Horizons Online Edition

Issue date: 4/15/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Kenneth Stuart AFROTC members line up at the shooting range and fire M16s.

For more than half of the day on Apr. 4, AFROTC cadets met at Gunsite to familiarize themselves with the basics of tactical shooting. Set up by Cadet 3rd Class Scott Neidrick and his assistants, the cadets of Detachment 028 were taught by instructors at one of the-if not the most-prestigious tactical firearms schools in the U.S.

Cadets from every academic class met at Haas to be shuttled by ERAU vans out to Gunsite, which is just outside of Chino Valley. Scores of cadets were able to participate, since it started at around 7:30 a.m. and went until the early afternoon.

Even though the course was just a demonstration, it was very informative. The cadets learned the Gunsite way of shooting, which focuses on quick, effective weapon control for short-range engagement. Simply put, the emphasis is placed on quickly firing as many rounds down-range as possible, while still being able to hit the target. They also learned that this shooting stance and mindset works for carbines as well as with pistols.

The cadets were able to shoot 9-mm Glocks and Colt AR-15s with a basic tactical set up (telescoping stock, holographic sight, and short barrel). Each person got one magazine for the AR-15 and two for the Glock.

While this wasn't nearly enough to hone skills or even warm up, it was still good fun. All in all, Shooting Day was able to accomplish its objective, to familiarize cadets with weapons and to have a little bit of fun in the process.

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