ECRC * Week 1 Day 1-7

Majority of the people here flew in on a Saturday. Saturday we were given the opportunity to settle in a little bit, and Sunday we had a small brief about what was expected of us throughout this training period. The brief lasted about three-four hours and we were cut loose for the day.



Day 1 - Processing Day

Our first day started with processing, we were issued gear (three seabags), sleep system, and sent back to the barracks. The three seabags consisted of gear such as IBA, Kevlar helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, beanie cap, winter boots, summer boots, long johns, underwear, bra's, first aid kit, and much much more.



*Our barracks is an open bay building with roughly 30 bunk bed style racks in them. Each bunk bed has 2 wall lockers and 2 foot lockers (one for each). They are equipped to accommodate 60 people (on one side), and 60 people on the adjacent side. The two buildings are connected by the latrine (head). The latrine offers 5 shower heads that are in open bay style, 5 toilets separated by stalls (amazingly enough), 3 washers, 3 dryers, and 5 sinks. The building that I am in is for 0-4 and below, and E-8 and below females. E-9 and O-5 and above females are berthed in individual spaces.


Soon after gear issue we were informed on weapon safety and nomenclature for our weapons. We also had to sign paperwork informing us that once we were issued this weapon it was our responsibility to maintain accountability at all times. In my platoon (roughly 40 personell) were all issued an M16, and 10 of us (including myself) were also issued an m9. Out of the 10 people issued the M16, only 5 of us will be taking the m16 and the m9 into theatre (including myself). The weapons that we are taking into theatre are called "go to war weapons" and the others are considered "loaner" weapons. These weapons are ours until we return them after our deployment.

*For the people that were issued both weapons, they are expected to qualify in both. UNLESS the second weapon is not a go to war weapon. If you recieved a loaner M16 you weren't expected to qualify on the M16. Whether you were qualifying or not, everyone is expected to shoot (except for the Chaplain).

Day 2 - M16

The day started with an early chow time at the DFAC (galley). We were individually assigned to a simulator that assisted us in Zeroing in our M16a2 assault rifle. The rifle was connected to a series of wires that was connected to the computer. The computer was connected to the screen that had targets on them. The rifle would simulate a shot on the screen that you were aiming at, and this in turn showed you where you were aiming was at. The objective was to create a tight grouping with three rounds.

Day 3 - M16 and M9 Range

When we left camp McCrady we headed for the range at Fort Jackson, the drive was about 40 minutes and it was still dark outside when we arrived. The purpose of being at this range was to Zero in your rifle. Each individuals rifle was zero'd differently. This allowed us to continuously shoot 3 rounds at a time to maintain a consistent grouping.

Each person was expected to Zero there rifle in. Soon after the M16 shoot we cleaned our weapons and then qualified on the M9. After the qualification we cleaned our M9's. In between shoots classes were given to show us how to operate a HUMV, use our gas masks, and wear MOP gear.

Day-4 M16 -LOMAH

My platoon was the first ones to be awake, we went to the range and shot first so that we could monitor the next round of shooters. The LOMAH (Location of Misses and Hits) range was used to show the shooter where he was shooting, so that if he was too low or too high over the target he could make minor adjustments. The targets were placed at 75/150/300 meters. Each shooter was granted 9 clips for 3 sets of fire. The course was in three different positions; the kneeling position, prone supported, and prone unsupported. We received a hot lunch (special occasion??!) and cleaned our weapons after shooting. We left the LOMAH range around 1700 and headed over to another range to qualify in low-light/night fire shooting. Once the sun started to go down each person shot their M16 and M9.

Day 5 - M9 PWC and M16

The M9'ers were sent to a different range to qualify on the practical weapons course (pwc). This course consists of running from one barrier to another. When arriving to the barrier you jump into the prone position and shoot from behind the barrier, or jump into the kneeling position and shoot from behind the barrier. This course had a three minute time limit, and was done in full battle rattle (all IBA).

The M16'ers went to a range that was used to shoot at targets that popped up for 3-4 seconds. The distances were set at 50/100/150/200/250/300 meters. The first two courses of fire were slick (no IBA), and the third course had IBA. This was our pre-qual day to help us see where we are at for the actual qualification day.

In between the shoots we were sent to two classes. One class was heavy weapons, where we learned about nomenclature for the MARK 19 and SAW. The second class was a reaction shoot. We shot blank rounds into our targets to test our reaction time (switching safety to off on and bringing your weapon up with the quickness).

Day 6 - Death by powerpoint

Two classes were given today First Aid (combat lifesaver techniques), radio communications and basic map plotting (land navigation).

Day 7- LIBERTY CALL LIBERTY CALL :)