M4 Lessons Learned

Hey Gang,

Here is the update-  last week I went to qualify with my M4 rifle and M9 hand gun. Well- look at my face- the M4 won the battle. It was a long 18 hour day in my 35 pound IOTV gear- we started off with zeroing our rifle at one reange and then we moved on to the live fire range to qualify and then we came back for the evening laser night fire qualification with our NVG- night vision goggles. Well- long story short- my bulletproof vest doesnt fit. I couldnt secure my rifle in my shoulder and hold the grip correctly- so one of the range officers told me then I should choose the grip. Well- I did just that. But that was after I already zeroed. Then we moved to the live fir range... with my two 20 round magazine- I assumed the prone position and tried to steady my rifle- well- you can see my result... I actually took for hits to my face. Yeah four! So did it hurt? Yes... the problem was simple- I knew I was getting hit (lol) but I thought I was protected with  my gear- well partial. My TARGET transition/progressive $600 glasses took incredible hits- which amazing left marks but didt CRACK them. My nose and my check took the rest. I only stopped when I felt the blood running down my face. Good news- didnt break anything- my black eye today is impressive though. I think I might take up boxing after this- as I might have a tough jar as well! lol Well- if you are wondering if I fixed my vest issue yet...no- its a whole lot of paperwork I have been told- but have no fear- I will not leave this base without the correct sized vest. Well this happened last wednesday- and tomorrow the 19th I head to the range again to familiarize fire with the 4 machine gun weapons they have here... YEAH!. They are mounted on a HUMVEE- so I wont have to worry about holding them and breaking my face. Well- I hope this finds you all well-
I have to laugh- the class that came behind us already as 1/4 of their class on profile from twisted angles and pulled hamstrings on the combat life safer course, we had a girl that almost broke her arm on the Humvee roll over exercise, my eye from the weapons quals, antoher Senior Chief broke his posterior tibia doing road marches (he was in a class infront of us)... this is no panzy wanzy training- only real warriors apply- lol.  We think its danergous here! lol KTG+