Store offers free foreign weapons course to those volunteering

A Greeley firearms store is offering a free foreign weapons familiarization course to those who volunteer to fight in Ukraine.

Anthony Navarro, owner of Colorado Shooting Sports, earlier this month posted a video about the free course, which is being offered to those who join the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy created the Legion so foreign citizens wanting to help fight against Russia’s invasion could join the resistance. Only about 100 U.S. citizens have been admitted as of March 10.

“We’re just trying to give people the best chance they can to be successful over there,” Navarro said.

The class will cover how to assemble, disassemble, clean and use AK weapons, with the ability to train on different variants free in class. Other topics will include ballistics, ammunition and tools including stripper clips and spoons. Navarro said they’ll also go over regulations regarding international arms trafficking, covering what volunteers will and won’t be able to take with them.

To take the class, those interested will be required to show proof they’ve been accepted and are traveling.

Colorado Shooting Sports trained people going to Iraq as private contractors in the 2000s, but those choosing to go fight this time won’t be getting paid. In fact, getting there could take anywhere from $3,000-$5,000, Navarro said, not including a return flight. Going also means a serious risk of injury and death, he added.

The United Nations estimates more than 3 million people have fled Ukraine due to the fighting. Ukraine has said thousands of civilians have died.

“For all the people going overseas to fight, I cannot say enough that I admire what you’re doing,” Navarro said.

For more information, check out the video at youtu.be/nreajxg7s4o, call (970) 395-0664 or go to coloradoshootingsports .com. More information about the Legion and how to join can be found at fightforua.org.