It was another wonderful time at our Fort Stevens living history weekend. It's such a privilege to be invited back by the park every 4th of July weekend. The public turnout was large as usual and they all really enjoyed our demonstration and museum fly. We really appreciate that Pvt. Ternan contributed so many books and artifacts from her collection to the museum. It was all made possible by Pvt. Hardway who served as our full time Sharpshooter display docent.
The weather was cool, breezy, and little a drizzly at times allowing for favorable drill conditions. We drilled about four hours each day with a lot of emphasis on marching and skirmish drill. Each movement was repeated until it was done right! Corporal Spiekerman did an amazing job leading drill, even giving the Captain and 1st Sgt new ideas! While he lead or supervised most of the drill, even the 1st Sgt was learning, practicing and perfecting his duties. He might even have his "by the flank" and "off the file" commands finally stuck in his head. By Sunday, every soldier had an opportunity to lead drill including manual of arms, inspection arms, marching, and even skirmish deployments.
Even though Saturday kept the company busy at the demonstration area, the Skipper managed to take much of the company on an hour long marching exercise around the fort during a brief lull in the visitors. The marching exercises have become very popular in the company as it gives the soldiers the opportunity to build endurance and feel more of the soldiering experience. At the end of the day, Pvt. Ternan and the 1st Sgt shot a product review video for the company YouTube channel. Thompson Center foaming bore cleaner was put to the test as a speedy alternative to the time consuming hot water bath usually employed for cleaning the rifles. Without water and with minimal additional items, the veterans were able to cut cleaning time down to less than 15 minutes with perfect results! Of course, we always insist on full breakdown, hot water batch, and seasoning after events.
After rifle cleaning, the Skipper cooked and served a delicious spaghetti dinner for the entire company and privates Doramus and Hardway were the clean up detail. This weekend, the hardcore award may just have to go to Pvt. Severson who cooked his canned meat on a shovel!
Sunday saw more drill and even more firing exercises and speed shooting drills. Simulated stress conditions on the drill ground make for confident soldiers on the battlefield. Soldiers practiced loading and firing while marching many times and even developed their skills at prone firing. Everyone did so well at pitching in, giving their best, pushing themselves just a little harder, and supporting each other. In addition to performing their company duties, everyone was always ready to help our civilians. Company D has really flourished as a soldier and civilian family and as leaders and team players.
The weather was cool, breezy, and little a drizzly at times allowing for favorable drill conditions. We drilled about four hours each day with a lot of emphasis on marching and skirmish drill. Each movement was repeated until it was done right! Corporal Spiekerman did an amazing job leading drill, even giving the Captain and 1st Sgt new ideas! While he lead or supervised most of the drill, even the 1st Sgt was learning, practicing and perfecting his duties. He might even have his "by the flank" and "off the file" commands finally stuck in his head. By Sunday, every soldier had an opportunity to lead drill including manual of arms, inspection arms, marching, and even skirmish deployments.
Even though Saturday kept the company busy at the demonstration area, the Skipper managed to take much of the company on an hour long marching exercise around the fort during a brief lull in the visitors. The marching exercises have become very popular in the company as it gives the soldiers the opportunity to build endurance and feel more of the soldiering experience. At the end of the day, Pvt. Ternan and the 1st Sgt shot a product review video for the company YouTube channel. Thompson Center foaming bore cleaner was put to the test as a speedy alternative to the time consuming hot water bath usually employed for cleaning the rifles. Without water and with minimal additional items, the veterans were able to cut cleaning time down to less than 15 minutes with perfect results! Of course, we always insist on full breakdown, hot water batch, and seasoning after events.
After rifle cleaning, the Skipper cooked and served a delicious spaghetti dinner for the entire company and privates Doramus and Hardway were the clean up detail. This weekend, the hardcore award may just have to go to Pvt. Severson who cooked his canned meat on a shovel!
Sunday saw more drill and even more firing exercises and speed shooting drills. Simulated stress conditions on the drill ground make for confident soldiers on the battlefield. Soldiers practiced loading and firing while marching many times and even developed their skills at prone firing. Everyone did so well at pitching in, giving their best, pushing themselves just a little harder, and supporting each other. In addition to performing their company duties, everyone was always ready to help our civilians. Company D has really flourished as a soldier and civilian family and as leaders and team players.
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