We had three tasks on the schedule: verifying the zero on our weapons, close quarters marksmanship (CQM) and entry control point (ECP) live-fire.

Zeroing weapons means making sure that the bullets go where the sight is pointing. We already did that at Fort Riley, but since the weapon is little more than a heavy and unwieldy toy if it doesn't shoot where you're aiming, we double check it here before heading north. For most of us, this procedure went quickly. My own sight required a minor adjustment to put it back dead center, and I was good to go. A few people, however, had bought new sights for their weapons. While I'm perfectly happy with the sight the Army gave me, some people prefer different sights or scopes, and those have to be zeroed to the weapon, which took some time.

With that task finally complete we sat down in an air-conditioned tent to get a review of entry control point procedures. An entry-control point is the gate to any restricted area, like a FOB. Controlling access to a military installation in a combat zone is a complex endeavor. There are plenty of civilian vehicles that are permitted on Coalition installations, but because the enemy uses vehicle-borne IEDs against us, we have to be sure we're only allowing the right vehicles through the gate. The intent of yesterday's training was to practice dealing with a vehicle that attempted to get through the gate, but a vicious wind that whipped up all the sand in our area reduced visibility to a point where we had to cancel the live-fire.

Instead we went back to the tent to review the CQM plan. CQM is how we fight at close range, and it focuses on bringing the weapon up quickly and firing accurately. We do this over and over again, because it's all about muscle memory. You have to practice identifying the target, bringing up your weapon, taking it off safe, firing aimed shots, putting it back on safe, and bringing the weapon back down many times until you can do it without even thinking about it. Because most engagements in this war are up close, it's vital we be able to kill the enemy up close and personal, and this training helps prepare us to do that. Hopefully it will never be an issue, because we're not in Iraq to fight, but if the occasion arises, we have to be ready.

The CQM training was somewhat painful, both because of the blowing sand and heat and because we were bunched close enough together that every time my medic fired a round, the hot brass hit me. Fortunately, none of it burned me, while he now has a nasty burn on his neck where a spent casing managed to get into the collar of his body armor. One thing people don't realize about weapons is that they are not only dangerous because they're designed to kill people, but that they can do some real damage by accident. The Army pushes safety very hard to mitigate those risks, but accidents still happen. But the burn is a minor one, so Doc will go on just fine.

Today was the 4th of July. There are no days off over here, but we did get to do a 'fun run' this morning. A big chunk of the camp showed up to run five kilometers in the morning heat. The Army is big on running, so these events always draw a crowd. I don't know that I'd call it a fun run, but almost everyone on the team completed the run and got a t-shirt to prove it, and it was nice to have a little something different to do in the morning. The dining facility offered cake for dessert at lunch, a little birthday surprise for the U.S.'s 231st birthday. I doubt there will be fireworks tonight, but we all comfort ourselves with the knowledge we'll probably be home for the next 4th of July.

I should also note that we finally got the infamous steak and lobster for dinner. I only had the steak, but it was pretty good for mass cuisine.

READER COMMENTS

Andrew,
Thank you for your service and Happy Fourth of July - Independence Day!!!

Say hello and thank you to everyone you come across over there for us.

Keep up the great work here on your blog and maybe some day we can chat about what those in Iraq think of the conventional wisdom back here being that Saddam Hussein's government wasn't linked to terrorism. Drop me a line in the comment box on the side or in the posts at www.regimeofterror.com if you or anyone you know is interested in expressing themselves on this.

Hi Andy,

Happy 4th of July. Tommy and I had a quiet day. We went to his dad's for a cookout. Keep safe.

Love, Mum

Hey Andrew,

Happy 4th man. I'd take that lobster dinner any day of the week! I hope all is well with the rest of the team and keep up the great work.

Take care.

Hey Andrew,

Happy 4th man. I'd take that lobster dinner any day of the week! I hope all is well with the rest of the team and keep up the great work.

Take care.

Hi Andy!
Happy 4th of July!!!
I'm glad to hear they fed you well. Buzz and I celebrated with a lobster and clams. We had a quiet day....left the fireworks to the younger generation!
I can't imagine working in those sand storms. I've seen them on TV. I give you credit being able to work under those conditions as well as the heat!! God bless you!!!
Stay safe! You're in our prayers every day.
Love, Donna and Buzz