FORT HOOD, Texas-Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 21st Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Fires Brigade participated in a two-day course on weapons safety, Nov. 16-17, only this time the weapons were not Army issued.
The training focused on privately owned weapons, with an emphasis on handguns. Sgt. 1st Class Chad Johnston, of Lawton, Okla. 15 years of experience with firearms and volunteered to lead the battalions training.
The first day was conducted in a classroom environment and was intended to educate POW owners on both safety and legal regulations such as post registration and concealed carry permit laws.
"Everyone knows that Soldiers are going to own weapons," said Johnston. "Our goal is to ensure that they do so in a safe and responsible manner."
The Soldiers were also judged to see who could disassemble and reassemble the weapons in the fastest time.
Lt. Col. James Davel, battalion commander, recommended the training as a way to be proactively involved with the POW owners in his battalion.
"So much of the training we do is a reaction to a negative event that may have occurred. We wanted to conduct some positive training that is not only beneficial to the Soldiers but also fun," said Davel.
The fun came on the second day of training as Soldiers met at Sportsman's Range for hands on training followed by a competition to determine who has the best aim.
"We decided that the Soldiers would be more enthusiastic and willing to learn if we got out of the classroom for awhile and did something they would enjoy," said Johnston.
Trophies were given to the top performers from the classroom competition, the range competition, and an overall winner from both scores.
1st Lt. Jordan Swears, from Midland, Mich., won the combined trophy as well as the shooting trophy. Sgt. David Miller, of Denver, won the trophy for the fastest assembly time.
"This training was beneficial to new gun owners and long time enthusiasts," said Swears. "Everyone needs refresher training from time to time."
The Soldiers also had barbeque catered directly to the range for lunch.
"The food was great," said Swears. "I think everyone learned something and had a good time doing it. Mission accomplished."
"The focus is always to take care of soldiers. As leaders we must ensure that they have all the tools necessary to be responsible gun owners," said Davel. "We'll be conducting follow up training and we hope other units will follow suit in an effort keep our Soldiers safe."
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