a few puddles of mud on the road, which made the going even better.

After this, there was a short re-hydration break, during which we stressed repeatedly the need to drink water. If you don't bring enough water, or if you run out, don't hesitate to ask. More likely than not, someone has an extra case or jug on hand.

We then participated in an outstanding handgun clinic taught by Bishop. We rarely focus on handguns, and this was a great chance to pick up on some very useful techniques. Bishop covered some flinch drills, snap firing, defensive speed shooting, tactical movement, shooting from the ground, and other important aspects of defensive handgun shooting. Just learning these once out at the range is not enough, though, and we should practice these when we get the chance.

It was then that Thumper brought out one of his prepared squad meal boxes for us. I think some of us were hesitant, but the stew, corn, and pudding were excellent. The bread was not fabulous, but if you crunched it up into the stew, it was edible. Included with this meal was a case of water. He heated it up with a small camp stove, but in a bind, this could have been dished out without heating. Here is a good idea, thought out, put into practice and tested, that works. 

After we had eaten, and sprawled about a bit on the lawn to relax, we had a friendly but effective rifle competition. Shooting from the standing, kneeling, sitting, and prone positions, we each saw a bit of our own weaknesses and strengths. For example, I cannot shoot really well from a standing position, but am fairly accurate from the prone. So, I need to work on my standing shots a bit, even if it is a few rounds every other month or so. By the way, Mak9 won the competition. Congrats to him!

Above: Pioneer Mak9 emerges victorious!!!

We opened up for a bit of free range time (which is not to be confused with free-range chickens, which are no longer on the range...), so people could work in some valuable practice.

I would like to welcome the handful of new folks, we hope to see you all again! I also wish to tip my hat to Bishop and Wayne County One for running a tight and well-structured training day.

Despite the heat, we had an excellent day. We have two more training days scheduled this year, and we would like to see a full house!

Read Bishop's report on The Wayne County One page.

-Weapon M