#Combat

In an earlier TFB TV episode, we covered some of the experiences that combat veterans have gone through while under fire. We continue that discussion in this final episode, going into much more detail about some of the nuances and specific aspects of being in combat and actually returning fire back at the enemy. We also discuss some of the issues in today’s generation of infantry, dealing with such issues as strict rules of engagement and acquiring positive identification of enemy combatants.

Mortal combat has been the cause of study for military historians since the Greek teacher Herodotus. But what it is like being on a two-way shooting range? What sorts of thoughts and emotions are experienced by those who participate as Infantrymen or Law Enforcement? Myself and a friend of mine sat down and talked at length about what exactly goes on in combat and the sorts of situations it would put us in. We specifically discussed our experiences while serving with 1st Battalion 9th Marines in Helmand Province, Afghanistan during the years of 2011 and 2013-2014. But much of what we went through has a baseline that can be traced back through the ages and will certainly be felt by future generations.

The Israeli Defense Forces are looking at acquiring a drone with a punch, according to news outlet Defense One. Per an article of their website, the IDF is looking at the TIKAD from Duke Robotics; a lightweight aerial drone that is able to be equipped with a variety of small weapons, from the familiar AR-15, to machine guns or grenade launchers. What makes the TIKAD most notable is its size: Much closer to the handheld drones of hobbyists than the high-flying Predators of the military, the TIKAD is one of a slew of innovative new unmanned systems that are small and light enough for motorized or light infantry to take with them to the battlefield.

A cool head under fire was on display in a video released just yesterday, in which a female sniper of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ, a part of the largely Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces narrowly avoided the bullet of an ISIS sniper who had her in his sights. The dramatic video was first released by Turkish journalist Hemze Hamza through Twitter:

Big news for fans of fine wheel guns: Nighthawk Custom has partnered with Korth to bring their legendary revolvers to the US market. Finally, Korths will be imported with the full manufacturing support of a stateside officially sanctioned importer. As part of this agreement, Korth will be importing 3 new models in 6 barrel lengths, branded as Nighthawk firearms with accompanying new model names. Those are:

Upon its release, Saving Private Ryan was lauded for its realisitic portrayal of the storming of Omaha Beach by US GI’s in World War II. The scene is used today in the military to show the horrors and psychological impact of pitch warfare and is commonly named the “best” battle scene ever filmed.

The Ithaca Gun Company may have gotten its start in 1883 but they didn’t begin producing their best-selling shotgun for another fifty years. That gun was none other than the Ithaca Model 37, a gun that itself had a long history. It got its start back in 1915 when John Browning entered a patent for a 20-gauge shotgun that would be sold as the Remington Model 17. Years later, Ithaca decided to produce a shotgun and opted for waiting for the patents on Browning’s gun to run out. They had believed the patent was set to run out in 1933 so they named their new shotgun the Model 33, but then they discovered it wouldn’t actually run out until 1937. Four years past the date originally hoped for, the Model 37 went into production.

Kalashnikov Concern has introduced a new pistol for the Russian Army, called the PL-14 “Lebedev” at the recent Army-2015 Expo. Guns.com has more on the new handgun:

Gemini Defense makes a handgun sighting system that is supposed to allow the shooter to focus on the threat, not the sights, in a high-stress self-defense situation.  The sights are called Zone Reflex, or Z-Flex, combat sights.

Firearms and Training has posted an essay written by a Marine who was badly wounded in combat, and only realized his mistake after taking tactical training courses.