I remember back in the 80's, Rangers were a big thing. Their units are much smaller and dedicated now but are they still considered Rangers or are the SEALs?
So what seems to be the problem? Is it after basic training that there isn't the consistent field training to keep skills sharpened? Or even improve their skills beyond what they've learned in basic training? Because if you take the US Army for example (and it're relatively the same as the US Marines), they go through a very similar basic training. They don't even get to touch their M-16A2 or M4 for 3 weeks. And when they get it, there's more emphasis on understanding the weapon, care and cleaning and timely disassembling and assembly. Granted they go through weapons firing and target obstacle courses but these guys in the Saaqa must be doing something similar, I can't imagine not. The only thing I see that seem to be an issue is post basic training. Other military units will go through advanced individual training that can last 3 months to a year and that's where the soldier develops to his potential. I think this is where the issue lies in the Egyptian forces is that after basic training, we're not sure what they're getting for advanced training. Does that sound like the problem?
You would think that once they're placed in these units, there is a thorough, advanced training that they should go through. A lot of the stuff we see at those parades with jumping through fire circles and under moving cars etc isn't bad and is actually good for soldiering, even if it might seem ridiculous at times. So if they're doing all that, how is it possible that they're not getting trained in tactics and spending more time at the range?
That's interesting. For the Thunderbolts, they should at least get them to jump out of a C-130 at least once or twice. Rrgular infantrymen don't need it but the TB?