Mark Perez

stage 3 more pics HERE.

definitely read the rules http://idpa.com/Documents/IDPARuleBook2005.pdf

one of my 'joes' during a patrol - the ACU pattern blends in well from a distance.

you had spare 762! we had to conserve ours because it was so hard to get - only shot in when it was necessary (TIC). btw - where are all the mountains at in your pics?

couple of 'bikers' the kids always come up every time we stop - "no pens for you".

Uscbigdawg , post your pics of the deployment in the OIF/OEF thread in the gallery man! All, How does IPSC prepare you for something like these examples? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFEF0GSHLdU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN7cbMxGMLs&NR=1, watch the ground work beginning at the ~1:00 mark. (the trainining was being conducted by a fellow that goes by the handle "southnarc".) When was the last time you had an IPSC/IDPA stage that resembled anything realistic like those scenarios? until that day mark

I guess I am the only one that disagrees. The only thing USPSA/IDPA/etc prepare you for is ...... shooting USPSA & IDPA. If you are using a match as a training substitute , you are waisting your time, ammunition and money. Just where exactly is the benefit of shooting for a total of 2 minutes time, spread over 2-4 hours? Seek training from someone who understands the dynamics of fighting in close proximity with others. The 2 fields (sport & reality based training) are not mutually compatible. my 2 cents M

future ACM forces

crossing the Alishang river, it smelled really bad - use your own imagination.

another sort of panoramic from an overwatch position.

heading back South after the district center visit. you can see the lead most humvee waiting for the #1 truck to go thru a REAL narrow section of the road. We had to ride the wall on the left side of the truck, otherwise the road would fail and a roll over resulted. Not good (the previous unit lost 2 soldiers to rollovers and drowning).

yours truly on a hilltop, same province. I swear everytime we did a dismounted patrol, it was uphill!

here are (sort-of) panoramic shots from the Dowlat Shaw district center , Northern Laghman Province , Afghanistan with a young (high school age) Afghanistan National Police officer in the foreground.

if you can't get the SG before you leave, hit up the motorpool on the FOB for some lightweight grease. Run it on the BCG rails and lite coating on the recoil buffer/spring package. You won't need much. Make the mechanics your best friends, especially if you have driving responsibilities. Leatherman's come with really sharp knives for a multitool, we had all brands represented (SOG/GERBER/etc). A small needle nose micra type and a large version will cover most contingencies. Some spare M4 parts from brownells is a good idea to , never could depend on the armorer to be around on a regular basis. Keep those and the section rods on your kit always. Ensure there are a couple of sets scattered throughout the squad. Make them part of your pcc & pci. Re:Compass ; I had a silva ranger in addition to the issued army. The mirror can be used as a signalling device too. GPS: used etrex , hard to read at night though. If you are given the option, the desert boots with the vents are better than those without - your feet and tent mates will thank you Have S1 print up some 8x11 maps of the local AO and distribute them to key personnel, laminated. IOTV wears better than the IBA w/FLC. Camelback is the best hydration gear - period. stay safe and kill lots of enemy - bullets are free! mark

multi-tools in various sizes are life savers. I broke a leatherman surge un-f****g a MK19 , but was able to get it back up and running. quality cleaning supplies & lube, including section rods. this stuff can be resupplied from your home support chain. I ran BE slideglide on my M4 and never had any issues. dust masks for the turret gunners, similar to a surgeons mask. Afghan dirt is nasty shiite to inhale. have a safe deployment MP