Week four: On the range

2:58pm Monday 21st April 2008

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The main focus of this week has been learning how to handle and fire an SA 80 assault rifle.

Firstly we were taught the correct drills for handling the weapon as well as how to strip it down for cleaning and then put it back together.

It was difficult at first but once you get used to it the drill comes naturally and we both passed the safety tests to allow us to move onto firing.

Firing the weapon is a lot harder than we thought it would be.

Even the slightest movement affects your aim.

We started firing the rifles in the computerised small arms trainer which is very much like a shooting simulator you would find in an arcade.

The instructors were able to watch how we handled the weapons which enable them to correct any major errors before we moved on to the outside ranges using live ammunition.

Once outside we were faced with the familiar World War 2 style targets showing the enemy facing us with their guns.

To pass our Naval Weapons Test we had to fire the rifle from various positions including lying on the ground and standing.

During the test we each had 55 bullets, 33 of which had to be on target in order for us to pass.

Fortunately we both did, but only just - Adam scored 35, Nick 33.

It was a real buzz firing the weapon and it is hard to believe that after four weeks we are now proficient in weapons handling.

We cannot rest on our laurels though because we will have to re-qualify at regular intervals during our career.

As divers on board a minesweeper we will become part of the Ship's Protection Organisation and will have to take our turn in providing the armed guard on the ship's gangway.

Also we've been learning how to use the 'Casco' baton.

This is used as the first means of difference in protecting ships and shore establishments from intruders.

After lessons we've continued with our extra fitness sessions which this week has included circuits in the pool.

As the weeks progress the instructors are certainly becoming stricter with regard to time keeping, kit preps and self discipline.

Next week we have our Chief Petty Officer's kit inspection and our ironing, washing and cleaning is certainly getting better thanks to lots of enforced practice!