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The War in Iraq: Tactics
Realistic, But Weird, Weapons Training
by James Dunnigan
May 18, 2005
Discussion Board on this DLS topic
Combat experience in Iraq has changed the way the U.S. Army trains its troops to
use their rifles, machine-guns and pistols. Since two thirds of the casualties
are caused by roadside bombs and gunfire from ambushes, troops have had to learn
to use their weapons “reflexively.” This is a special kind of shooting, and the
army has usually had its hands full just teaching the troops the basics. This
was especially the case for combat support troops, who are not expected to use
their weapons often, if at all. But in Iraq, any combat support troops outside a
base quickly learn that combat is a very real possibility. Thus, by late 2003,
more elaborate and intensive weapons training became a necessity.
Trainers quickly discovered that teaching “reflexive fire” was more complex
and time consuming than expected. First, the troops, especially non-infantry,
had to get more practice on the basics. This included how to quickly clear
jammed weapons, fast reloading, and the need to clean weapons regularly and keep
them zeroed in (adjust the sights, especially the new high tech ones, so that
you hit what you believe you are aiming at.) Then you have to make sure everyone
has their basic marksmanship skills down. This is the traditional rifle range
stuff, with concentration on aiming the rifle and pulling (or squeezing) the
trigger properly. Then you get into practicing firing your weapon from
non-standard positions (sitting in a hummer, or from the back of a truck, or
from any number of other odd positions that always seem to be the norm in
combat). Another aspect of reflexive firing is switching weapons quickly, and
still getting off accurate fire. Many troops carry a pistol, as well as a rifle,
and you need to practice switching quickly from the rifle (which may be jammed,
or out of ammo), or machine-gun, to the pistol, for those situations when you
have no choice. The training also includes firing one handed, with either hand
(to reflect being wounded, or in a really awkward position). But, above all,
it’s a matter of lots of practice. Not just for the initial reflexive firing
course, but regular practice after that.
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