Gunfighting for Dummies

Published 2024-07-05
Afghanistan: it’s like Fortnite if you had to build cover from rocks and all the opps are on heroine and meth.

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00:00 $15 to smell it is crazy
00:41 THERE WAS A FIRE FIGHT
00:57 Anatomy of a fire fight
01:47 Welcome Zach!
02:27 Why is this important?
03:34 Zach's background
07:00 Maneuvering through the battlefield
11:15 Flat range vs reality
18:42 What would really happen in a gunfight?
22:19 Rippin the drip
24:30 Advice for the well prepared civilian
25:48 Giants in Afghanistan?
26:33 THANKS FOR WATCHIN FELLAS

Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan has been a complex and multifaceted effort involving both military operations and civilian initiatives. The main objective has been to diminish the influence of insurgent groups like the Taliban and establish a stable and secure environment. This process has required a delicate balance between kinetic operations—direct military action against insurgents—and non-kinetic measures such as building infrastructure, fostering local governance, and winning the "hearts and minds" of the Afghan population. NATO and U.S. forces have worked closely with the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) to disrupt insurgent networks, secure key areas, and reduce the insurgents' ability to operate freely. The counterinsurgency strategy has emphasized the importance of protecting the civilian population to undermine insurgent support and improve trust in the Afghan government.

When troops in Afghanistan received enemy fire, they quickly executed a series of well-rehearsed actions to establish control and neutralize the threat. Upon contact, the first priority was to seek immediate cover to minimize exposure to enemy fire. Soldiers would then establish a base of fire, often deploying machine gunners and riflemen to provide suppressive fire, which aimed to keep the enemy pinned down and unable to maneuver effectively. The unit leader would rapidly assess the situation, determining the enemy's position and strength, often using optics and communication tools to gain a clearer understanding.

The next step involved a coordinated maneuver to outflank or assault the enemy position. Fire teams would conduct bounding movements, where one team provided covering fire while the other team advanced to a new position, gradually closing the distance to the enemy. This leapfrogging method ensured continuous pressure on the insurgents while maintaining the safety of the advancing troops. Close air support and artillery could be called in to target enemy positions more precisely if the situation demanded. Throughout the firefight, communication was key, with team leaders coordinating their actions and requesting support as needed. The objective was always to overwhelm the enemy's position through superior firepower and tactical positioning, ultimately forcing the insurgents to retreat or surrender.

The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) encompasses a wide range of roles and specialties, reflecting its versatile and rapid-response nature. Personnel within the MEU include infantry Marines, who engage directly in combat and conduct ground operations, and aviation units, which provide air support and transport. Logistics and support roles are vital, ensuring the MEU has the necessary supplies, equipment, and maintenance for sustained operations. Marines trained in medical, engineering, and intelligence functions are essential for the unit's overall effectiveness. Among the many roles, the M203 grenade launcher operator plays a critical part in infantry squads. The M203, which attaches to a standard M16 or M4 rifle, allows Marines to deliver explosive ordnance at longer ranges than hand-thrown grenades. It is used to target enemy positions, clear obstacles, and provide suppressive fire, making it a valuable asset in various combat scenarios.

All Comments (21)
  • Honored to have been on the channel to talk about my time professionally walking in a circle.
  • @sebastiang3886
    Wait... you are telling me that paper targets shoot back in a combat zone?? Oh man I'm in trouble
  • My first firefight lasted 20 minutes, but actually ended in 2 seconds. It was one dude in a second story window with a belt-fed. SSGT whipped his rifle over and snapped a few rounds in the window before hitting cover with the rest of us. The weapon was still firing out the window really sporadically and I just remember SSGT calmly sighing and saying, "Huh..." When he looked over and we made eye contact SSGt said, "I'm pretty sure I got him. Lets just wait for him to bleed." The 2nd team behind us had already backtracked and cleared the building. Unbeknownst to us, both of SSGt's rounds removed the combatant's skullcap and his twitching corpse was jamming the trigger down... First firefight. It was just one dude. And he didn't even know how he died. Spent 20 minutes giving SSGT sh*t (*rounds flying everywhere* "eH, i ThInK i GoT eM" "Don't worry SSGT "Got 'em" "Hey SSGT, I heard you got em" cut to us seeing a capless skull and mush with SSGT "Oh sh*t... You actually got him. My bad, SSGT.") and clearing the surround area while we waited.
  • In the old military doctrine of Germany there is a sentence i will never forget: "Wer schneller schießt und besser trifft, gewinnt den Feuerkampf" "The side that shoots more often and more accuratly, will win the firefight" German wisdom right there 😂
  • @XXNerdzillaXX
    "most of us have not been in a gun fight". And I don't ever want to be in one.
  • @GustheGunGuy
    I swear I'm the only person to come out of the GWOT without a crippling nicotine addiction 😂
  • @chadl.981
    This guy so accurately describes what it was like to be light Infantry in Afghanistan, mid-late 2000's. Our average hump outside of the COP on patrol was at least 4 clicks. Sometimes 8 or more on a long patrol. If we got to use vehicles to get to our destination, it was considered an easy day. Aco 2-2INF 3-1ID 2008-2009 Maywand province, Afghanistan
  • @johnmarist26
    I think this is an important conversation and I’d like to see it expanded to include “Gunfight with Law Enforcement Mindset” and “Gunfight with Civilian Mindset” to each cover scenarios pertinent to your circumstance. Obviously important to have individuals well versed in those aspects or scenarios
  • @Rakadis
    Spent two years in Afghanistan as QRF with the Norwegian military. I was young and dumb and I loved it. I felt invincible. It was like the quote from Apocalypse Now, when Willard says "When I was here, I wanted to be there, when I was there all I could think of was getting back into the jungle." Hundreds of contacts, some brief and some several days long. Thinking about it now, when I am old and dumb, I could have died hundreds of times. And that shit scares me now, mostly because then I would not have been able to see my kids grow up... But hey, I lived, and I am still doing drills and teaching others to this day with the "Heimevernet" (Somewhat like the national guard, but without the budget)
  • @clap5
    I like this guy. Super humble, he knows what he knows and he knows what he doesn’t know.
  • @dak4465
    Most people leave with a nicotine or alcohol addiction. I left with a crippling fear of being late.
  • @joshford60
    “The cardboards not trying to kill you. You win every engagement.” Oh how i wish that were true 😞
  • RIP my brother CSS (Lcpl Seth Sharp) as well as the rest that didn’t make it back from Helmand Province 🙏🏻 God Bless the ones that did make it back and praying for peace of mind ❤️Thanks for your service 🙌🏻
  • Fantastic!!! I’m a retired Devil Dog out before all of this action but thoroughly appreciated this coverage. Semper Fi! Good sh!t! Yes, I’m on the toilet, you’re welcome!
  • @IowanLawman
    Statistically yes, most people never get into firefights. I grew up, joined the military and left the military, joined a small county Sheriff's office never being in a firefight. That was until the 2nd week I moved into Chicago working for CPD.
  • @schiz0phren1c
    I agree with veteran..., I got arrested recently for punching a laughing tarot card reader...the cop asked me why I did it?, I said "I always try to strike a happy medium"
  • @shockwave6213
    Mike Tyson said "Everbody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth" Well, I believe that logic also applies for when the first round cracks over your shoulder in a firefight.
  • @coreyortiz7149
    Love you guys both! Thank you for the info and the service.