Cadet participates in basic rifle marksmanship
I shot an M-16 rifle, while covering a story about basic rifle marksmanship at Leader’s Training Course in Fort Knox, Ky.
I had a safety brief leading up to the live firing. A drill sergeant let me know firing weapons isn’t a joke.
“I know you are a civilian, but if you point that gun at anybody it’s going to be bad,” he said as he tapped the 9mm handgun on his hip, while pointing at the other drill sergeants who were also carrying weapons.
Basically, if I did anything that would put anybody in harms way they were going to shoot me.
I didn’t hit the target, but found shooting exhilarating. I am intimidated by guns, so this was really stepping outside the box for me. Also take in to consideration it was a high-powered assault rifle.
Mark Payne 