Junior Birdman
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Enthusiastic Poster
BC2 After Action
<< on: February 26, 2007, 09:33:05 AM >> Quote
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Just a few minutes before I board, so let me start with a hearty CONGRATS! to Cook from Brooklyn, who, after much dogged determination, shot a Rifleman score before the Boot camp was over, and I was there to witness it! More details and photos to come! Danged work just keeps getting in the way of important stuff. JB
Government is not reason; it is not eloquence;it is force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. - George Washington
Junior Birdman
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Enthusiastic Poster
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #1 on: February 26, 2007, 03:26:58 PM >> Quote
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Just a sampling of pictures from RBC2. Remember, I was a bit busy to take pictures!
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Junior Birdman
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Enthusiastic Poster
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #2 on: February 26, 2007, 03:39:40 PM >> Quote
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Top pic a typical line shot. Notice Kool-Aid in the forground, recovering from the beating.
Next is a shooters view of the 25 meter line.
Third is "Talking Targets" under the watchful eye of the shoot boss.
Next is Ken S. contemplating just what the heck language his target is speaking.
Cool shot of a rainbow, just in case you ever wondered what was at the end of one....why, a 300 yard berm, of course!
The next is the campfire in front of the RBC Civic Center and Amphitheatre.
Great shot of the "Ornell Hilton", AKA, the "Blue Cube"
Another view of the Amphitheatre
Hot shower anyone? Only Ornell and I had the guts or lack of brains to take a shower that first night!! The shower was nice, but stepping out into the sub freezing air was rough.
Fog. When this was shot, we were supposed to be firing a full distance AQT, and we couldn't even see the 100 meter berm.
Mike Wallace
Occasional Poster
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #3 on: February 26, 2007, 03:55:19 PM >> Quote
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Quote from: Junior Birdman on February 26, 2007, 09:33:05 AM
Just a few minutes before I board, so let me start with a hearty CONGRATS! to Cook from Brooklyn, who, after much dogged determination, shot a Rifleman score before the Boot camp was over, and I was there to witness it! More details and photos to come! Danged work just keeps getting in the way of important stuff. JB
JB,
Good job Instructor Bird: and last issue first: man, 'ain't it the TRUTH'. Will look at photographs later, but right now, CONGRATULATIONS Cook from Brooklyn. Our Jewish Jeddi made it, now it comes home again: A RIFLEMAN does and will persist: Kosher determination??? LOL. At least.
Ken Grant is in hospital ICU after heart catheterization today, serious but stable condition. Two blockages, one 99% which they cleaned and put a stint into, the other 100%, and had begun to cure itself as in new veins growing to bypass the complete blockage: JB, talk about an answer to prayer.
Don't know what the full extent of his immediate limitations will be, but other than aggravating, and stopping smoking, bet if humanly possible, Ken, son Jeff and grandson Jacob will again be at an Appleseed in Toccoa, Ga in March, Lord williing. Goes home tomorrow if all well and according to plan at that time.
Will let him tell more when he's able.
Mike W.
Red Grizzly
Occasional Poster
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #4 on: February 26, 2007, 07:57:06 PM >> Quote
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Great PICS
I love the rainbow on the range
AWESOME
Mike Wallace
Occasional Poster
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #5 on: February 26, 2007, 08:36:59 PM >> Quote
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Quote from: Red Grizzly on February 26, 2007, 07:57:06 PM
Great PICS
I love the rainbow on the range
AWESOME
Glad you men had such a great time and that you took the photographs to give us a 'taste' of camp life.
The rainbow image actually shows two rainbows, it looks like. Directly above the small tree in the right foreground, above the 500 yard line, is a more faint and indistinct rainbow, if I'm seeing it properly. Rare to see and even rarer to capture light from such.
Stunning.
The W to E layout, left to right up the draw of Range 1 is at the end of both rainbows, and doing well there is indeed a pot of gold.
Makes me want to go to the one in August in Ramseur, again. What a Patriotic and working vacation time we had last year, JB. Serious fun and even more learning than I could have imagined.
Thanks.
4LIBERTY
Master Poster
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #6 on: February 26, 2007, 09:29:58 PM >> Quote
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Mike why don't you and Ken plan on being at the one in August. Judy and I are planning on being there. That would be great.
?The first maxim of a man who loves liberty, should be never to grant to rulers an atom of power that is not most clearly and indispensably necessary for the safety and well being of society?
Richard Henry Lee..
Phoenix
Occasional Poster
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #7 on: February 27, 2007, 07:23:13 AM >> Quote
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Is an August camp in North Carolina set?
fred
Poster Extraordinaire
Rifleman-instructor
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #8 on: February 27, 2007, 08:15:57 AM >> Quote
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Sunday, Aug 26 to Sunday, Sept 1 are the dates for the Ramseur RBC (may be RBC6!)
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New RWVA bumpersticker: "Ornell Fuggett Lives!
RWVA.org"
New RWVA Instructor shirt: "The beatings will continue until the marksmanship improves!"
TEXAS! #2 on the Appleseed Hit Parade!
Son of Martha
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Enthusiastic Poster
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #9 on: February 27, 2007, 08:35:14 PM >> Quote
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Whew! Finally got some rest...
What a great experience. The folks who attended had a serious, teachable attitude and were a pleasure to spend time with. As at the first Boot Camp the camaraderie and consideration for each other was gratifying, helping restore my faith in my fellow man.
THANK YOU Jr. Birdman for the sleeping bag--I ALWAYS have my rucksack packed with my UrApeon sleeping bag, so there was absolutely NO NEED for me to check this time...Imagine my surprise when I found only a poncho and liner in there, with temps in the 20s...bet I don't forget to check that again...
A HOT SHOWER, whoo-hoo! Due entirely to Ornell's thoughtfullness and willingness to do what was needed. You might spoil us, but at least we will be warm.
The RBC Civic center was a great idea--kudos to whoever put that up.
Cook from Brooklyn--always a pleasure to see you, and congrats on the rifleman score. I knew if you PERSISTED you could do it, and it was very nice to watch you whackin' the popups at 400 on Sunday.
Mike, hats off to you with all of the problems you had with the Garand(s). You handled it all with better grace than I would, worked through it, and made the grade. Good job done under difficult circumstances.
Always nice to see the ones from the first Boot Camp coming back for a second helping--and hitting popups at 300 with a 10/22 is pretty cool...Impressive, Ken.
One of our guys had done little to no shooting before coming, indeed he picked up his M1A on the way...but he had a teachable attitude and at the end of the week not only was he a rifleman, but an Instructor as well...
M1A4ME--you are a real Southron gentleman, and a heck of a shot. Looking forward to seeing you again at an Appleseed...as a fellow Instructor.
Kool-aid, I haven't laughed so hard in years, Elmo Fuggett will ALWAYS remember you...and I will too...thanks for sharing your story.
Damon, the guy, Russ, Kevin--so nice to meet/re-meet all of you. Good job at your first Appleseed Instructing, looking forward to our work in the future.
(Sigh) Just let me have a week of rest, and then let's do it all over again....
SoM
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Raise ye the stone or cleave the wood to make a path more fair or flat;
Lo, it is black already with the blood some Son of Martha spilled for that!
Not as a ladder from earth to Heaven, not as a witness to any creed,
But simple service simply given to his own kind in their common need.
M1A4ME
Will I ever be as good as I was?
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Poster Extraordinaire
Live long, shoot alot, hit the intended target.
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #10 on: February 27, 2007, 11:55:20 PM >> Quote
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A gentleman? I've been called a lot of things, but never a gentleman. My old boss used to say I was abrasive, didn't work well with others and intimidated people. Dang, I guess I'm gettin' old. It was great being there with all you guys. The training was serious, the weather was great, the instructors helpful and yet pushy to get through the exercises so we could both learn and improve. The two or three nights I made it up to the campfire saw time pass by much to quickly due to the good conversation and the friendly, yet sometimes hilarious joking and picking at each other. I think the guys that didn't stay at the range missed out on one of the better parts of the boot camp - getting to know each other in a more relaxed atmosphere where the converation could be about something other than "what did you do wrong and what do you need to work on to improve"? The longer I think/type about it the more I remember it. Good memories. If the veteran instructors need a gopher/part time junior instructor at one of the upcoming Ramseur boot camps I'd like to volunteer as it would be a good opportunity to get in some additional training/instructing for me when time permitted. A further (if possibly incorrect) impression of the instructors this time around for me was: Ornell was the hammer - he just kept driving us on, Son of Martha was the idea man - coming up with non-routine/traditional ways to help us improve and Jr. Birdman was both the rock that kept things on an even keel as well as some of the comic relief (I've been telling everyone about that monkey.) I know the guys appreciated a lot of the "part time" help as well when Hollywood, Atlas Shrug and Raiford put in time with us.
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Oh to be back in the mountains again!
Ornell Fuggett
Enthusiastic Poster
Are you a Free Person?
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #11 on: February 28, 2007, 07:40:26 AM >> Quote
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RBC2 was a wonderful experience. It exceeded all of my expectations! I could not have done it w/o SoM & Jr. Birdman. My hat is off to both of you.
A special thanks to Atlas & Fred. Your dedication to the cause is deeply appreciated.
It was my honor to meet you all. Your hard work has paid off.
9 out of 11 shooting Rifleman and 7 made instructor, with 3 more who will make instructor or wanting to help in some way!
So that everyone on the board is clear..... Elmo is my little brother
As to the shower and things like that, I was was taught that a good leader cares for the needs of his men.
I hope to see all of you soon, working hard to pass on the lessons you learned at RBC2.
War is Peace
Freedom is Slavery
Ignorance is Strength
What then is Liberty?
Atticus
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Occasional Poster
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #12 on: February 28, 2007, 09:54:33 AM >> Quote
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Thank you Fred, you envisioned a way to save America and have remained dedicated to the cause. You have inspired many others to follow your lead, I am proud to say that I am now one of those followers. The February boot camp was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in many years.
I also need to thank all the instructors, Ornell, SOM, Jr. Birdman, Double B, Atlas, Hollywood, and Raiford. The dedication, perseverance and knowledge of these volunteers should be an inspiration to all. Please forgive me if I left anyone off the above list, it was a whirlwind of a week.
I have read in Fred's columns where Appleseed/Boot camp participants have said that you meet the nicest people at an RWVA event. I believe that is a gross understatement. I am amazed at the caliber of the individuals that attended the boot camp. It will be my honor to stand beside ANY of these instructors/graduates in the future to promote and preserve the History, Traditions and Constitution of this great land.
I encourage everyone to sign-up for an Appleseed at the very least. If you are interested in instructing and promoting this great cause, I encourage you to attend the next boot camp! I cannot express the level of emotions I experienced on Friday, then, on Saturday and Sunday the thrill of helping others learn the History and Traditions of the rifileman far exceeded the emotions of Friday.
Again, thank you to Fred, all the instructors and fellow students, I will never forget the 8 days I spent in the North Carolina woods! I look forward to working with you in the future.
Russ
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Pugna pro Patria
TheGuy
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Master Poster
Ron Paul for President! dems & reps go HOME!!
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #13 on: February 28, 2007, 10:56:37 AM >> Quote
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To the artist formerly known as "Russ",
One phrase for ya;
NOT LEGAL IN CALIFORNIA
You would not belive the laughs I receved in my rear-veiw from an un-known NRA member on the ride home.
The hipppies in the Subaru didn't get it though, or else the wife had just sucked a lemon or something.
To the other 500 or so RWVA folks here who have no idea what I'm talking about, well, get your buttocks to your own RBC to make up your own inside jokes and such.
"We'd been drinking....."
"When I worked in the......"
"This is no #$^&....."
"...I'll shoot each and every one of you and not lose a single minutes worth of sleep over it...." (in common w/RBC 1)
Thanks again to the affore mentioned instructors, and thanks to every one for putting up with me. I had a terrific time, and I wouldn't the expereince for anything.
The Guy
"Boy, when we get home remind me to punch your mamma in the mouth!"
"Why's that daddy?"
"'cause there's no way your my son!"
Fear Bun-Bun (www.sluggy.com)
Sunshine and Happiness is a loaded Rifle among friends!
Never forget your emergency pants! (lesson number 674 on the Appleseed trail, learned in Evansville)
Silence
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Occasional Poster
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #14 on: February 28, 2007, 06:51:09 PM >> Quote
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It's hard to know were to start so here goes...
Thanks!
To Fred for starting this whole thing and believing in everyone. Your work is not in vain!
To the Red Hats that did the instructing at the Boot Camp Ornell Fuggett, Jr. Birdman & Son of Marthia. You guys did an outstanding job of instructing. You took a cook like me and made a rifleman out of me in less then a week. Coming into the bootcamp I did not think it would be possible. But even more importantly then your instructing on the line was your attitudes, dedication to the cause, caricature and selflessness. You really wanted to help us along and it showed. Not only did I learn a great amount but it was very enjoyable. You set a great example for the those of us that went through bootcamp that will be starting to teach. We have a tough act to follow.
To my fellow bootcamp brothers, we learned a lot together and had a great time. We now have to carry on the tradition and teach others what we have learned. It was and will be a honor to teach alongside you men. We have much work to do and I am glad there are a few others that can help share the load. I hope to see all of you again at the Appleseed shoots. I got you know some of you better then others but I had a great time with all of you. I will remember you all. Let us all remember we are all first students.
To the Appleseed attendees. It was great to see the turnout Saturday, even better to see the ones that came back on Sunday when it was raining. Thanks for showing up to learn. Without you we Red Hats have no job. Continue to tell everyone about the appleseed events and work on your rifleman skills. Do your best to work the Red Hats as hard as you can . I will see everyone at another Appleseed event!
Let us remember, Our words should be few and our good deeds many. -- Ornell Fuggett
Damon
Active Poster
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #15 on: February 28, 2007, 08:38:29 PM >> Quote
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Thanks
D
<< Last Edit: June 18, 2007, 10:14:11 PM by Damon >>
kool-aid
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Active Poster
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #16 on: March 1, 2007, 12:55:43 AM >> Quote
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Yeah well Birdman I tried to warn you that I was a short bus kind of guy.
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"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and He shall bring it to pass". psalm 37:5
"Sometimes Nothing is a really cool hand" L Jackson
Elmo Fuggett lives!
TheGuy
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Master Poster
Ron Paul for President! dems & reps go HOME!!
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #17 on: March 1, 2007, 08:21:15 AM >> Quote
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BTW, I ended up with some extra equipment.
If you are missing something (s) pm me, and I'll let you know if I have it.
I don't know who's table that was, but it was just a bit to big for me to take, so it got left.
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Fear Bun-Bun (www.sluggy.com)
Sunshine and Happiness is a loaded Rifle among friends!
Never forget your emergency pants! (lesson number 674 on the Appleseed trail, learned in Evansville)
M1A4ME
Will I ever be as good as I was?
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Poster Extraordinaire
Live long, shoot alot, hit the intended target.
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #18 on: March 1, 2007, 09:38:50 PM >> Quote
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While I think of it (my mind, and body are still trying to recover from last week and I'm a little slower than usual) I wanted to relate some ammo observations.
1. I used corrosive S&B 7.62X51 all week and it shot great, no issues with accuracy or going bang
2. One of the guys was using Indian 7.62X51, it worked well enough and shot well enough that he shot Rifleman (what I mean here is it must have been pretty consistent over the course of the week)
3. One of the guys was using remanufactured 7.62X51 (from Georgia Arms I think). It was mostly LC brass. I found one case blown out bad enough it was almost a case head separation. He also had a failure to fire (bolt never went into battery)and when he attempted to extract the round the bullet had lodged in the rifling and pulled out of the case. Subsequent checking of several rounds led to the statement that about 15% of it was over the recommended/maximum OAL. He also fired Rifleman even with ammo that was a problem.
4. I don't recall any ammo issues with the M1's and ammo (I used Greek surplus the one day I used my M1 and one fellow used Greek all week and shot Rifleman with it)
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Oh to be back in the mountains again!
M1A4ME
Will I ever be as good as I was?
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Poster Extraordinaire
Live long, shoot alot, hit the intended target.
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #19 on: March 2, 2007, 06:21:21 AM >> Quote
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A limited (only what I saw/heard) report on rifle issues:
1. A couple of AR's were on the line and I didn't here of issues with either one
2. one of the AR's shot with a .22 conversion kit in it part of the week and there weren't any issues with it either
3. M1A's were the most prominent on the line. During ball and dummy I think my partner managed to pop my op rod out of the rail (unfamiliar with M1A's) and the rifle went off but did not eject, just jammed the op rod back over top of the bolt roller. That was the only issue I had during the week (and the only time my rifle has ever done this). Two other M1A's (new ones) had issues. One kept popping the operating rod out of the rail and I'm not sure of the problem(s) with the other one. I heard they tried to switch op. rods and the op. rod from the second rifle would not fit in the rail of the rifle that was loosing it's op rod.
4. The M1's had some issues as well. The first issue was what I believe was a failure to feed the 3rd round (this happened repeatedly). Some parts were replaced prior to the rifle being retired when the problem continued. A second M1 was put on the line for use and it began to have issues as well (I don't remember what those were but Jr. Birdman first borrowed and then bought my spare op. rod spring but this did solve the problem). The shooter eventually used a 3rd M1 (Ornell's rifle worked, what do you know) without issues. Ornell was even kind enough to clean it during the morning rifle cleaning demonstration Sunday of the Appleseed to the shooter could again fire the rifle that afternoon. Ornell, what a guy! I think he just likes cleaning rifles.
5. There were a couple 10/22's on the line as well and I did not hear of any issues with them.
6. There were some other rifles as well but none were really in use for days of shooting, they just fired a few rounds and got put away.
Guys, if I got any of this wrong, or you want to add to it, please do so.
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Oh to be back in the mountains again!
Damon
Active Poster
Offline
Posts: 129
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #20 on: March 2, 2007, 08:37:31 AM >> Quote
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Ammo: I shot '79 Pak 7.62 x 51 all week in my M1a without any major issues. It seemed accurate and was quite reliable. I had only one failure to feed (the case had a large dent in it).
Rifles: The FAL's that were on the line seemed to function well, appart from initial sight adjustment issues at 25m.
TheGuy
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Master Poster
Ron Paul for President! dems & reps go HOME!!
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #21 on: March 2, 2007, 10:47:27 AM >> Quote
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I had to take 2 M1A's and make one. One had the op-rod poping out, the other had the bolt striking the bridge so low it was sticking up. Springfeild is getting a letter and a rifle in the mail soon.
I used up the last of the silver bear, no problems. Used packi the rest of the time, no problems.
If there are any hidden issues, an Appleseed will bring them right out in front of the whole world to see.
Fear Bun-Bun (www.sluggy.com)
Sunshine and Happiness is a loaded Rifle among friends!
Never forget your emergency pants! (lesson number 674 on the Appleseed trail, learned in Evansville)
7.62BBQ
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Newbie
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #22 on: March 2, 2007, 01:52:56 PM >> Quote
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I had way too much fun last week at the Bootcamp and Appleseed. I'm still sore but not complaining! I would like to thank Fred, Ornell, Son of Martha, Jr. Birdman and all my fellow shooters who attended the bootcamp. Great instruction all week long. I had the opportunity to meet guys from all over this great country of ours. It was a great pleasure shooting all week long with Riflemen of such great caliber. I learned a lot from everyone. This experience will now let me help others become Rifleman. I think I was the only one who attended the bootcamp that lived close enough to drive home everyday. Of course I had to work every night so camping out at the RWVA range was not an option. A big thanks to the instructors for letting me leave a little early on the two days I had to get to work before the days shooting was complete. Believe me I did not want to go to work. A day at the range is a day in heaven, but ammo ain't free...so of to work I went. This was my 3rd Appleseed I attended. I went to both Appleseeds in Ramseur last year. I shot my very first Rifleman score at the first Appleseed last February and I was hooked. I had read Fred's guide to becoming a Rifleman but I needed to get some instruction from the guru himself. Proper use of a sling, NPOA, firing the shots by the numbers(I know them by heart now). There is something very gratifying about being able to take a rack grade rifle and surplus ammo and hit a target out to 500 yards.
The equipment that I used on the shooting line did not let me down. I used my CMP Service Grade M1 that I got about 6 years ago and had never shot before(I know, shame on me). I thought it would be cool to make the Rifleman score with the rifle that freed Europe and defeated Japan. Plus I have a small mountain of surplus Danish 30-06 that I need to blast. I put about 900 rounds through my M1 with out a hitch. Not one failure to feed, fire, or eject. I luv my M1!! I had heard that a right handed shooter should load his enblock clips so that the rounds are on the right of the clip(for ease of loading into the rifle). I did this for the first couple of days, but fatigue set in and I didn't want to unload the rest of my ammo and then reload it into the clips the 'right' way. The ammo came loaded in enblocks and in cloth bandoleers but all of the ammo was loaded with the rounds on the left.
A little about the Appleseed on Sat., and Sun. A fantastic turn out. I also saw some familiar faces from past Appleseeds. It was nice seeing fathers, sons, daughters all shooting and improving in the short time we had to teach them. Here is one example...I got to see a father shoot his M1 and his daughter shooting an AR-15. She was having a hard time in the standing position, but when we went to the sitting phase her groups shrank(all on target). That was definitely putting a smile on my face. It showed her the importance of a solid shooting position.
Now to humble my fellow RED HATS...There was a gentleman who shot a score of 241 on the QADAQT on Saturday. This beats all scores from my fellow Riflemen who attended bootcamp all week long(to the best of my knowledge). He did it on his first try. Great shooting Gary!! I would walk down to see the 'talking targets' and came to his every time and just shrugged my shoulders. He inspires me to try even harder to better my Rifleman skills.
I look forward to many more Appleseeds with my new Rifleman brothers. April 19, 1775. Where marksmanship met history, and the tradition began...
Kevin Thompson-Rifleman by day/BBQ cook by night
<< Last Edit: March 2, 2007, 01:58:37 PM by 7.62BBQ >>
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1 2 3 4a 4b 5 BANG 6
Atlas Shrug
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Master Poster
Who is John Galt?
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #23 on: March 2, 2007, 03:06:51 PM >> Quote
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Quote from: 7.62BBQ on March 2, 2007, 01:52:56 PM
....
Now to humble my fellow RED HATS...There was a gentleman who shot a score of 241 on the QADAQT on Saturday. This beats all scores from my fellow Riflemen who attended bootcamp all week long(to the best of my knowledge). He did it on his first try. Great shooting Gary!! I would walk down to see the 'talking targets' and came to his every time and just shrugged my shoulders. He inspires me to try even harder to better my Rifleman skills.
I look forward to many more Appleseeds with my new Rifleman brothers. April 19, 1775. Where marksmanship met history, and the tradition began...
Kevin Thompson-Rifleman by day/BBQ cook by night
First, good post Kevin! Welcome to the forum.
As to the humbling - it's not necessary. I saw Garry in one of the pictures posted and was surprised to see him there. He's a semi-regular for the last several years at RWVA and other local HP type events, Garand matches, etc., so he's an experienced shooter and competes regularly. I would add that he should be trying to become an instructor IMHO, but I've not talked to him about it. He may just want to play the game, I'm not sure.
Anyway, consider him a sleeper and cut yourself some slack.
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Keep your powder dry,
Atlas Shrug
"Ordnance trumps Ordinance" (Who said this, besides me on 1/24/2007??)
vmi88
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Active Poster
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #24 on: March 2, 2007, 07:48:04 PM >> Quote
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Okay. Finally have time to jump in on the AAR after a long work week making up for going to boot camp.
First, and most important were not the skills I sharpened during BC but the people, now friends, that I met there. Quite a diverse group of men and all top notch. I wish I could have enjoyed the campfire but the only way I could take a week off is if I did some work at the hotel each night.
As to the BC itself, for only the second time having run such an event, it went exceedingly well. The range facilities are superb and simply being able to shoot there for a week easily justifies the BC fees. A heartfelt thanks goes to our instructors for everything they did to help us reach our goals.
My time at BC was plagued with rifle issues until Ornell came through with a smoothly functioning M1 with a beautiful RWVA engraved stock. Hope I didn't ding it up too bad. Kinda felt like I was taking his daughter out on a date. My M1, which I had taken out the weekend before and ran 5 or 6 clips through with Colonial Shooter, quickly began to give me problems. Feeding problems were constant, most particularly the 3rd round failing to chamber or the bolt smashing into the top of the round rather than chambering it. Despite the best efforts of our assembled crew, the rifle remained down for the remainder of the BC. JR. Birdman was kind enough to let me borrow his M1 which quickly adopted the failure to feed the third round and had to be sidelined. As stated, Ornell graciously, and somewhat bravely considering my track record, allowed me to use his rifle and finish out the week in style. As someone stated previously, BC is excellent at identifying equipment issues.
My skills building was, quite obviously, distracted by the constant feeding problems but I managed to play catch up and was able to make the grade before the weekend closed. Issues I discovered were:
I quickly developed a flinch/blink which really didn't go away until half way through the week and I think, only as a result of becoming acclimated to the noise/recoil. My guess is that if I were to lay off shooting the rifle for any appreciable time, it might come back. Even without the ball and dummy drill, I knew I was flinching because I couldn't call the shots and I have shot pistols enough to know what that is.
Also, while I knew about NPOA, I learned how truly important is to accuracy in rifle. SOM's npoa drill of shooting at a blank sheet helped show me that, despite a small group size, I was still muscling the shots. I used the blank sheet when teaching pistol but for the purposes of showing the students to focus on the front sight. By the end of the week, I found that when you get your npoa in a stable position, you can really reach out and touch somebody, as the pop up zombies showed.
The time monkey, maybe we should call it something else in deference to Jr. Bird, was my companion for the week. I flew through the rapid stages so that despite malfunctions, I still might be able to come in under time. All I needed to get through them was about an hour of position transition and cadence work and a rifle that allowed me to concentrate on my job. I had consistently small group sizes in prone slow firing but I needed to be able to transition into position and develop a cadence to bring together the rapid strings. I knew this is what I needed to do and even said so the night before. Thanks for the help that hour Ornell, it all came together.
As to the second part of bootcamp, that being the development of instructors, I think it went well. Having been exposed to a number of different styles of instruction, , I think we were able to choose what worked well for us and identify what will not work for anybody. The first day of the appleseed started with the shocking revelation that we were not responsible just for the demonstrations practiced the previous day, but the entire appleseed event. I think the newly minted red hats stepped up, as uncomfortable as they might be, and really showed what they had learned during the previous week.
And to the future. I think that the lessons learned at this bootcamp will help to make the next one even better. I think the discussion concerning the program of instruction is best had now, while BC is fresh in our minds and I look forward to the instructor's forum. We have a great foundation to build on and the program will get better after each event.
Anybody up for a master's boot camp? Might be a really neat experience as well.
I look forward to future appleseeds and BCs. I can't think of a better group of men to have on either side of me on the firing line and I look forward to shooting with you again.
Mike
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"The Institute will be heard from today." Major General T.J. Jackson at the Battle of Chancellorsville, May 1863
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Ornell Fuggett
Enthusiastic Poster
Are you a Free Person?
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #25 on: March 5, 2007, 06:41:10 AM >> Quote
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Attention all RBC2 grads. Please PM me with your name and forum "handle" so that I can ensure you have proper access to relevent info. Thanks!
War is Peace
Freedom is Slavery
Ignorance is Strength
What then is Liberty?
7.62BBQ
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Newbie
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #26 on: March 6, 2007, 10:21:21 PM >> Quote
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Ornell,
I am unable to PM you or anyone on this forum(I tried). So my name is Kevin Thompson, handle on this forum is 7.62BBQ. Proud graduate of RBC2
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1 2 3 4a 4b 5 BANG 6
kool-aid
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Active Poster
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #27 on: March 10, 2007, 06:05:46 PM >> Quote
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Kool Aid arrived home safe and sound March 10 2007 at 1500 PST/
Will post more once the roaring in my ears lets up a little: Lessons Learned
35 days
16 States
5285.1 Miles
Furthest North: Rochester NY
Furthest South: Austin Texas
Futhest East: NYC NY
OOOOOOOOO Raaaaaaaahhhhhhhh
Thank you all and God bless you
"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and He shall bring it to pass". psalm 37:5
"Sometimes Nothing is a really cool hand" L Jackson
Elmo Fuggett lives!
Damon
Active Poster
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #28 on: March 10, 2007, 06:19:35 PM >> Quote
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Wow!!!
I'm glad you made it home safe and sound.
D
TheGuy
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Master Poster
Ron Paul for President! dems & reps go HOME!!
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #29 on: March 10, 2007, 07:37:56 PM >> Quote
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And the most miles traveled on company time in a company truck to shoot for a MONTH is......Kool-aid!
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Fear Bun-Bun (www.sluggy.com)
Sunshine and Happiness is a loaded Rifle among friends!
Never forget your emergency pants! (lesson number 674 on the Appleseed trail, learned in Evansville)
kool-aid
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Active Poster
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #30 on: March 10, 2007, 11:32:14 PM >> Quote
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Back home finally. I am still fried so here are a few chestnuts to chew on till I regain what few wits I may have.
So I get it coming and going: those I meet on the trip find it necessary to question my sanity for living here in California. Those who are here think I am out of my mind for liking it elsewhere and/or think that I have been off consorting with madmen. Who's to know? I LOVED Texas and came home with a 'God Bless Texas' t-shirt and my family is ready to send me to a deprogrammer. Well not really but they sure do think I am out of my mind. Could the recessive redneck gene be expressing itself?
I would say be prepared to have to 'splain yourself if you have unenlighted folks in your life. Hone your message BEFORE you need to whip it out on someone who is a slumbering son (or daughter) of liberty. Maybe they drank from the wrong Kool Aid earlier in their life. Always remember that (fill in the blank of your personal Deity) gave man free will. Including the ability to choose again.
Having to go toe to toe with some of my bright articulate, albeit misguided, friends has only sharpened my own resolve to not fall into some rote patter about what I did on my business trip. It is fantastically easy to be strong on your message when you are among your brethren.
Unfortunately that is not where the bailing is needed the most. Better to take the fruits of fellowship out to those who need it most. As individuals we fall short of who we are as a collective. The collective doesn't need to be there for its benefit to be brought to bear out in the world where the real work is done.
Everyone has a different approach to getting the word out. Not everyone is going to be able to hear it from me. So be it. That is why G d made us all different.
(Scraping sound of soap box being put away)
Things I learned on this trip (some of it at RBC)
Never have all your ID/Credentials in one place. Have a back up put in your gear somewhere that is safe. Lost the wallet in NYC and It might have been bad except I had my passport for the CMP stashed. Wish I had had an ATM and a Credit card with it too.
Gear is not a substitute for practice. If you have to choose between that bitchin' gun or something more humble and enough time/ammo to practice more- well you can guess the answer.
Order your Rifleman packet from Fred WAY early and practice before you show up. Mr. Ball and Dummy is our friend.
If you have middle aged eyes think about an eye exam before you come to RBC because eyestrain is gonna hurt if you find out you need glasses or different glasses by Wednesday. It took a week for the headache to go away for me. Found out the reading glasses were what I should have been using all along.
Bring more ammo than you think you are going to need. I mean WAY more.
Memorize some apropos poetry to dazzle your new brothers with around the fire of an evening.
Collect names and addresses early in the week. By Sunday you might have other things on your mind.
Choose one rifle (type) and stick with it for the duration. Don't be seduced by all the ordinance in your gun safe that wants to come with you. Just tell them their time will come. However a back up piece (of the same type) pays homage to Mr. Murphy.
Aspirin is our friend. Caffeine is divine. But a sense of humor will trump them both when it gets gnarly.
When the wall comes (and it will at RBC as it will in life) welcome it as the opportunity it is. I seem to make my greatest progress when that time comes and I just go a teensy little bit further.
Cleaning supplies: good idea.
Never play Dominos for money with a guy named 'doc' (Don't ask).
Oh and when you get back to the west coast and drive right to the beach to jump in the ocean TAKE OFF YOUR GLASSES BEFORE YOU DIVE IN!
The best part of taking a trip is finally making it home safe.
CAN I GET AN AMEN?
My thanks go out to each and every. I will be seeing you in the funny pages. And if all goes as schemed RBC III.
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"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and He shall bring it to pass". psalm 37:5
"Sometimes Nothing is a really cool hand" L Jackson
Elmo Fuggett lives!
TheGuy
RevWarVetAssoc Instructor
Master Poster
Ron Paul for President! dems & reps go HOME!!
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #31 on: March 11, 2007, 01:00:45 AM >> Quote
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AMEN!
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Fear Bun-Bun (www.sluggy.com)
Sunshine and Happiness is a loaded Rifle among friends!
Never forget your emergency pants! (lesson number 674 on the Appleseed trail, learned in Evansville)
Mike Wallace
Occasional Poster
Re: BC2 After Action
<< Reply #32 on: April 2, 2007, 07:28:24 PM >> Quote
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Quote from: 4LIBERTY on February 26, 2007, 09:29:58 PM
Mike why don't you and Ken plan on being at the one in August. Judy and I are planning on being there. That would be great.
Maybe is best I can say for now. Will forward your post to him as well. He just got out of hospital with a stent for a severe blockage in his heart and could have had two but God in His infinite wisdom, had new veins growing AROUND the other blockage and the Doc's decided all was well enough to let it go: 98% blockage. But then you & Judy know about how He works in times of need.
It would be great. He's planned to be at Toccoa #2, but this heart situation and pulled back muscles kept him from thinking serously about it and for now, he's done exactly what is needed.
Due to my Mom's fragile health, I could only make one day at Toccoa this trip. Son is also in prison and between the two, it difficult to plan, but for now, it is necessary. The best I can say right now, is, Lord willing, we will. I can't even plan that well for me much less for Ken's situations's but I know well he said he'd prefer to be back for the next one in Ramseur. It'd be great to see you & your bride: both of you were a support and help in RBC #1 last August/Sept. 06 AD.
The first important thing was recommending to a friend and his son, to be there and they were, a father-son team. He took me to task Saturday when we were cleaning & packing up to leave, for not giving him enough lead time to plan his plane flights and I promised to let him know earlier for this November in Toccoa again: they're from Greenville, SC, closer to Toccoa than me, LOL and home is in mid Ga. they too want to be at another but due to his work, it'd be difficult for him to arrange a 9 day boot camp. Will inform him though.
Second thing was the comraderie, second to none. Met and shot next to Mr. Baker, a Vietnam vet, combat vet and he's a crack shot: man, groups like that could make him a Rifleman many times over. I learned some things about cadence and timing from him I need some time to incorporate. An honor to be part of this, as you well know.
Third, our new Instructor was Damon, and he had mucho energy and enthusiasm to teach and not a lot of patience which when regarding timed events, keeps one on track, as with the necessary Rifleman's cadence, so ofter spoken of & demo'd by Fred and SoM, Ornelle, Jr. Birdman and others.
Last but not least, the Patriot story of Lexington/Concord Battle Road on April 19, 1775 was excellent. I never tire of hearing stirring and passionate reviews of men and events then. We own a debt we can never repay but can keep the fire of freedom alive in our time through our own persistence and efforts for bringing others as well as our own families into this Appleseed project.
Good to hear from you. Mom was in hospital for several days in early March and I'm just now getting back to reading the posts needed. Thanks again.
Mike W.
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Now that brings back some memories....
Was flashing through the RBC AARs, and lo and behold, here was this Old Skool flash.
Thanks Old Dog!!
That was a superlative week.
Looks like the AAR for the first ever RBC (8-06) is missing. Would be very nice if someone stumbles across it to move it here...
It's cool to see the names of folks in the AAR's from months/years gone by showing up as Instructors and Shoot Boss' today...and seeing their students speak so highly of them.
SoM
Reading that reminds me of Sproingfield's (spelling intentional) quality control used to be lacking.
Sure makes me glad my M14 clone isn't one of theirs. Fed-Ord, early, all USGI, other than the receiver.
Of course, I still prefer my Winchester (M1).
Yup, nice to see that one, and how much folks have changed since then.
Ah those were good days.
Yup, and we need to somewhat bring them back.
Man.....
Seems like FOREVER ago.
Nice to see it again.