More Training

I participated in a training class a while back that covered breaching and clearing as well as serving as an introductory to fire team reconnaissance. It was attended by folks who had done patrolling as a prerequisite. There were 10 of us in the Recon class, and another 7 learning in a patrolling class nearby.

Recon work is a lot like patrolling. The main difference is to maintain noise and light discipline, and to remain undetected.

Our "mission" was to patrol with the intent to do reconnaissance, and we were learning under the cover of night. Upon making contact with a patrol squad, our team immediately dropped into a prone position in order to remain concealed.

Each man in our squad had a sector, or zone of fire / responsibility. It was a pie-shaped area to our front open to about 45 degrees.

We were to make observations -
How many were the "enemy"?
What Weaponry?
Noticeable traits (weaker team member / etc.)?
Who was the leader?
What seemed to be their target / objective?
Other obvious / important things of note? 

After we (successfully) completed our mission, the course took us to more breaching and clearing. We were in teams of five. Not a lot of new information here from my previous class. However, some important notes:

- If your team takes fire while exiting, wounded are to be pulled back deeper into the cleared structure.

- Watching a man breach and clear with an M1 Garand is truly a beautiful sight. Even more so when he uses the bayonet.

- Shoot. Move. Communicate.
It cannot be said enough.

- Don't get caught "in the funnel."
(Inside joke - sorry, sir... uh, I mean... sorry, f***er).

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