Good to see the guys over in Iraq can still make light out of a tough situation, this is a soldier talking about firing off rounds to entertain the locals:
Sgt Otter: Usually, after a few rounds, they'd get bold enough to point at the .50 caliber machineguns or Mark 19 fully automatic grenade launchers on our trucks and ask us:
"Mis-tah! Mis-tah! My brotha! Ees married. Please. The big gun? Shoot! Yes? Aww, please, mis-tah?"
So...did you?
Ha. The Mark 19? No. Each individual round, when it detonates creates a killing radius of 5 meters, and a wounding radius of 15 meters. You usually fire it in 3 to 5 round bursts. Not something you play with for shiats and giggles.
The M2-HB .50 caliber Heavy Machine Gun?
"White 4 Actual, this is White Six Eagle"
"Send it."
"Roger, local friendlies are requesting a Show-of-Force demonstration on the primary weapon system on Two Actual's horse."
"They want the Deuce? Who's getting married?"
"Mustafa's nephew."
"Yeah, I guess we owe him for that tip last week. All White Elements, Two is doing a test-fire. Don't panic."
"Platoon Daddy gave it the okay. Have your Golf light it up."
"Hey Dirt McGurt, you're cleared hot. Send it."
"Roger. ON THE WAY!!!"