Iraqi Insurgency

Iraqi Army on Target

BAQUBAH, Iraq (April 23, 2006) — When it comes to protecting the people of Iraq from the insurgency, hitting the enemy target is the Iraqi army's aim.

With the help of the 4^th Infantry Division's 1-68 Combined Arms Battalion Military Transition Team, this unit of Iraqi army soldiers and many just like it are increasing their target accuracy.

The three-day program focuses on the fundamentals of basic rifle marksmanship, more commonly referred to by the U.S. Army as BRM.

The first two days incorporates drills, which are designed to show the Iraqi army soldiers proper body position, aiming, breathing and trigger squeeze. Staff Sgt. Chris Zuniga, of the 1-68 CAB MTT, is an instructor and range safety non-commissioned officer in charge of the range; he emphasizes the importance of proper aiming, breathing and trigger squeeze of rifle marksmanship.

On the third day of training, the Iraqi army soldiers try to shoot from the standing and kneeling positions.

"If they get into contact it is important that they know how to shoot this way because of their position at checkpoints," said Zuniga, a Corpus Christi, Texas native.

The Iraqi army soldiers where given the command to fire and each soldier squeezed off three well-aimed shots at the silhouette targets about 50-meters in front of them. When all of their AK-47s were cleared and placed on safe, the group of soldiers moved downrange to inspect their targets.

An Iraqi army sergeant moved from target to target checking the "shot groups" of his soldiers. If a soldier seemed to be having a problem with their "shot group," the instructors coached the soldiers to get them back on target.

"Making sure they stay consistent is what we look for," said Zuniga. "This training also helps to build the confidence of the Iraqi army soldiers."

Proficiency with using their weapons is essential for the protection of the people of Iraq.