1/29/2010 By Lance Cpl. Chris Kutlesa, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan — For some Marines, there is nothing better than the sound a bullet makes when it exits a firearm and blasts its way down range.
For Lance Cpl. Joseph Bartoletti, it is music to his ears, making his training at the indoor range a massive symphony.
Marines and sailors from across the station participated in a two-week long pistol training titled Wolf-Tactical Reconnaissance and Personal Protection that began Jan. 11 at the Indoor Small-Arms Range here.
Jamison Elder, the founder and creator of Wolf-Tactical Reconnaissance and Personal Protection, better known as WOLF T.R.A.P.P., explained that the class is the kind of training synonymous to the Marine Special Operations Command,
“I never knew all the stuff you could learn with a pistol,” said Bartoletti. “Like how many different safety features, all the ways to shoot it and how to reload with one arm.”
For the first week of training, the service members trained with the M9 Pistol, and for the second week, they trained with the M4 Assault Rifle.
“I like shooting the M9 more,” said Bartoletti. His reasoning, “it’s a lot louder.”
As Bartoletti expressed his joy for all things loud, Elder explained the importance and relevance of his WOLF T.R.A.P.P. training.
“The nature of today’s battle is there are no frontlines, so the enemy could be anywhere,” said Elder. “In ’03, you had just as many cooks, bakers and candlestick makers fighting during convoy ops and other places as you did the infantry, so anyone who goes downrange these days needs these skills,” Elder explained.
This is not the first time ISAR has hosted high-speed training opportunities such as WOLF T.R.A.P.P.
Last month, ISAR hosted a twoweek long training exercise with former members of the Israeli Special Forces.
Lt. Col. Tray J. Ardese, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron commanding officer, has mentioned there will be future training opportunities throughout the year.
Those interested in participating in future training should contact their chain of command.
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