Chapter 7 - The Pattern of Disqualifications
Major Ward suspended the range.
No rifles moved.
No target crews entered the canyon.
She ordered every scorecard, ammunition sheet, and lane assignment from the current training cycle secured.
Raines protested.
“You do not have authority to shut down my command.”
Ward showed him the authorization on her tablet.
She had been assigned by the Army Marksmanship Oversight Office after an unusual number of complaints from Blackridge.
Avery looked toward her.
“You were already investigating?”
“Reviewing irregularities.”
Over five years, seventeen candidates had been removed after disputed final scores.
Fourteen had filed complaints.
Thirteen complaints were dismissed by Raines.
Most of the candidates shared something.
They had refused private offers to join a defense contracting team Raines quietly advised after retirement.
The strongest shooters were pressured to sign future employment agreements.
Those who accepted received elite recommendations.
Those who refused suddenly failed.
Avery had refused an approach from the same contractor two months earlier.
The recruiter promised money, travel, and classified work.
Avery declined.
She intended to remain in the Army.
May you like
Raines began targeting her the next week.
👉 Raines was not protecting standards—he was controlling which soldiers could succeed and selling their futures to a private company.
