Operation Femme Fatale
On June 14th members of the ECEF joined the MCCW for a
regular training session at Camp Stasa. We were also joined by members from Oakland
including a new member. The day was planned as Bolt Action Day of more which momentarily
The ECEF arrived around 10:30 and began to suit up. We began to get concerned as we were
the only ones there. Finally around 11:15 others began to show up including 2 new members
Mark from Wayne co. and "Doc" from Oakland.
We geared up
and right at 12:00 lined up for the gear check. We followed this up with some Drill and
Ceremony. You never know when the Militia might be in a parade. Mark the new guy has 8
years prior service and Mike W. asked him some questions about hand signals which we all
went over before starting the 2 mile.
The 2 mile went well including Mike W. leading us in some cadence for the last leg. We all
made it in good time and opened the range for sighting in. "Doc" was well
equipped as was Mark. Mark was a little shy on ammo but this was a trial run for him.
"Doc" had a nice SKS that with help from BR was getting on the paper soon. After
some time "Doc" got his needed 8 out of 10 and was all smiles when he was told
he was qualified. Mark declined to shoot for score this time
but he will get it done next training.
We then broke for lunch and discussed what was next. At this time a late arrival showed up
with a nice scoped bolt action. 1 of 3 that was there. We geared up again for some fire
team movements. We were in 2, 3 man teams and HQ element. We bounded across the field and
safely acquired our objective ( Franks barn ) After returning from this maneuver we had
some discussion.
This is where Mark was a big help. He had the Ranger field guide and was very
knowledgeable about what we were doing. He is going to be quite an asset to Wayne Co.
indeed all of us.
After some more discussion we lined up for the 4 pin. Everyone did well. Scrappy and Dale
tied at 68 sec. I wont say what my times was. Need more practice.
Mike W. and Mark then opened discussion on Ambush Fields of fire
and movement. We broke into 2 teams and tried ambush movements. Mike W. BR and
"Doc" started off down the trail to get in position. The rest of us ,which
included Walt and Sherry who had arrived better late then never, gave them 5 minutes head
start. As usual the "ambushees" tried to make it difficult. It didn't quite
work. Well moving through the woods our pointman yours truly was nailed by the ambush
team.
Our 2nd man in line threw a simulated smoke grenade to cover the teams withdrawal. Mark
went over all this before we started. Again his knowledge is going to be a great help.
Cant wait for Lee and Mark to compare notes. We discussed what, where and why and then
started back. It was now that Mike W. noticed we were shy 2 people. The females ( Sherry
and Scrappy) had
vanished. And like a bunch of confused men we milled around wondering when the group was
nailed by well concealed female operatives.
After hiking back to base we had some more chow and said good bye to those
that were leaving. Around 18:30 we started to drill on "off hand" shooting
around an obstacle. This was hard getting in position and sighting. Something that should
be practiced regularly. All that did this did real well. 4 pins at different heights not
timed but as fast as you can.
During the day it was discovered that the backstop downrange was in bad shape. New
uprights are needed and this hopefully will be addressed at the next training.
We then gathered around the fire for the great fireside chats. Even Mike W. stayed until
around
22:00!!! We grilled some bovine and spuds and enjoyed what turned out to be a great
evening.
Once again it was a fun filled, Educational, and tiring day and evening of Militia
training, something that we all need to do. We missed those that weren't there and look
forward to the next one. Enjoyed the company of new members, one of which is now
qualified. So if your reading this report and have never been to a training session, come
on out and learn sweat and enjoy the great outdoors with us !!!
L.W.