no archery in Iraq

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Ijust heard on another site that Commanders in Iraq have shut down any archery going on by the troops, bows and arrows to be confinscated.

wasnt there a thing while back where tradgang sent some bows and stuff over there?

[Russ Clagett]

Not true.

I am a soldier currently serving in Iraq, and I shoot my bow every day. There are about 8 of us in just my company who shoot, including the First Sergeant.

I have heard nothing of the kind, and I dont know why any commander would do something so stupid. But there are some really stupid commanders out there...........

SFC Russ Clagett
A CO 3-144 Infantry

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hope this doestn get removed but i will show you what i read.  if it gets removed feel free to PM me.

 http://forums.bowcountry.com/bcforums/showthread.php?p=153655&posted=1#post153655

[Zmonster]

It wouldnt surprise me that some commanders would do something like that. Our Troop commander is all for any kind of recreation that would keep his troops sain. But like Russ said, there are Soldiers in out ranks that lack common sence and its unfortunate that some of them are high up in the tree.

All it takes is for "ONE" soldier to do something REALLY carless with the equipment, and that will ruin it for everyone. Hopefully that wasnt the case.

Regards

[2Knives]

I wasn't in Iraq, I just came back from Qatar a few months ago...I know, not the same thing but still desert.
Our Commander said NO to archery...NO personal weapons allowed.
It really would have been nice to sling some arrows during the down time.
I hope they still allow them up north!

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yeah the "personal weapons" is the issue according to the post i read

[vermonster13]

Since over 400 bows have been donated to the cause over there, it would be nice to know what is planned for any confiscated bows.

[Dano]

Here's a link that Bob Walker started back then.

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=042743;p=1

I feel for the troops that lost the privledge to have an archery range. I hope that doesn't include all in country troops, for their sake.

[JDVasos]

Just like to say that I have started a few archery ranges myself in Iraq and Afghanistan and yes some places are off limits to bows and arrows.  Liberty I believe is one of them that I was told by a Major who transfered there.  Taji would not allow bows until the comand was convinced that it was safe to do so.  Right now I am waiting on permission to send equipment over to Baghdad.  It is not getting any easier but the ultimate decision I believe lies with the unit comander as to allowing archery on their base.  If a soldier should take a bow with him without permission he could get in some trouble so it is best to be up front and follow the rules.  I have sent out emails to find out more about this and will report anything new I should find out here. By the way great job by all on this site with the work you have done in bringing archery to our troops in combat and we never can do enough to help these men and woman out.  For God and Country, John Vasos/ Camp Cuervo Archery Club

[JDVasos]

Just heard from our range in Mosul and Camp Cropper and they are doing fine there.

 One SFC said "all FOBs are different and all are ran by different people. Some Commands are very strict and Some are pretty relaxed. Most FOBs have Mayors and make all the decisions and some allow thier own command to make the decision. Everyone is different."

 
Liberty has a ban and being it is fifteen minutes away from Cropper the guys there where invited to join them. Keep sending them bows and arrows but make sure the unit comander is ok with sending it first.
For God and Country, John Vasos

[MarthaK]

I just checked with a trad-shooting friend w- 1st ID/Ft Riley now at Camp Falcon.  

He hasn't heard anything about their range being closed, however he's working nights and hasn't been able to shoot for a while.   Still, if the commander was confiscating bows, they would know where to find him and so far they haven't.

[blueslfb]

Well, You know what they say, if you can't fire them or discharge them, just promote them.  Unfortunately it sounds like the CC is following the letter of the law rather than the spirit of the law and is screwing over his guys.  Hope everything works out for you in the end.

Keep up the good work and stay safe..My thoughts and prayers are with you all.