READY, AIM, FIRE!!!!

      There's an art to writing as there's an art to qualifying with the M-16 Rifle.  I went about writing a paper with my all as I did when qualifying with my M-16 rifle when I was in the Army.

       The technique I used on both would cause my heart to race and my mind would fill with anxiety.  I wanted to achieve the expert badge at completion of qualifying, and an A in my English class for the essay that I had written.

        When I would arrive at the firing range, it was with the anticipation of zeroing my weapon by getting a close shot group.  This would aid me in doing well on the actual targets I had to shoot at to qualify for record. In writing, I had to collect my thoughts so I would keep the interest of my audience from beginning to end.

        Being comfortable, insuring my breathing was in rhythm when I aimed and squeezed the trigger was a must.  In writing, I must be comfortable, have a clear focused mind, and be precise and to the point on my subject. This is my introduction to the weapon and my paper.  Once I've accomplished this task, I must now move on to another range to qualify.  In writing, I have to put all my thoughts on paper.  This is the beginning of my thesis.

         My first task at the range is to assist another qualifier by coaching them.  I must watch their breathing pattern, letting the person know their form and if they squeezed the trigger after exhaling.  The body must be very still when pulling the trigger to insure you hit your target.  In writing, the choice of words used must be capturing and sometimes inspiring to keep your audience's interest on your subject.  All punctuations must be placed and used properly in your writing; this is to insure the readers can feel and follow your essay the way you intended them to receive it.  Now it is my turn to qualify.  I've zeroed my weapon and am satisfied with my shot group.  I've looked on while someone else qualified, and I've noticed the good techniques and bad ones that were used.  I'm ready to lock and load one ten- round magazine.  There are four magazines that I have to use which have ten rounds each; I must go for the gusto and get the best out of 40 rounds, hoping to hit at least 36 out of 40 so that I qualify as an expert marksman.  I've started my paper and everything is flowing the way I want it to flow.  The choice of words that I used are fitting in perfectly for the subject that I am writing on.  I feel that my readers will be caught up in my message and enjoy it to the end.

        I have finished firing my last ten- round magazine, and now its time to walk down range to observe the results of the firing session.  I'm ecstatic, ready to jump and shout because I hit 38 out of 40.  I'm still authorized to wear the marksman badge of an expert on my uniform.  I've proof read my paper, and it's satisfying to me.  I feel that my readers will be intrigued from beginning to end.  My essay will keep their interest.  I'm pleased and it's now time to print and turn this in for my final grade.  My paper has hit the target.