During a conversation with my Physics professor this morning, we came up with an idea to do a Physics course specifically for Forward observers, Scouts, Designated Marksmen, and Snipers.
Reason we're looking at it, is that when I was in, we were trained how to do things, like use mildot reticles to estimate ranges.... sure, we knew a T-72 was "x" mils long at "y" range, but I didn't know why or how. Since I started going taking physics courses, I'm beginning to understand how all these neat little tools work, and knowing the "why it works" has helped me improve my range estimation and accuracy significantly.
So the goal of this class would be to have the UAA Physics department set up a course to explain the physics of range estimation, ballistics, and other affairs directly affecting soldiers, in terms that soldiers and NCOs can use to improve their skills while avoiding the long and hard slog through two years of college math and physics courses.
I'm hoping that UAA can be persuaded to do this course at their Fort Richardson Campus, and do it using Tuition Assistance (which would give the soldiers college credit, while preserving unit training funds).
So, now on to the point. I was a plain old Cav Scout, so I really don't have a solid grasp as to what Snipers/Fisters would want specifically from the course. I would appreciate any input from individuals of either group with an understanding of college level physics.
So far, the topics I have suggested to my professor are:
Ranging using the mildot reticle,
Kinetic energy equations,
Kinematics( ie: velocity, bullet drop, etc),
fluid dynamics (drag, etc.),
the coriolis effect,
spin drift,
momentum,
right now, I just need topics of discussion. As soon as my Physics Professor knows what topics he'd need to teach, he'll build a lesson plan and see what the University BigWigs have to say about it.
Thanks!
Reason we're looking at it, is that when I was in, we were trained how to do things, like use mildot reticles to estimate ranges.... sure, we knew a T-72 was "x" mils long at "y" range, but I didn't know why or how. Since I started going taking physics courses, I'm beginning to understand how all these neat little tools work, and knowing the "why it works" has helped me improve my range estimation and accuracy significantly.
So the goal of this class would be to have the UAA Physics department set up a course to explain the physics of range estimation, ballistics, and other affairs directly affecting soldiers, in terms that soldiers and NCOs can use to improve their skills while avoiding the long and hard slog through two years of college math and physics courses.
I'm hoping that UAA can be persuaded to do this course at their Fort Richardson Campus, and do it using Tuition Assistance (which would give the soldiers college credit, while preserving unit training funds).
So, now on to the point. I was a plain old Cav Scout, so I really don't have a solid grasp as to what Snipers/Fisters would want specifically from the course. I would appreciate any input from individuals of either group with an understanding of college level physics.
So far, the topics I have suggested to my professor are:
Ranging using the mildot reticle,
Kinetic energy equations,
Kinematics( ie: velocity, bullet drop, etc),
fluid dynamics (drag, etc.),
the coriolis effect,
spin drift,
momentum,
right now, I just need topics of discussion. As soon as my Physics Professor knows what topics he'd need to teach, he'll build a lesson plan and see what the University BigWigs have to say about it.
Thanks!
