Page 29 - A Soldiers Exposition

Then we were at the range: A bit of teaching-I mean training, and we were allowed to shoot-I mean fire
our guns–I mean weapons. Wow, army talk can get confusing. “This is my weapon, and this is my gun
…” You had to be there to understand weapon vs. gun. I shall continue.

In 1967 the Army used an M-14 rifle that weighed a ton and kicked like a mule. I confess I have no idea
how heavy it was, yes, of course, I do: 9.2 pounds, 7.62 mm NATO rounds. It made me tired lugging that
thing all over the place. And, it did kick and hurt until I finally learned how to properly use the thing. As
instructed, it became my best friend. I did pretty well for a city boy. I earned my Sharpshooter Badge &
Rifle Bar. I was proud of myself!

“This is my weapon, and this is my gun. This is for fighting and this is for …”

Our hand-to-hand combat training included pugil sticks. They are basically long sticks with too little
padding on each end. Hey, remember I was a little guy; I got my butt kicked every time. I never gave in
and never gave up - much to the irritation of my Drill Instructors.

Next came live grenade training. Live fire with the M-14 was one thing; the bullets went out and away.
Holding a live grenade with the pin removed: You are literally holding your life (and others’) in your own
hand. Baseball skills came in handy. I had been a catcher and knew how to throw fast, hard and far.

We repeated everything over and over and over until we had it down pat. We could march, fire our
weapons accurately, throw a grenade and come close enough, defend ourselves and our fellow soldiers
hand-to-hand and bayonets attached if need be.

“Basic training curtails our personal will ...”

Edward Tick, Ph.D.

War and the Soul

We were soldiers

With Army Skills

And

Army Values