Week two, much progress

"These guys are doing much better."

"Tight groups, good range discipline."

"They seem locked on compared to last week. I'm impressed."

Just some of the comments I heard as I spent another afternoon at the weapons range providing medical coverage for the special forces trainers and Iraqi Police SWAT recruits. This marks the second week of a three week course. There is a noticable difference right away: they arrive and assemble in formation. The Iraqi Police Captain pictured below is a dynamic presence this time. His authority is palpable as he barks out orders that are followed without hesitation. The Iraqi Police have great weapons presence now: no waving the muzzle around while loading. No need for well-timed ducking on my part. Movements are crisp and in unision to command, rounds on target, foreshadowing a force to be reckoned with.