This Memorial Day weekend was full of training, bonding, and good times. Camp was great even with the early burn ban and Private White and Severson made a big shebang to stay warm during the cold nights. They cut branches and made tent stakes, button three whole tents on end, and Captain Whitehall added his lanterns for ambience.
Saturday morning started with a nice long NCO meeting and training session followed by hours of drill in manual of arms, skirmish, and tactics. Lunch was followed by Captain Whitehall and Private Severson having a boxing match refereed by Private White. Captain Whitehall came out hot but Private Severson managed to stay in the fight and even a good swing or two in himself. The afternoon included more marching, deployments, and time in camp.
Sunday included lots of firing drills to get used to shooting on the move, from different positions, and under stress. We practiced speed loading and firing where Cpl. Hardway shined consistently with her trusted rifle, "Deadway." Pvt. Severson wasn't far behind, either. We drilled in the differences between shooting prone and loading from the cartridge box and loading from a loose arsenal pack. We also spent a good amount of time experimenting with wearing and using our gear including readiness practice. Or, how quickly could we get into and out of our gear ready for battle or to take a break. Private Glasgow and I had lots of great conversations about translating modern military practice and tactics in to Civil War tactics. Its was great. Sunday evening was full of fun singing and sharing stories.
Of course, no trip to Goldendale would be complete without a foxhunt tracking down Capt. Whitehall. The hunt was long with squads working methodically led by Cpl. Soderling and Cpl. Hardway with me falling in as private for the training exercise. I had a blast "bunker busting." The area is also used by WWII reenactors so we had to clear trenches and bunkers where Cpt. Whitehall could be hiding. Eventually, it was Pvt. White who fired the first shot at Cpt. Whitehall as his team mates, Cpl Soderling and Pvt. Severson gave pursuit in a running gun battle.
Monday wrapped up shooting a YouTube video and planning more for the upcoming season. All things going well our next event should be the end June. Until next time, stay safe everyone.
Saturday morning started with a nice long NCO meeting and training session followed by hours of drill in manual of arms, skirmish, and tactics. Lunch was followed by Captain Whitehall and Private Severson having a boxing match refereed by Private White. Captain Whitehall came out hot but Private Severson managed to stay in the fight and even a good swing or two in himself. The afternoon included more marching, deployments, and time in camp.
Sunday included lots of firing drills to get used to shooting on the move, from different positions, and under stress. We practiced speed loading and firing where Cpl. Hardway shined consistently with her trusted rifle, "Deadway." Pvt. Severson wasn't far behind, either. We drilled in the differences between shooting prone and loading from the cartridge box and loading from a loose arsenal pack. We also spent a good amount of time experimenting with wearing and using our gear including readiness practice. Or, how quickly could we get into and out of our gear ready for battle or to take a break. Private Glasgow and I had lots of great conversations about translating modern military practice and tactics in to Civil War tactics. Its was great. Sunday evening was full of fun singing and sharing stories.
Of course, no trip to Goldendale would be complete without a foxhunt tracking down Capt. Whitehall. The hunt was long with squads working methodically led by Cpl. Soderling and Cpl. Hardway with me falling in as private for the training exercise. I had a blast "bunker busting." The area is also used by WWII reenactors so we had to clear trenches and bunkers where Cpt. Whitehall could be hiding. Eventually, it was Pvt. White who fired the first shot at Cpt. Whitehall as his team mates, Cpl Soderling and Pvt. Severson gave pursuit in a running gun battle.
Monday wrapped up shooting a YouTube video and planning more for the upcoming season. All things going well our next event should be the end June. Until next time, stay safe everyone.
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