MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- On command, one hand moves to the M9 holstered on the shooter’s hip.
The shooter then brings the weapon up to meet his second hand while automatically sighting in on the front sight tip.
The trigger finger finds its way to its rightful place and slowly adds pressure.
Once the right amount of pressure is applied, there is an explosion and the hammer jolts forward, releasing the round.
After the round leaves the barrel, its journey is short but fast.
The round’s sole purpose is to make its way down range and hit the target in one wellaimed shot.
It hits the black and continues its way through the target, taking its final resting place in the dugout.
For some Marines, the sound a round makes exiting a firearm and wailing its way down range is music to their ears.
“I didn’t have a lot of experience handling the M9 previous to this,” said Nelson P. Chavez, Wolf-Tactical Reconnaissance and Personal Protection participant. “This course is going to be very beneficial during pistol qualification and if I ever have to use the M9.”
Marines and sailors from across the station participated in a two-week pistol course titled Wolf-Tactical Reconnaissance and Personal Protection, better known as Wolf T.R.A.P.P., that began Nov. 15 at the Indoor Small- Arms Range here.
Jim Elder, the founder and creator of Wolf T.R.A.P.P. explained that the training is the same administered to the Marine Special Operations Command.
“I started the course to fit the demand for this kind of training,” said Elder. “Even though we profess to be experts in our field and weapons, we still don’t have that knowledge in house and we aren’t provided with this kind of training.”
The first day of training, the Marines and sailors learned all the pistol fundamentals.
The first week of training, the service members trained with the M9 pistol, going over shooting drills such as failure to stop and strong arm.
“The next drill we are going to execute will be a failure to stop drill,” said Paul Moose, former Marine and Wolf T.R.A.P.P. instructor, as he shouts commands during the course. “This drill means that when I call the command you will shoot a pair to the red square and one to the triangle.”
The point of the drill is to become comfortable with the weapon, be able to draw from the holster and achieve smooth presentation, transitions and accurate shots.
The training is similar to having a pistol in combat so the service members practiced pivoting movements and firing with one arm as if they were injured.
“We teach in-depth gun handling skills and combat mindset,” Elder said.
The second week service members trained with the M4 rifle using similar techniques and drills, but altering the movements and positions for the weapon.
“Not everyone gets what I recognize is a needed skill set in weapons training,” said Elder. “The nature of today’s battle is there are no frontlines. So the enemy could be anywhere.”
The next course is scheduled to begin Jan. 2. Elder plans to offer the course several times next year. “Taking this course vastly improved the knowledge I had on weapons,” said Chavez.
“Being so comfortable with the firearm gets me excited and I want to keep shooting.”
After the shot is fired, the shooter practices the follow-through procedure before returning the weapon to safe and slowly lowering the firearm, putting it to rest in its holster.
The shooter remains in the correct firing stance with both feet planted shoulder width apart at the firing line, tentatively waiting for the next command and his turn to fill his ears with music.