Story and photo by Melissa Buckley
GUIDON staff

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The Basic Combat Training Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion 48th Infantry Regiment are in White Phase — often referred to as the rifleman phase, qualification phase or shoot phase.

For now, their training is focused on how to identify, track, target and effectively engage targets with a rifle.

In preparation for the range on Monday, the Soldiers started learning about Basic Rifle Marksmanship in class rooms.

On Tuesday, they continued with a grouping (getting all shots within a quarter-sized circle) and zero (aim where the bullets go) exercise at the Engagement Skills Trainer.

“The EST is a fully functional simulation replicating the sights, sounds, and feel of actually firing a weapon on the range without actually firing live rounds. Most importantly, it affords Soldiers the opportunity to receive instant feedback on their performance,” said Lt. Col. Erik Anderson, 1-48th Inf. Bn. commander.

Over the next three days, Soldiers refined their marksmanship skills.

“This is a critical training period as it sets the foundation and builds confidence that what a Soldier aims at he/she can hit. Weapons qualification is one of the single most stressful events in Basic Combat Training — Soldiers must qualify on their individual weapon to graduate,” Anderson said.

Staff Sgt. Nicola Morris, Co. C, 1-48th Inf. Bn. drill sergeant said White Phase is a critical time for her Soldiers.

“It’s important that they have these fundamentals because if a Soldier can’t shoot they can’t go to war,” Morris said. “A lot of Soldiers have problems understanding the four fundamentals — steady position, proper sight alignment, breathing and trigger squeeze. Once they get that, they will be able to qualify with their weapon.”

For Pvt. Carli Yingling, Co. C, 1-48th Inf. Bn., her time on the range was her first time ever pulling the trigger of a weapon.

“I though I wasn’t going to qualify, but I did really good. I was really excited. Especially, when first sergeant turned around from my target and smiled,” Yingling said. “It’s all about the four fundamentals, nothing else matters.”

On Saturday, Company C ended their week by continuing their Modern Army Combatives training.

Here is what the Soldiers had to say about week four:

Douglas

Pvt. Tayler Douglas, 18, Los Angeles, Calif.
MOS: 68P Radiology Specialist

Do you like combatives: “I like it a lot, because it’s a stress reliever.”

How do you like Basic Rifle Marksmanship: “I zeroed in EST. It was easy. When we got to the range the first time I got a not go. It was horrible.”

What do you do with your free time: “When I do get extra time I read the Bible and write letters. It’s nice to lay down and not get yelled at for laying down.”

 

 

Pvt. Andrew Jobes, 18, Eminence, Ind.
MOS: 13D  Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist

Do you like combatives: “I like combatives. I did mixed martial arts before I came here, it feels like this is a lot of review.”

How do you like Basic Rifle Marksmanship: “It took me no time to zero in. It was a lot of fun. It’s different than I though it would be, but I like it. I have never shot an M16 before.”

What do you do with your free time: “Take a shower and write letters. I bought a Bible at the PX. It’s good to read.”

 

Pvt. Darwin Rivera, 21, Puerto Rico
MOS: 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic

Do you like combatives: “It’s good. I like the new styles and techniques.”

How do you like Basic Rifle Marksmanship: “I like this, it’s fun. I just tried my best, applied the fundamentals and did really good. I’ve never shot a gun before. I liked the simulator, that helped me.”

 What do you do with your free time: “I clean and square away my locker. Talk to the guys, listen to them and try so speak English. I write letters to my sister because she works on Sundays and I can’t call her.”

 

 

Pvt. Jessica Vanheel, 22, Waite Park, Minn.
MOS: 36B Financial Management Technician

Do you like combatives: “It’s hard. I think it would be hard if I had to fight somebody bigger than me. It’s so physical. I’ve never been in a fight before, so it’s a little strange.”  

How do you like Basic Rifle Marksmanship: “I love it. I love all guns and weapons. I’ve always loved shooting. I wasn’t worried. I knew I had this. My whole life I’ve shot right handed, but we took a test and Drill Sgt. Morris said I’m actually supposed to shoot left handed. It helped me a lot. I am an even better shot now.”

What do you do with your free time: “Sleep. Talk. Write letters.”