Saturday September 6^th 2003

Operation: Hump and Dump

My passenger and I arrived at Camp Stasa just after 11am. That’s right among my many other tasks I try to accomplish, I also provide a militia taxi service. So now there’s one less reason you have not to come out. But any way upon our arrival there was already a crowd of folks present. Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, Lenawee, Saginaw, and Ottawa counties were represented just to name a few.  I got to meet one individual with whom I have only IM’d with before.  Welcome to Mouse and also Eric from Ottawa County. Both of these new guys were equipped with AK variants both seemed to have a handle on there gear situations. Mouse had what appeared to be a Blackhawk or some other quality manufacturer’s assault vest. Eric had an interesting vest that he said was adapted from paintball equipment. While it may not have been the quality of Blackhawk gear it had large magazine pouches suitable for 30 or even 40 round AK mags.  Eric informed me that he has a Blackhawk vest on order. The particular model is the DOAV he is eagerly awaiting its arrival. I didn’t tell him this but so am I, I’ve been thinking of getting one myself and wouldn’t mind checking his out when it arrives.

Mark from Wayne county and Lt. Col. Wilks from Macomb county were getting everyone together for the 2 mile march. Since no one was going for record (level 1) the march was not timed. Also while they were on the march several hand and arm signals were demonstrated. This might be a lot for a new person to pick up, but the only way we learn is to try. From all reports it went well. At the end of the march I guess they got that pumping fist signal I think it means double time (all I know is when I’m marching it means everyone runs away from me) While everyone was out marching and sprinting (notice the guy with the ruck who just sprinted 300+ yards this would be the HUMP part HOOAH or OOYAH or OORAH!) to the finish line. I was busy on the grill line getting the traditional Militia-Q cuisine ready for consumption. Burgers and Beans (Baked beans with lots-o-garlic and onions)

After all the troops had eaten, we learned that both the new guys and one late arrival wanted to attempt shooting for record (level 1). Well Lou K. (the late arrival) shot very well he actually got 10 for 10 in a sub 6 inch group CONGRATS Lou!!! Mouse tried a few times he was hitting the plates but I guess he was having a little trouble keeping them there. I’m not sure how Eric shot but I was not informed that he made it. But there is always next time. I myself didn’t ever qualify with an AK till I upgraded to a VEPR.

With the shooting for record done we had a brief hydration break, I then made the announcement that a brief shotgun “class” would be conducted at the 15 yard line. Ever up to the challenge of an impromptu “class” I gathered my ammo and my “gage” and marched down to set up. I was informed that I was to be the instructor as Mark was leaving for the 2 mile march so I had little time to prepare. I do not consider myself the end all now it all authority on shot-gunning. Heck I’ve not yet even been skeet or trap shooting. But I have read many articles and had some experience and any thing of value that I can pass on should be.  All but one of my “students” was fairly familiar with shotguns and had fired them before. I began by explaining why in an urban setting the shotgun is really the best choice. I explained its advantages over handguns and rifles and quickly ran thru types of shells and selection. Prior to beginning the “class” I pulled the simulated wall over to obscure the tables which each had 5 pins set up. This wall set up was to make for a mock up of a hallway in a house.  We then began with a breech loading single shot then a pump action model 590 Mossberg with a full stock and pistol grip and finally a semi-auto Remington 11-47 named “Jackie” (yeah I name my guns I’m silly like that). Three or Four people there had not fired a semi-auto before.

I only had one drill for the class and that was something called “slicing the pie”. I had heard of this before as had some of my “students” but I myself had seen it demonstrated only last year when Charlie X had run the shotgun “class”.  The idea is should you be in an armed conflict you DO NOT just walk blindly around corners. If an armed intruder is in your house/business and hears you approaching it’s far too easy for him to level his weapon at the corner he thinks he

hears you approaching and fire as soon as he thinks he sees you. One should be very aware of turning a corner and take time to slowly turn the corner back slightly away from it and gradually move as you see what is around the corner then move a little more and a little more. Each time you advance you see a little more of the “pie”. Here is a word picture to help illustrate: imagine the corner is the center of a clock and you are the end of a minute hand at 6. As you advance a section at a time (7 then 8 then 9) you are able to see beyond the center of the clock (the corner). In our drill as each person sliced the pie as soon as they saw the pins on the furthest table they opened fire. Most shot fairly well Surefire reported that his 590 was shooting about a foot high this is something he is eager to understand and correct. He may be investing in a new sight for his gun as it only has a simple bead site right now.

The class concluded and the range was opened for casual plinking. About this time Hank had arrived with a load of unwashed gravel/fill for our road improvement project this would be the DUMP part of the operation. We got about 12 yards of fill on the road project. Next time out just a little more fill then we start with the gravel. If any one happens to have a grader just sitting in there driveway taking up space send us an email we could sure like to borrow it for the weekend.

Later in the day Mark called for volunteers for a 4 pin shoot. I myself had to leave early but I understand that several people ran thru the drill, many for the first time. I look forward to asking the new people what they thought of it. So ended another fun filled, free firearm instruction, fabulously fair weathered Saturday excursion in to Militia training the only thing that was missing was YOU! Remember your excuses are dwindling there is even a free taxi service available.

-F.J. LoPiccolo Jr.