[TRAINING]Back to Basics

[Loco]

LOCATION: Planet Mandalore, West Training Grounds
CLASS: Basic Small Arms Refresher
INSTRUCTOR: Ruus'alore Damri Atin'al
PREPARATORY BRIEFING:OOC Thread Here. The order in which everyone makes their first post will determine the posting order for the rest of the exercise. I'll allow a little out of order posting, so long as it enhances your training experience. I'd like to see a lot of detail! This thread is intended to improve your fighting knowledge and writing skills both, so if you have any question, please ask! Be safe guys ;)

Damri Atin'al pulled back the charging handle on the slug thrower carbine, ensuring the chamber was empty before locking it to the rear and placing it on the table in front of him. He repeated this operation with another, longer slug thrower rifle. The blaster rifles came next. Damri hefted his Traycn'buurenaar repeater, ensuring that the gas cartridge was removed and the residual charge expelled. The soldier twisted the retaining bolts along the top rail and removed the custom optics, double checking the power controls to make sure it was off before returning it to it's protective casing in his equipment bag. Energy cells, magazines full of heavy slug thrower rounds, and Tibanna gas cartridges were stacked neatly next to each weapon. Damri double checked each weapons safety. Morut'yc.

The Mando'ade turned to survey the range, and to ensure that his sqaud, who would be playing the part of assistant instructors and safety officers today, were doing the same checks and inspections of their own weapons. The range was... excellent. A secluded training ground, designed for the specific function it was fulfilling today- small arms training. To his left, an obstacle course filled with holo targets and realistic urban terrrain stretched out for several hundred meters. Highly modular, the projections on the course could be programmed to present a variety of challenges. To his right sat a more traditional static range, with targets at variable distances ranging from 7 to 400 meters, and multiple firing lanes. A massive permacrete backstop- blackened, pocked, and crumbled from decades of absorbing bolts and bullets- encompassed both training grounds in a vast semi circle. The entire encampment was surrounded by Mandalores dense, treacherous forest. The local wildlife was vicious and dangerous, but a band of heavily armed Mandalorians was not easy prey, so Damri expected little danger. Damri eyed the lay out once more, then motioned for Arya to ascend the control tower and prepare the ranges. Damri turned his attention now to the motley band of warriors gathering on the wide landing pad behind him.

This wasn't his first time giving instructions on soldiering skills, but the context was very different. Before, he'd taught individuals how to improve their skills. Now, he was being tasked to help ensure that his people were prepared for war. He only hoped that he was up to the task, and that the seasoned fighters here weren't above revisiting their base skills.

"Vod, k'olar!" he shouted, his helmets external speaker echoing the command. The group began to close towards him, and he continued; "Alright, if we're all here, we'll go ahead and get started. I'll have everyone identify themselves, then we'll review the safety rules for the day. After that, we'll start shooting. Tion'gar vorer?"

 

[Veritas et Lux]

Commander Mitya had been out for awhile, but after her already intensive enough training period underneath her new sisters and brothers, she was ready to fight. One last thing though, a small arms refresher course, nothing big.
She stood there already loaded up with her blasters in their holsters awaiting things to begin.

As the group closed in to listen closely, she identified herself, "Commander Mitya Ivanovna, sir.". She announced her position with much modesty, understanding that quite a few of very harsh feeling were still held towards her. Too kriffing bad, she'd just have to prove to them what was up...

Standing tall, she looked out into the indoor range, it was a great day to show up some of the more seasoned of those that didn't really like her that much.

 

[Johnnysaurus Rex]

People. That's why the A'lore was here. Onoveus Oderyn had been swamped as of late with work that had kept him from connecting with the soldiers. To him they were the greatest part of the Mandalorians. The camaraderie and sense of family you got being around these people. He reflected on how hesitant he had been when Roxton made him his second, hell, he thought he had been lucky enough to make general and was more gunning for prime.

"A'lore Onoveus Oderyn," he chimed in when instructed. This was Damri's show and he'd remain subordinate. His forte was with CQC. He never went into battle without his PDW and shotgun, so any instruction he could get with a rifle never hurt. You never stop learning.

 

[Bad Wolf]

Jenna the leader of the Rangers ha signed up for some refresher course on basic small arms operations, she was here in her full armor her duster flowing in the wind, she was a jump and assault specialist, rifles and pistols were her best weapons but she could always go for a refresher course.

"sergeant Jenna Wolf of clan Brevin, Leader of the Rangers."

Jenna stood at attention waiting for the next set of orders.

 

[Syn]

Allison stood at attention in her armor. She looked at Damri and spoke after the others. "Sergeant Allison Willamina of clan Skirata and leader of Chai La." She could admit her small arms was decent. Jenna had helped with better weapons that were not like toys in her hands. She still prefered her cannon it just went with her more. But the large Mandalorian stood ready with her hair in a ponytail and silver armor repainted and polished.

 

[Mars]

Some veterans of war turned into total douchebags after years of being on the battlefield. Marcus A'den was one of those guys in some respects, but for my the most part was pretty agreeable. Unless you were on the other side of a battle with him that is. He is quite the vicious bastard on the battlefield after all.

Most often seen on the fields of battle with a variety of weapons, the assault veteran preferred his supremely powerful handcrafted, beskar alloy Charric. Shy of three hundred meters it had the power to punch through two inches of durasteel and floor a wookiee through kinetic impact. It's rate of fire was average, as was its capacity, the power and accuracy being the shining attributes. It'd mown down its fair share of dishonorable enemies and only his beskad boasted higher kill counts. The reliability was impressive as well, surviving campaigns on Hoth and Tatooine. His armor and jet pack were equipped, as always.

"Marcus A'den, ready to roll."

 

[Loco]

Damri sized up his first crop of students- if one could call any of them students. These were all leaders of their people, some having a vast amount more experience than himself. Damri eyed the A'lore specifically with that thought, no the others were no less intimidating in their own right. Ruus'alore Willamena's imposing bulk was unmistakeable, and her counterpart from clan Brevin exuded an aura of competence. Markus A'dens armor was heavy even by Mandalorian standards, as were his weapons. All in all, as fearsome and well armed/armored as one would expect- their combined sense of presence alone would quell a rowdy Nar'shadda bar.

It was Al'verde Ivanovas sense of presence in particular that most unsettled him, however. He could feel her Force presence the moment she'd landed- if anything, that fact made him more nervous than having to teach a class on basic soldiering skills to men and women who were far above being basic soldiers. Damri had not worked alongside a Force user- moreover, a Jedi (her own history was widely acknowledged, though quietly of course)- in over a decade. It had allowed him to remain happily anonymous. He could count on his hands the number of people who knew the details of his past- most of his own aliit were unaware- and now here was one of the few people in the universe with the potential to expose him... She appeared about his age... Damri quietly wondered whether they had ever met... Best to get on with the class, and hope to avoid notice...

Damri sighed as the group did their own roll call. He held up his hands palms out and bowed his head, "Gedet'ye, udesiir! Mhi aliit, naasad aruetii."

"Please, relax! We are family, not outsiders."

"This isn't the time or place for formalities, vod. My name is Damri Atin'al, not Ruus'alore, and definitely not jatne vod." Damri place a hand on his chest as he introduced himself; He gave the others a moment to stop standing at attention like they were on a parade ground before he continued.

"I know bett'r than to think you all need to be told how to fight, or how to shoot. Instead, what I want you to learn today is how to instruct others. If you improve your own skills also, jate. You know how to handle your weapons safely, so I expect no accidents, but we'll cover safety rules anyway; No loaded weapons off the range, weapons point downrange at all times and never at anythin' other than a target, and safeties are on at all times unless you're shootin'. Ib'tuur jatne tuur ash'ad kyr'amur." There was a general acknowledgement, so Damri moved on.

The Chev reached up and killed power to his helmet, instantly clearing the display of his HUD. He unclasped the vacuum seals and lifted the glossy orange helmet off his head. "Sol'yc kebise sol'yc, everyone take off your helmets, and take off any scopes or optics from the weapon you'll be usin'. We'll begin without helmet targetin' computers, optics, or anythin' else. Iron sights and eyeballs", Damri emphasized this point by pointing a pair of gloved fingers at his jet black eyes, "If you can't shoot with just these, you shouldn't be shootin' at all", he smiled.

Damri placed his helmet on the grounded, and retrieved a common variety of slug thrower rifle from the table behind him. "Before we get started; Tion'tionas?"

"Any questions?"

 

[Syn]

Allison shook her head, she didn't have any questions and thankfully her helmet was off as she looked down and began to take the sights off her pistol and rifle. She had her other weapons the twin knives... Well knives for her she supposed for others they were regular swords nearly and her gauntlets. Unless they planned for full on fights she didn't need to take them off yet. As she finished with the sights she held the long rifle and looked down the barrel with a nod. "No sir."

 

[Bad Wolf]

Jenna did a quick Atmosphere toxicity check, she had grown up on this planet and in these jungles but it never hurt to be careful, she unhooked her helmet, an audible hiss could be heard as her suit unsealed, grabbing her Assault rifle she unhooked the scope and set it in the helmet, standing back up she shook her head.

"No sir no questions."

Jenna slipped on a pair of sunglasses, she knew exactly how bright the sunlight here could get and she did not want to be blinded.

 

[Johnnysaurus Rex]

Onoveus did as instructed and brought his blaster up to his shoulder before withdrawing a energy pack from his satchel and getting ready to load it when commanded. He wasn't familiar with the carbine he had slinged in front of him. It was modified from a larger model with a shorter barrel and collapsible stock, but it still had the most range out of anything that cycled through his kit on missions. It only fired in single and two bolt bursts, but the rate between bursts was almost minimal to the point he could keep a near constant stream.

 

[Mars]

A low whine signaled the activation of Marcus' mighty weapon. The charric was a weapon usually used in a lighter weight, equally powerful variant by the Chiss at the cost of range and rate of fire compared to his handmade weapon. While heavier than the standard lightweight carbine used by the blue boys from the Unknown Regions, it was still a very maneuverable weapon. Aside from it he carried a single heavy slugthrower, .50 caliber, his pair of Beskad, and his signature pair of Crushgaunts. His jet pack wasn't on just yet but his armor was activated and ready to go.

"No vod. Let's begin."

 

[Loco]

((Bloo, feel free to catch up whenever you get a chance :) ))


"Stop. Callin' me. Sir." Damri said again, slowly and clearly. He wasn't quiet offended- yet- but the formal form of address that he had asked the others not to use was... well, it bothered him. They were equals, and such forms of address were unnecessary- especially here- did they not understand that? Damri shook his head, it didn't matter right now. Teaching the class was the important thing, so that's what he would do, and he'd just have to hope those two caught on before things devolved further. Time to press on.

"You don't need to load up just yet, slow down ori'vod." Damri started, "Before you fire the weapon, you have to be aware of the fundamentals you're puttin' into the shot." Damri took up a shooting stance while talking his students through it simultaneously, "A stable firin' position is the start. You'll want your feet should'r width apart, your favored leg slightly back. Bend at the knees a bit, and lean forward as you bring the rifle to your should'r." Damri demonstrated each piece of instruction before straightening up. "When you grip your weapon, you want to tuck it into the pocket of your should'r." He would need a demonstration for this part, so he waved his vod Orun over. Orun Atin'al took up a firing position, purposefully taking the wrong grip and stance.

"Now, what's he doing wrong?" Damri asked rhetorically, as he reached up and gave his brother a gentle push backwards, so that he stumbled. "He had his feet should'r width, but they were even with each oth'r, so his balance isn't stable. It's easy to get knocked ov'r like that." He let Orun fix his stance, then continued. "Now, look how my broth'r's holdin' his weapon. His one hands on the grip, the oth'r right here near the magazine." Damri pointed out the second hands position, then swatted the barrel of Oruns rifle. The rifle wobbled freely. "If you put your hand farth'r forward up the hand guards, pull your elbows in, tuck the weapon into your should'r properly..." Damri waited while Orun adjusted into a proper grip, then swatted the barrel again in several different direction- this time it barely moved, "then you've got a more stable position, and it's easi'r to fight the recoil and stay on target."

Damri dismissed Orun for the moment, then hefted his slugthrower. "For those of you usin' slug throw'rs like this one, you're at a bit of accuracy disadvantage at close and medium range. The workin's of these thin's basically hold a small explosion, so you've got a bit more recoil. Keep your grip tight and prop'r though, and you shouldn't have to worry much. For blast'rs, you've got it a bit easi'r. The only recoil comes from air suckin' back into the vacuum the bolt left in the barrel, and then whatever small mechanism pulls more gas out of the cartridge or energy cell. If you've got a prop'r hold and stance, it's almost none." Damri returned his weapon to the table behind him. "Don't load you're weapons yet, but I want you all to line up on the static range and get into a good firin' position. Orun and I will come check everyone's stance, then we'll move on to the next bit."

 

[Bad Wolf]

Jenna took up a standard Ranger firing position, Butt stock held tight into her right shoulder, pistol grip held loose but firm, the grenade launcher on the front end acted as her hand grip for her assault rifle, and she comfortably wrapped her hand around it, her right leg was back and her balance was placed on it, while her left leg was off slightly her balance was perfect, it was obvious she was used to handling an assault rifle, and even more obvious that she was used to working in situations where balance and precision were required.

the only way her balance would have been better was if she was down on one knee with her other leg forward.

 

[Syn]

Allison watched and went to stand as she held the rifle and set its butt against her left shoulder and spaced her feet. Normally she would have it pressed against her right bicep and fire from the hip for stability cause it let her use a second rifle or launcher for operations. She was balanced and would have prefered to crouch if only to be more grounded for aim.

 

[Veritas et Lux]

Mitya stood there, observing everything, taking everything into account down to the barest minimum. Tentatively, she smiled and stayed aback, humbly watching her appointed superior explain what to do next.

She was the last to step into stance, and quickly pressed the Kx-80 Repeating blaster rifle's butt against her right shoulder. It was a short stock for maneuverability, and the recoil was a bit reduced as well. The scope was a custom one, even a custom reticle within.
Aiming down range, she kept her mind clear with the force and her stance and body strong, almost perfect. Muscle memory served her well, and her greatest challenge today would be impressing those that held negative feelings against her.

 

[Mars]

Marcus had spent quite some time on the Mando frontlines, killing and fighting for honor and glory, sweeping aside his enemies in a glorious wave of blue bolts. He powered down his weapon as instructed and assumed the demonstrated stance, feet slightly staggered, weight more on his back leg, stock pressed into the pocket of his shoulder and gripping the foregrip of his rifle with his other hand. It'd been some time since he was checked for exactness in his stance, it was rare he stood still on the battlefield, usually crouched for stability or running about.

 

[Johnnysaurus Rex]

Onoveus put himself into the bladed stance directed by Damri. Normally for CQB he preferred the square stance as it allowed for quicker reaction and tracking to his off hand side, but Onoveus was here for range. The stock was put where instructed, but not leveled to look down the sights. His trigger finger was resting outside the guard and his opposite hand found its place closer to the receiver. This allowed for a closer grip and a more stable firing position.

 

[Loco]

Damri and Orun walked down the firing line, quietly conferring with each other on each soldiers stance. Overall, the impression was good- there were very few adjustments to be made, and some were as close to perfect as could be hoped for.

"Alright vod, hold your positions, and Orun and I will come by and check you one by one."


-------------------------

Orun Atin'al began his inspections on the opposite end of the firing line from Damri. Ruus'alore Jenna Brevvin was the first in line. The Atin'al clansmen walked a horseshoe around her, careful not to step in front of her rifle (safety first), checking her grip and stance carefully. Orun batted the end of the rifle, but the grip was satisfactorily stable. The Kiffarian nodded his approval and clapped Jenna on the shoulder.

"Jate."

--------------------------

Damri began his inspections with the Alore. He checked big mans grip and footing, finding the former strong but the latter a bit off.

"Square up a bit. Your strong side leg should only be a little back, not that far."

Damri used his boot to tap Onoveus' foot into the proper place, then rechecked the mans grip to ensure it hadn't shifted.

"Jate. I'll explain why we're doin' it this way before we move on."

--------------------------

Orun moved to Allison next. The woman was... intimidating, he thought. The Kiffar wasn't exactly tall, so while he was checking Allisons stance, her rifle was approximately level with his head. Orun chuckled inwardly at the scene.

"Eh, not bad." Orun took Allisons off hand and moved it a handful of inches up the length of the rifle. "I know you could probably just stabilize this thing with brute strength, but a proper grip on the hand guards just makes things easier." he told her. "You're a lefty, so you'll want to kick back your left foot just a bit, it'll balance you better if you get pushed or something. If you're feet are even, it's easier to get knocked over." He considered trying to place her foot himself, but decided it was probably safer to allow her to do it on her own...

-------------------------

Next up for Damri was Marcus. This was the first time he'd met the man personally, but he seemed competent enough. Of course, all Mando'ade were competent enough, weren't they? Any who weren't competent didn't have the distinction of being Mando'ade for long. In any case, Damri found nothing to correct in his vods stance.

"Jate, vod." Damri said approvingly before moving away.

The last to check was Al'verde Ivanova. Damri could feel the small, faint ripples of the force as she took position. He briefly considered letting Orun check her, but he was still busy with Allison. Damri mentally scolded himself for wanting to avoid her, and push work off on his brother. Dangerous to him or not, she was Mando'ade- she was vod now- and it was only right that he help her.

"Hold still." Damri said as he approached. He reached out for the dar'jetiis rifle, giving the retaining bolts of her optics a strong twist to loosen them. "Like I said, we're shooting without optics for now." he removed the, admittedly impressive, optics from the rifle and set them aside before returning his attention to her stance. The adjustments he made were very small, and had to do more with precision than any deficiency in form. "Jate, vod." Damri said, with a sidelong look to Mitya. He had said it loud enough for Marcus and Allison, the two nearest them, to hear. The Chev dropped his voice now to little more than a whisper to make the next piece of conversation private.

"You're usin' the Force to focus." this was phrased as a statement, rather than a question. "Don't. We took our optics and our helmets off to take away those advantages," Damri pressed on before she could respond, "and we're practicin' a very basic form today. You don't need the extra help." Damri clapped the woman on the shoulder, "Tion'suvarir vod?"

"Understand, sister?"

 

[Syn]

Orun moved to Allison next. The woman was... intimidating, he thought. The Kiffar wasn't exactly tall, so while he was checking Allisons stance, her rifle was approximately level with his head. Orun chuckled inwardly at the scene.

"Eh, not bad." Orun took Allisons off hand and moved it a handful of inches up the length of the rifle. "I know you could probably just stabilize this thing with brute strength, but a proper grip on the hand guards just makes things easier." he told her. "You're a lefty, so you'll want to kick back your left foot just a bit, it'll balance you better if you get pushed or something. If you're feet are even, it's easier to get knocked over." He considered trying to place her foot himself, but decided it was probably safer to allow her to do it on her own...

Allison made the small adjustments with her footing as she looked down giving a nod. She kept the gun pressed against her shoulder and looked down the sights while listening to the others get instructions.

 

[Veritas et Lux]

The last to check was Al'verde Ivanova. Damri could feel the small, faint ripples of the force as she took position. He briefly considered letting Orun check her, but he was still busy with Allison. Damri mentally scolded himself for wanting to avoid her, and push work off on his brother. Dangerous to him or not, she was Mando'ade- she was vod now- and it was only right that he help her.

"Hold still." Damri said as he approached. He reached out for the dar'jetiis rifle, giving the retaining bolts of her optics a strong twist to loosen them. "Like I said, we're shooting without optics for now." he removed the, admittedly impressive, optics from the rifle and set them aside before returning his attention to her stance. The adjustments he made were very small, and had to do more with precision than any deficiency in form. "Jate, vod." Damri said, with a sidelong look to Mitya. He had said it loud enough for Marcus and Allison, the two nearest them, to hear. The Chev dropped his voice now to little more than a whisper to make the next piece of conversation private.

"You're usin' the Force to focus." this was phrased as a statement, rather than a question. "Don't. We took our optics and our helmets off to take away those advantages," Damri pressed on before she could respond, "and we're practicin' a very basic form today. You don't need the extra help." Damri clapped the woman on the shoulder, "Tion'suvarir vod?"

"Understand, sister?"

Mitya had to admit, she was especially tense today. It wasn't what they were doing, no that wasn't it at all. She had crammed for days, holding positions, doing stance drills, intensive training by staying up days and days. She had pushed herself harder than she had ever pushed herself as a jedi, and that was something that she didn't think could be done. No, it was who she was around today. Allison and Jenna were there to soften the blow and give some acceptance, but so far many of the Mando'ade still didn't know much, next to nothing about her. It wasn't even any anxiety or something she couldn't control, merely an overcompensated attitude towards showing that she was equal.
In a hushed tone, she whispered back to Damri. "Elek, ni'suvarir...", she paused for a moment, but before he continued away Mitya finished her sentence. "Vor entye par gar'vorer, ori'vod." Mitya's voice portrayed the sentiment and gratefulness that she was feeling.

After that, Mitya calmed down some. She was confident that she didn't need to over compensate for anything, she was just as prepared for these tests as anyone else in the room would be. She didn't need the force to focus either. Mitys turned her head and confidently held the position again, this time with confidence in her own capacity though.

"Yes I understand"
"Thank you for your acceptance, brother."