Annual training opens with machine gun qualification

CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. ? Soldiers from the Iowa Army National Guard?s 734th Regional Support Group qualified with the M2, .50-caliber machine gun during annual training at Camp Ripley, Minn.

Units participating in the M2 qualification were the 2168th Transportation Company from Sheldon, the 185th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion and the 185th Headquarters and Headquarters Company, both from Camp Dodge in Johnston and the 3654th Maintenance Company from Knoxville and Oskaloosa.

The 3654th was tasked with running the qualification range, including the officer -in-charge of the range, safeties and ammunition distribution.

Spc. Joseph V. De Paula of Centerville and Private 1st Class Adam B. Copeland of Libertyville were two of the 10 soldiers who provided support. They staffed the range?s ammunition distribution point.

De Paula and Copeland were responsible for preparing ammunition for sighting-in ? or zeroing ? the M2s, and for use during actual qualification. Each firer was provided a 12-, 14-, 36- and 56-round link for zeroing their M2s, and two, 28-round links for qualification.

?We have gone through 5,600 rounds so far, as of 2:20 p.m.,? said Copeland. ?We have been out here since 7:20 a.m.?

Although De Paula and Copeland weren?t able to qualify at this year?s annual training, both soldiers were positive and enjoyed their part in supporting the 185th.

?I like it, it could be worse,? said Copeland as he prepared another link of ammunition for the days qualifications.

According to De Paula and Copeland, they expected to go through nearly 11,000 rounds of ammunition by the time the range closed.