This round of marksmanship training at Ft. Carson is over.  I wanted to add a few thoughts and facts in an after action report of my own.

First, I consider it a privilege to be allowed to assist in improving the shooting skills of our troops.  I've been doing this for a few years and occasionally get feedback from someone who's been through the training and may have even put it to use.  I also get to help train soldiers who've previously been deployed and are just now receiving the training.  Everyone I've spoken with has had positive things to say about the training.  If you haven't seen it, there's a comment posted to the Day 4 article by one of the students.

I can say that the Army Marksmanship Unit trainers for these classes have been very dedicated to providing the training that was needed. They managed to keep things going when obstacles arose and provided not just marksmanship training but tactical input only available from those that have been there and done that.  I've attempted to be careful that the information I've published is not too detailed.

My fellow Civilian Marksmanship Program trainers each brought varied backgrounds and abilities to the training.  Each was an accomplished shooter and capable of imparting his knowledge to the students.  All were familiar with the M14 rifle from prior service, competitive shooting or both and were able to explain how the weapon operated and how to maintain and get the most out of it. 

Steve Goff, Marksmanship Coordinator, provided a few facts about the CMP's,  training involvement.

There are currently 94 CMP Military Rifle Instructors.  The program began in 2005 and has provided training for 2658 students in 72 classes at 13 military bases during 376 training days, approximately 12,000 man hours.   Active Duty Army and Navy, Army National Guard as well as Army and Navy Reserve Officers, Warrant Officers, NCOs, Drill Sergeants and Enlisted Soldiers, both male and female, have received training.  These students have returned to their units and shared the marksmanship techniques with others.  The train the trainer approach has had far reaching results to thousands of military personnel in all branches of the service. 

On the lighter side, while I'm accustomed to Apache helicopters flying nearby, I've never worked a range with M203s firing high explosive rounds next door, I've never seen the Air Force Thunderbirds fly over,must have had something to do with the Air Force Acadamey's graduation, and I've never seen grazing antelope have to be herded off of the range until now.

I expected that this would be the final article concerning the training but I've been speaking with the people that actually build the M14Enhanced Battle Rifle and they've got some very interesting information about this weapon system.  I'll publish another article with that information when I can get it all together.