Project Appleseed

Well friends, the inaugural event for 2026 in Muenster was a good one. 

24 Trailmen came out to learn about the history and heritage of our great nation, and to hone their marksmanship.  This is the largest group of participants that I've had the pleasure of working with.  The First Officer Garrett and Second Officer Tristan organized the Trailmen into two well ordered relays, and Saturday was off to a start.

There were plenty of returning participants, as well as some new faces on the line, the first hits count target demonstrated that the lessons in marksmanship had stuck with those that had been there before.

Shortly thereafter the points of instruction began, and the Trailmen began practicing using their slings.  I would be remiss if I neglected to commend Gus's knot tying ability, as several rifles didn't have an front sling attachment, and Gus fashioned attachment points for those rifles out of paracord.

Once the equipment was sorted, the first square of the day was fired.  Groups were pretty decent, especially when it is considered that this was the first time shooting for several participants. More squares were shot, and it was determined that two of the shooters were having issues with their optics, rifles were swapped and it was confirmed that indeed it was the equipment at fault, as both fired nice groups.

At lunch, LittleMissE delivered a rousing Second strike.  Lunch concluded and it was back to the firing line.  The groups were starting to come together nicely, and some mostly minor sight adjustments needed (I have a note here to ask Morgan just how minor the adjustments were).  A few more squares were fired for confirmation, and everybody was zeroed.

Day 1 came to an end shortly thereafter.

Day 2 started off with a review, and then a few exercises and practice.  The first AQT of the day showed that the students had applied the lessons learned, and some very nice targets were fired.  A second AQT was fired and the scores across the board improved, with Morgan requalifying, and Caedmon being as close to the line as you could get without crossing it.  The next event of the afternoon was put to vote, and the group decided that they would like to do the Parker's Revenge activity next.

One of the troops had to leave early, which left us with an uneven number of participants, so Gus volunteered to help out.  The team captain's took part in a US history trivia contest, with the winner getting Gus on their team.  The teams took their 5 minutes of strategizing, and everyone positioned themselves in silence to await the commencement of the volley.  Alt-F4 Phantom gave an enthusiastic and memorable fire command, echoing Major Buttrick's infamous orders at the North Bridge of Concord.  I must report that Col. Smith did not make it back to the safety of Boston on Sunday afternoon.

A final AQT was fired, and as is often the case, the results of a long weekend were beginning to show.  Then the final hits count target of the weekend was fired.  Last year Malakai cleared the target at the end of the weekend, and he repeated it again this year.  Zeke cleared the target for the second time as well.

Many thanks to the Trailmen who came out and gave the honest effort, your diligence is greatly appreciated.  My appreciation to Gus, Mrs. Gus, and Alt-F4 Phantom for making the long drive up to the range.  Thank you to Amp, LittleMissE, and Steck for helping to make this a successful event.

Quote from: ScottInTX on March 03, 2026, 11:02:02 PMOne of the troops had to leave early, which left us with an uneven number of participants, so Gus volunteered to help out.  The team captain's took part in a US history trivia contest, with the winner getting Gus on their team.  The teams took their 5 minutes of strategizing, and everyone positioned themselves in silence to await the commencement of the volley.  Alt-F4 Phantom gave an enthusiastic and memorable fire command, echoing Major Buttrick's infamous orders at the North Bridge of Concord.  I must report that Col. Smith did not make it back to the safety of Boston on Sunday afternoon.


Many thanks to the Trailmen who came out and gave the honest effort, your diligence is greatly appreciated.  My appreciation to Gus, Mrs. Gus, and Alt-F4 Phantom for making the long drive up to the range.  Thank you to Amp, LittleMissE, and Steck for helping to make this a successful event.

It was a real pleasure working with Scott, Steck, Amp, LittleMissE and all the Trail Life boys last week.  I had never seen a line run in relays before but it really was the only option given the size of the firing line and the sheer number of students. 

Yep, paracord fashioned with a square knot and a few half-hitches makes for a very workable front sling 'swivel'!

Late in the afternoon of the 2nd day, when I had a chance to be on the shorthanded boys' team, and shoot the Parker's Revenge target, I happily accepted.  And, yes, Lt Col Smith took a well-centered beating during the two minute cof.
Scott: thank you for asking me if I'd like to give that a try.

The drive up from and then back to San Antonio was/is not a bad one.  I'm going to try and get up to Muenster at least once a year. 

In Liberty,

Gus