AT-TAQADDUM, Iraq -- The line of bullet-riddled targets had seen better days; they swayed in the sandy wind and screamed for attention. Chewed up fragments of what used to be sandbags marked where the firing lines were.
This was how the Joe Foss Range looked before Marines from various sections of Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group, improved the facility by making needed improvements.
“Today, we did some range maintenance to help the units here have a better quality of training,” said Sgt. Shaun T. Doyle, force protection noncommissioned officer, with 1st MLG. “We replaced all the sandbags and targets, as well as the target stands.”
Every month, service members use this range to conduct training that will improve their marksmanship. Confidence and familiarization of weapons systems are vital to conducting security within the area of operation.
The working party built a one-foot tall wall out of sandbags along the target line to protect the new target stands.
“A lot of the targets were tipping over and the stands were all shot up,” said Cpl. Steven K. Buonanno, heavy equipment mechanic, H&S Co., 1st MLG. “(Maintenance) needed to be done.”
Doyle, from Placerville, Calif., said other sandbags were put out to mark the yard lines. They will make for a more sturdy firing position for shooters.
“It’s going to be a lot easier to support your weapon on the sandbags,” said Buonanno, from Rockport, N.Y.
After completing the improvements, the working party agreed the range looked much better than before.
“As long as the range is maintained by the units who use it, it will be enjoyed by everyone,” Doyle said.