Thanks for the photos! I took a quick video if anyone is interested:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ssfAsZdeRMjHcu7c9As an aside, I wanted to take the opportunity to again thank the instructors for their time, expertise, instruction, and plain old kindness.
Many times how a person is doing is hidden underneath, and you really don't know how good or bad they are feeling at the time and what impact your actions have on such a person.
I've been to two Appleseeds prior to this, but this was the first time that I finished one as previously I was so frustrated at my lack of progress that I quit. One thing I've always struggled with is self-confidence, and while other shooters are certainly helpful folks, I can't help but be self-critical and beat myself up. I noticed that the instructors were constantly reinforcing progress over perfection, and going out of their way to say things like "we aren't trying to pick on you" when my target was shown to the class as an example of when someone uses their muscles to switch targets instead of their NPOA. Again, to many this may be a minor thing but to a very self-critical person like me who was having a bad few weeks (depression, a recent break-up etc) that type of thing means the world to me.
The second day especially I got a lot of instruction, feedback, and encouragement from the instructors. Let me tell you that it really boosted my spirits and confidence and I was mentioning that to my coworkers on Monday. The second day I believe I was dehydrated and shaking while in the prone stage, and the instructors taught me to take extra breaths, and eventually suggested I sit out for a bit and recover. Multiple instructors checked up on me, offered me drinks and snacks and even a chair to replace the one that broke on me. I had the confidence boost to finish the last AQT and during the last redcoat target I wanted to improve on the 200 yds I got on day 1 and before I even got off my mat I knew I had done just that as I had improved to 3 hits at the 300 yd target. Externally I wasn't hooting and hollering but internally you better believe I was jumping for joy.
I know now that if I keep practicing, I can get that Rifleman's patch. It is important to me not only from a skill perspective but proof that despite my frustrations and lack of confidence I am a good shooter and if I keep believing in myself and keep going, I'll prove it to myself.
I may not be with these same fine folks when I do, but I'll definitely let you know when I get my badge.