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Just finished basic training.  Shot a whole 200 rounds in training.  Thinking that's not going to cut it I'm going to purchase a Spikes ar15 a dillon 650 all the  stuff to go with it and i have around 500$  for optics.  Was thinking scope with a red dot on top.  If you have any advice on direction I should go please let me know.  This will be my first AR.  I usually shoot 308.   I can get a delta point 3.5 for 296$ delivered to top a Mark AR 6-18x40mm Adj. Obj. T1 377$ delivered.  What would be better.  For close to the same $$$. I want to be ready for when I go.  I'm a 88m Army truck driver.  They say it's not if it's when we get attacked where I'm going.  Thank you for any help.

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FWIW my driver drives his ass off and does not have time to shoot nor stop.  We have gunners for that.

Nothing wrong with practice but do not expect that you take small arms fire and will stop your vehicle and start doing fire team rushes on them.

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Driver? Learn how to use an M68 properly. It will get you out of a complex attack should that occur. Most likely, however, if you're the driver, the convoy commander will want you nowhere but behind that wheel. The only time you won't be is in a disabled vehicle situation, and only if yours is the disabled vehicle.



FWIW, there's a reason the driver is often the most junior crewmember.



If you want something to practice with, like I said, an Aimpoint, similar to the one you'll most likely get issued (CompM4, PRO, ect. any of these will work) and learn to use it. No "lollipopping" or aligning with the front sight or rear sight- it's a red dot sight, and a lot of the junk that ends up getting put out during PMI is flat out wrong and ends up doing nothing but confusing soldiers.



Remove the killflash, and leave it somewhere in your quarters that you won't use it. By the time you're shooting- the enemy knows you're there, no need to have the killflash in there to obstruct and darken your view.



If you're going to be a driver, know you're going to be driver, and will always stay a driver- forget the sling. Remove it, I've seen too many drivers get caught on all sorts of crap with some silly tactical sling. Like I said, if you're shooting, it's because you're vehicle's been disabled- you're not going on long dismounted patrols, you're sitting tight and conducting security waiting for support. You'll get yourself into more trouble getting caught up in your sling if you're trying to bail out of a burning vehicle than you will having to carry the thing the whole time. If you really want retention, go to the PX and buy a Spec Ops Wolf Hook, it's just a little bit of webbing and a QD buckle. Attach one end to your IOTV, and one end to the stock. If and when the time comes you need weapon retention, you'll have it.



Going with that, keep the gear on your IOTV to a minimum. Most of it is superfluous as a driver, and use an independent suspension system if possible. Keep it wrapped up in a compact package somewhere you can grab it when you have to get out. Otherwise, keep less on you, again, it'll make for less clutter in your already cramped cab.



Honestly, I'd spend more time practicing driving in tight mountain passes than shooting. If you do end up getting a pistol, ditch any thigh or hip holsters. Wear it on your chest. Again, you're going to be cramped enough without having a huge kydex (most likely Serpa) holster hanging out.



General crew notes- PMCS, and PMCS *well.* More vehicles get disabled through operator stupidity and improper maintenance than through contact. I worked QRF for a stint- trust me.



Linked ammo is more important than loose, or magazine packed ammo. If you have to pull security for yourself, you'll be much happier when your gunner is banging away with the crew served than with your M4. Understand what kind of scenarios you're likely going to be facing. Again, as a driver, the likelihood of you ever having to "close with and destroy," especially as an 88M is negligible. Suppress and bypass will most likely be your MO, otherwise, it will be maintain security and await support.



Keep water bottles, steal them if you have to, food, toilet paper, dip, and cigarettes in the truck. Also, whenever you get the chance, steal as many of those flavor packets as you can possibly fit into your shoulder pockets. You will become your TC's favorite easily. Rip-Its are usually delivered early and go quick. Especially the good flavors. Be vigilant, keep your head on a swivel, and remember that there's no such thing as "unfair" when it comes to free energy drinks.



Never pay asking price at the bazaar. Everyone on the FOB will hate you if you do, because prices will go up once haji realizes there's newbies on post. Paying 15% of the asking price is considered a sign of weakness.



When in doubt, ask again. Better to look stupid than to do what you think you heard, and end up having it be the wrong thing, or worse, neglecting something that needed to be done- see my above comment about why most vehicles get disabled.



Listen to what the guys doing your RIP-TOA have to say- they've been there for a while, know what the score is in your immediate area, as well as what to look out for- don't get hung up on your pre-deployment training if it conflicts with what the guys you're replacing have to say. More than likely- they're alive, and they're right.



Finally, see my avatar. Don't run over stray cats. On purpose or not. I still owe that specialist a swift kick in the ass.



~Augee