Using a machine gun is not common practice for a transport company worker or air conditioning service engineer.
But Braintree men Paul Evans and Cameron Gillies were sent on an overseas training exercise as members of the Territorial Army.
Mr Evans, 32, and Mr Gillies, 23, attended a machine gun course in Sennelager, Germany.
They both hold the rank of Private with E Company 3rd Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment based in Chelmsford.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here