OPERATION TRIPLE SEVEN

07 July, 2007

Camp Stasa, Michigan

Weather: Sunny, high 80's, very slight breeze, humid

Level One: White Feather, ECVM

Level Two (shooting and walk): Milsurp ECVM

RSO/Staff: Weapon M, Cpl Punishment, Bishop

Medic: Doc

Support: Chuckwagon

Present also were Pioneers: Tank, Mak9, and Razor 67

About 15 or so Patriots showed up today.

It was hot, sunny, and we had lots of good fun. We were honored to have a guest (name withheld) home on leave from Iraq come and train and share some of his experiences with us. It was an honor having him out there, and I'm not just saying that because he had a Socom16 with him, either.

After a gear check and brief introduction, some of the folks set out on their qualifying walks, accompanied by Cpl Punishment and Mak9. It was hot, but everyone finished in good time. We continued to stress the importance of re-hydrating.

Following the walk, we fell into the obligatory shooting time. Even if you do not need to qualify again, this is a good time to check your sights, scopes, and whatnot. Everyone shot fairly well, and those who need to work on their marksmanship further showed no signs of frustration. This is something that may require better ammo, a rifle upgrade, or simply plenty more time at a range, which is always a good thing, anyway. Keep trying.

It was nice to have an active duty soldier helping to coach a young militiaman on his shooting. (Photo pending approval.)

Following the shoot, which saw White Feather, ECVM, get Level One under his belt, and Milsurp, ECVM, get the Level 2 shooting out of the way, we took a class, given by Weapon M, on Area Recon Patrolling methods. 

We discussed moving tactically from one en route rally point to another, setting up a small perimeter, and fanning out patrol teams in a "flower petal" pattern, and then repeating until a large area has been covered.

We formed into two fire teams, and each team took turns sending out patrol teams. Everyone was camouflaged well, and movement was deliberate and quiet. The squad leader (Bishop) and team leaders (Cpl Punishment and Tank) did a good job of adjusting patrols according to terrain. It was a good show of flexibility.

Above: Patrol on the move.

Doc reporting patrol team findings to Bishop.

Cpl Punishment looking very smooth.

I had to leave early, but subsequent reports indicate that the remaining training time was used effectively and productively, thanks to Bishop. Some training will be neither photographed, nor reported on.

Chuckwagon provided a tasty lunch of burgers and macaroni salad, and his vehicle was also on standby as an ambulance.

It was an excellent day, with little down time and lots of interesting and valuable training taking place.

We hope to continue the patrol training in August with a session on movement to contact or raids.

Please be aware of the need to drink plenty of water (NOT Coke or Vodka or the sort) during the summer heat. Keep an eye on your friends and family, and remind the little ones to drink plenty of fluids, as well.

-Weapon M, SMVM