UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
LESSON PLAN
INTERMEDIATE COMBAT MARKSMANSHIP DAY
CS0104
(ON SLIDE #1)
INTRODUCTION (5 MIN)
1. GAIN ATTENTION. The battle of Hue is considered one of the most intense and savage battles of the Vietnam War, during which 433 Marines became casualties and Vietnamese forces, both North and South suffered over 5,000 casualties. The intensity of this battle was due largely to the close range engagements. Enemy personnel presented only fleeting targets, appearing and disappearing among the city’s buildings and rubble. Studies and historical analyses have shown that about 90 percent of all targets were located within 50 meters or less from the identifying Marine. These close quarters required Marines to immediately identify and accurately engage a target before loosing the opportunity or becoming one of the many wounded. Research has determined, that on average, only three individuals out of ten actually fired their weapons when confronted by an enemy during room clearing operations. Close quarters combat success for the Marine begins with the Marine being psychologically prepared for the close quarter’s battle. The foundation for this preparedness begins with the Marine’s proficiency in close quarter combat marksmanship techniques. Survival in the urban environment does not depend on advanced skills and technologies. Marines must be proficient in the basics. There's no time to wonder how the enemy's going to react. You have to do it to them before they do it to you and do it quickly, safely and surely, risking your life and those of your team as little as possible.
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2. OVERVIEW. Good morning/evening class, my name is ___________________. The title of this lesson is “Intermediate Combat Marksmanship Day”. The purpose of this lesson is to introduce the combat mindset, ballistics, methods of target engagement, and close quarter marksmanship techniques. Your safety and the safety of your fellow Marines depend upon your ability to perform these skills without error. This class relates to all Combat Marksmanship class.
INSTRUCTOR NOTE
Have the students read the learning objectives to themselves as you read them out loud. Emphasize the task in each learning objective to the students. Check for understanding by asking questions, as necessary.
3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES.
a. TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES.
(1) Given a service rifle/carbine, combat sling, individual field equipment, magazines, cleaning gear, ammunition, and at no more than 15 yards, execute hammer pairs with a service rifle/carbine, by striking the target in accordance with the table in MCO 3574.2K. (0300-M16-1021)
(2) Given a service rifle/carbine, combat sling,
individual field equipment, magazines, cleaning gear, ammunition, and targets, engage targets using pivot techniques with a service rifle/carbine, by striking the target, in accordance with the tables in MCO 3574.2K. (0300-M16-1022)
(3) Given a service rifle/carbine, combat sling, individual field equipment, magazines, ammunition, and targets, engage targets while moving forward with a service rifle/carbine, by striking the target in accordance with the tables in accordance with the tables in MCO 3574.2K (0300-M16-1023)
(4) Given a service rifle/carbine, combat sling, RCO, individual field equipment, magazines, targets, and ammunition, perform intermediate combat marksmanship skills with service rifle/carbine (Table 3), by achieving a qualifying score. (0300-M16-1027)
4. METHOD/MEDIA. I will present this lesson using the lecture, demonstration, and practical application methods aided by computer-generated graphics, service rifle, a demonstrator and your student handouts.
INSTRUCTOR NOTE
Explain to the students the procedure for completing the Instructional Rating Forms (IRFs).
5. EVALUATION. You will be evaluated through a performance examination on TD- _____. To achieve mastery, you must master all the performance steps of the PE checklist and place 75% of your rounds on the target for day qualification (student must master the day qualification in order to attempt night qualification). Upon completion of this lesson, you are required to strictly adhere to the techniques and guidelines for combat marksmanship throughout your Marine Corps career.
6. SAFETY/ CEASE TRAINING (CT) BRIEF. We are all safety officers. If you observe an unsafe situation during this period of instruction, inform one of your Combat Instructors or me and we will address the problem. In the event that the building must be evacuated, we will all move in an orderly manner to the assembly area located ____________________, where your Platoon Commander will conduct a personnel and weapons count and then you will be passed further directions as needed. Please do not touch any weapon until told to do so. Additional safety measures will be discussed during the practical application period of this lesson.
(ON SLIDE #2)
TRANSITION: Are there any questions regarding the learning objectives, how this class will be taught or on how you will be evaluated? If not, let’s discuss Intermediate combat marksmanship/The effects of physical and mental stress.
(ON SLIDE #3)
BODY (340 MIN)
1. THE EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STRESS. (6 Min)
Any perceived threat to one’s self-image or physical safety induces a primordial response in the human body known as “Body Alarm Reaction.” Body Alarm Reaction results in any combination of mental and physical responses designed to prepare the body for an enormously taxing effort of self-preservation - to run as fast as it has to, or to fight as hard as it has to for survival. The highest form of Body Alarm Reaction is the “Fight or Flight Reflex.” The severity of these responses can vary between individuals and situations. If not mentally and physically conditioned to mitigate these responses, the results can lead to debilitating panic attacks or complete apathy toward danger.
(ON SLIDE #4)
a. Physical Responses.
(1) Increased Heart and Respiratory Rate. The body’s metabolic rate increases. Blood flow is diverted from the digestive system and extremities to the large muscle groups. Probable symptoms include loss of control of bodily functions and pale clammy skin. The heart and respiratory rate increases to provide more fuel to the muscles. Increased oxygen flow can result in light-headedness or dizziness.
(2) Chemical cocktail. The brain releases a “cocktail” of powerful hormones and chemicals. The bodies endorphins release to reduce sensitivity to pain and adrenalin is released to provide more powerful contraction of fast twitch muscles. The two combine to reduce manual dexterity, produce uncontrolled shaking, and a sense of clumsiness.
(3) Pupil dilation. To increase sensitivity to changes in light.
(4) Both eyes. Remain open to increase field of vision and depth perception.
(ON SLIDE #5)
b. Mental Responses.
(1) Tunnel Vision. The mind begins shutting down all of the extraneous visual information in order to focus on the immediate threat.
(2) Tachypsychia. Is from the Greek, and means “the speed of the mind.” The mind processes information at a rate faster than normal. This can cause the perception of “slow motion” events, and a glancing review in the consciousness.
(3) Auditory Exclusion. Is the mind shutting down extraneous auditory information in order to focus on the threat.
(4) Precognition. When the mind predicts an outcome based on sensory input. This can be described as having hyper sensory perception or sixth sense.
(5) Cognitive Dissonance. The mind stores information based on relevance, importance, or sensory strength and not the sequence of time. Confusing recollections and remembering things out of sequence.
(ON SLIDE #6)
TRANSITION: Are there any questions regarding the effects of physical and mental stress? (Pause and receive questions). If there are no questions for me, I have a question for you.
QUESTION: What is any perceived threat to one’s self-image or physical safety that induces a primordial response in the human body?
ANSWER: Body Alarm Reaction
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Now that we have discussed the effects of physical and mental stress, let’s move on to the color code system that will help separate different states of alertness.
(ON SLIDE #7)
2. THE COLOR CODE SYSTEM. (5 Min)
a. Mental Conditioning. Mental Conditioning trains towards a conscious state of awareness, which prepares you to pull the trigger on another human. Quite possibly, the most effective deterrent is an alert sentry. A terrorist would rather deal with an unaware, lackadaisical sentry than an aware, alert sentry. Proper mental conditioning will assist the sentry in preventing or defusing a situation before deadly force becomes necessary. If deadly force is required the combination of marksmanship training and mental conditioning will enable the sentry to successfully accomplish the mission
(1) Condition White. Condition White is a state of translucence during which a person is totally vulnerable and is unaware of his surroundings. You cannot afford to be caught in this condition. It is easy to become complacent, especially when you have been in a country and on alert for months and nothing has occurred.
(2) Condition Yellow. Condition Yellow is a state of nonspecific alert. You are aware of everything going on around you and should the need arise you are prepared to act. Without practice, staying in this state of alert can become fatiguing.
(ON SLIDE #8)
(3) Condition Orange. Condition Orange is a state of specific alert. You identified a dangerous situation. You have decided that a course of action is warranted. One of the rules of deadly force was met and you are prepared to respond.
(4) Condition Red. Condition red is the state of being decisively engaged with a specific threat. The decisions have been made and the determined course of action is being taking.
(5) Condition Black. Condition Black is an add-on to the original 4 conditions that is a state of total panic and denial characterized by the inability to logically think and react. This is a condition that you must avoid.
b. You need not be armed to react to a threat, you are a weapon, there is no requirement to go through all of the conditions; you may go straight from yellow to red.
(ON SLIDE #9)
TRANSITION: Are there any questions concerning the color code system? (Pause and receive questions). If there are no questions for me, I have a question for you.
QUESTION: What does proper mental conditioning do?
ANSWER: Will assist a sentry in preventing or defusing a situation before deadly force becomes necessary.
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Now that we have discussed the different conditionings of the Color Code, we are ready to talk about the proper mind set.
(ON SLIDE #10)
3. MIND SET. (3 Min)
In order to succeed in a combat environment the Marine must first possess the proper frame of mind. The following items are all part of the proper mind set:
a. Aggressive. This is not to say that we will act as "bulls in a china shop,” but that we will be aggressive and strive for mission accomplishment.
b. Confident. You must be confident in your abilities both individually and as a team.
c. Relaxed. If you are confident in your abilities and in your team’s ability, then your mind will be relaxed and you will perform better physically and mentally.
(ON SLIDE #11)
TRANSITION: Are there any questions regarding the proper mind set? (Pause and receive questions). If there are no questions for me, I have a question for you.
QUESTION: What are three types of mind set?
ANSWER: Aggressive, confident and confident
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We have talked about the effects of physical and mental stress, the color code system and the proper frame of mind; we are ready to move into Wound Profile.
(ON SLIDE #12)
4. WOUND PROFILE. (2 Min)
a. The type, location, and amount of tissue disruption caused by a projectile are the critical information needed to evaluate its effect. The “Wound Profile” illustrates this data.
b. The profiles provide a standardized starting point, but some understanding of anatomy and physiology must be added to predict accurately the effect of a given projectile penetrating the human body.
(ON SLIDE #13)
TRANSITION: Are there any questions on what wound profile is? (Pause and receive questions). If there are no questions for me, I have a question for you.
QUESTION: What information is critical to evaluate its effect?
ANSWER: Type, location, and amount of tissue disrupted.
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Now that we have discussed the definition of wound profile, we can move onto the mechanisms of ballistic injury.
INSTRUCTOR NOTE
Slide 15 is a diagram of the mechanisms of ballistic injury. Ensure that the students understand this diagram before moving on.
(ON SLIDE #14)
5. MECHANISMS OF BALLISTIC INJURY. (5 Min)
a. Permanent Cavity. The permanent cavity indicated on the wound profiles are the "bullet hole" produced by the projectile crushing the tissue it strikes, during its passage through the body. This may result from tissue laceration or crushing, and the bone may be damaged by direct impact. It is possible to have a relatively small entry wound but a large underlying permanent cavity.
b. Temporary Cavity. The temporary cavity shows the approximate extent to which the walls of this hole were stretched a few milliseconds after bullet passage (entirely similar to a splash in water). This stretch is a result of the release of kinetic energy. The temporary cavity can be as much as 30 times the size of the bullet.
c. Sonic Pressure Wave. A sonic pressure wave precedes the bullet and can produce up to 117 atmospheres of pressure. The wave is of very short duration, however, and usually causes no significant tissue damage.
(ON SLIDE #15)
TRANSITION: Are there any questions about the mechanisms of ballistic injury or the diagram? (Pause and receive questions). If there are no questions for me, I have a question for you.
QUESTION: What is the permanent cavity?
ANSWER: Bullet hole produced by the projectile crushing the tissue it strikes during its passage through the body.
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Now that we have discussed the mechanisms of ballistic injury we can move right into the applied wound ballistics.
(ON SLIDE #16)
6. APPLIED WOUND BALLISTICS. (5 Min)
a. The wound profile provides standardized starting point for estimating projectile terminal effects in the living body. To ascertain the effect of a particular projectile path through the living body one must consider the characteristics of the anatomic structures impacted.
b. The crush disruption remains relatively constant in most body tissues, but the effect produced by the stretch of temporary cavitations varies greatly with tissue flexibility, and anatomic location. For example, liver does not stretch as well as muscle, and is damaged much more severely by temporary cavitations.
(ON SLIDE #17)
c. A projectile striking bone is likely to deform and/or fragment more than usual, and its penetration depth will decrease. Just how much the damage pattern changes from that predicted by the wound profile, however, can vary greatly, depending on that anatomy of the bone struck (its thickness, harness, etc.).
d. Passage through the abdominal cavity in which the organs perforated contain liquid and gas might be expected to give less resistance to penetration than muscle, so the length of penetration would be expected to be longer and more variable.
e. Projectile passage through the chest, where a large part of the volume is occupied by low-density lung, might be expected to yield an even longer penetration.
(ON SLIDE #18)
INTERIM TRANSITION: Now that we have talked about the effects of physical and mental stress, color code, mind set, wound profile, mechanisms of and applied wound ballistics are there any questions? (Pause and receive questions). _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If there are no (more) questions, let’s take a 10-minute break.
(BREAK - 10 Min)
INSTRUCTOR NOTE
Have the Combat Instructors supervise a 10-minute head and water call. Ensure Combat Instructors conduct a head and weapons count and have students return to their seats in the classroom within 10 minutes.
TRANSITION: Before the break we talked about Ballistics are there any questions? (Pause and receive questions). If there are no (more) questions, I have a question for you.
QUESTION: What must you ascertain to get the effect of a particular projectile path through the living body?
ANSWER: To ascertain the effect of a particular projectile path through the living body one must consider the characteristics of the anatomic structures impacted.
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Now we can move on to Pairing to the Torso.
INSTRUCTORS NOTE
At this time use a combat instructor to demonstrate the procedures as state how each performance step is done.
(ON SLIDE #19)
7. PAIR TO THE TORSO. (5 Min)
The target simulates the silhouette of a person from the head to the waist. The kill zones on the head and chest represent the location of the vital organs. The range to the target will determine the rate of fire, i.e., the closer to the target, the faster the rate of fire and the farther, slower rate of fire. Rate of fire will be described as "shot delivery" for the purpose of this course. We will always fire two shots or a pair, to the largest target area of the body this increases our chances of not only hitting the target with a killing shot, but also causing twice the amount of trauma in rapid secession and increasing the chance of fatal shut down of the enemies’ body.
(ON SLIDE #20)
The methods to describe shot delivery are:
(ON SLIDE #21)
a. Controlled Pairs. Ranges of fifteen yards and farther with the Service Rifle/Carbine controlled pairs are preferred.
(1) Engage single targets with controlled pairs (two single shots).
(a) Present your weapon to the target.
(b) Once you have aimed in on the center of the upper torso, you will fire a shot, and then follow through.
1 Follow through is letting your sights align back on target to the same point of aim, now you are ready to fire a second shot after re-confirming sight picture.
(c) Two shots fired using a slight pause to re-confirm sight alignment and sight picture, between the shots, is a controlled pair.
b. Hammer Pairs. Ranges fifteen yards and closer with the Service Rifle/Carbine are preferred to accurately hit the vital organ areas. Hammers are two shots fired in rapid succession with the confirmation of one sight picture.
(1) The closer you are to the target the better the chances are for an adversary to shoot you. So, it is critical to eliminate him first.
(2) Present your weapon to the target.
(a) Once you have a sight picture on the center of the upper torso, you will fire two shots.
(b) Once you have fired two shots you will follow through back to the torso.
(c) Good body position, muscle memory and with practice you should be able to fire as fast as you can pull the trigger and see sight picture the entire time.
NOTE: Hammered pairs are two shots fired with one flash sight picture, at closer distances. 15 yards and closer is preferred. Controlled pairs are two shots fired with a slight pause between two flash sight pictures. Range regulations prohibit firing at 15 yards.
(ON SLIDE #22)
TRANSITION: Are there any questions about the pair to the torso, controlled pairs or hammer pairs? (Pause and receive questions). If there are no questions for me, I have a question for you.
QUESTION: What are two methods of shot delivery?
ANSWER: Controlled or hammer
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We have discussed controlled and hammer pairs, we will now move into limited target exposure before we go into re-assessment drills.
(ON SLIDE #23)
8. LIMITED TARGET EXPOSURE. (3 Min)
Limited target exposure is nothing more than having a target exposed for a short period of time. The enemy may be taking cover and only a small area of the body can be fired at, it is critical to make killing shots before the enemy is able hide or better his position. The way we practice and prepare for this situation is to fire at targets that are presented for very short periods of time.
(ON SLIDE #24)
TRANSITION: Are there any questions limited target exposure? (Pause and receive questions). If there are no questions for me, I have a question for you.
QUESTION: What is limited target exposure?
ANSWER: Having a target exposed for a short period of time.
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We have covered the pair to the torso with controlled or hammer pairs and limited target exposure, now we are getting to the heart of the subject with re-assessment drills.
(ON SLIDE #25)
9. RE-ASSESSMENT DRILL. (3 Min)
It is used when the torso shots have failed to have the desired effect. There may be numerous reasons why body shots may not have worked. Such things as the psycho-physic reactions to a violent encounter, drugs, or your opponent’s use of body armor are among these. The reason that the body shots failed to work are not really important, what is important is your reaction.
(ON SLIDE #26)
a. Failure To Stop Drill. A failure to stop drill is if the pair to the torso fails to stop the threat, the shooter engages the target with a single well aimed shot to the soft tissue area of the head. The soft tissue area of the head is formed by a “T”-Box that goes across the eye-brows and comes to a point at the tip of the nose. By placing a single shot in the triangle the round will then take a destructive path though the targets brain stem thereby shutting down the threat instantly.
(ON SLIDE #27)
b. Repeated Pairs. At times the shooter may not be able to get a clear single shot to the head during reassessment. If the target is too close to the shooter he may not have the time and space to raise the weapon to the head of the target. Also dust, sweat, and debris may mask the line of sight between the shooter and the target. If the situation does not allow for a failure to stop shot than the shooter should continue to engage the largest target area of the body with pairs until the threat is eliminated.
(ON SLIDE #28)
TRANSITION: Are there any questions about the Failure to stop drill or the repeated pairs? (Pause and receive questions). If there are no questions for me, I have a question for you.
QUESTION: When do you use re-assessment drills?
ANSWER: When torso shots have failed to have the desired effect.
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Now that we have discussed the re-assessment drill will we discuss multiple target engagement.
(ON SLIDE #29)
10. MULTIPLE TARGET ENGAGEMENT. (5 Min)
This is nothing more than having two or more adversaries present at one time. While engaging multiple targets, a Marine must be aware of his surroundings and not fixate on just one target. He must rapidly prioritize the targets, establish an engagement sequence, and engage the targets. A Marine also must maintain constant awareness for additional targets. It will be done in the following manner:
a. Prioritize The Target. Target Priority is based on three factors: proximity, threat and opportunity. Proximity is the distance between the shooter and the target. A threat is determined by observing what is in the hands of the potential adversary or by any hostile physical actions of the adversary. If the individual is carrying a weapon, that normally constitutes a threat. When confronted with multiple adversaries however, one of them will most certainly be more of a threat than the others. For example, a rifle is more of a threat than a knife and a machine gun is more of a threat than a pistol. The last consideration is opportunity. Simply put, the ability of the Marine to engage the threat. A Marine must remain alert to changes in a target’s threat level and proximity and other target opportunities as the battle progresses. The following are examples of deciding whom to engage first:
(1) Example One. Two adversaries at equal range, one with a knife, and one with a pistol. The pistol obviously represents the greatest threat to you therefore you should engage him first.
(2) Example Two. Two adversaries: The first with a pistol at ten yards and the other with a knife at one yard. The knife presents the greatest threat to you therefore you should engage him first.
(3) Example Three. Two adversaries at equal range both armed with rifles. One target is in the standing the other is behind cover. Both threats are equal but the target without cover is a easier opportunity therefore eliminate the standing then focus on the target with limited exposure.
(ON SLIDE #30)
b. Engage The Threats. After recognizing multiple adversaries and determining the threat, we must now consider what the appropriate method of engagement is. Because you are now confronted with more than one life-threatening opponent, the speed in which you must engage now becomes critical. Because we are conditioned to always attempt a re-assessment engagement on a single adversary, to do this with two or more adversaries would not be timely. If we choose to fire a re-assessment engagement on one opponent, then we are allowing the other opponent time to fire on us. Therefore, we must modify our method of engagement, in order to reduce the time in which it takes to engage more than one adversary. Targets should be engaged from most threatening to least threatening. The target that is the greatest threat is engaged first with two rounds. The recoil of the weapon after the second round can be used to redirect the weapon onto the next target. As soon as the weapon is settled on the next target, engage with another pair. Continue this process until all targets have been engaged with a pair. After all targets have been engaged, begin reassessing the targets from the last target engaged to the first conducting failure to stops as necessary. This technique is commonly referred to as the Box Drill.
(ON SLIDE #31)
(ON SLIDE #32)
(ON SLIDE #33)
INTERIM TRANSITION: Are there any questions about actions to take for multiple target engagements?
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Let us begin our demonstration.
INSTRUCTOR NOTE
Conduct the following demonstration.
DEMONSTRATION. (15 Min)
The purpose of this demonstration is to show the students the proper combat stance, pivots, and movement with a weapon. The demonstration will be done throughout the second half of the lesson as the Primary Instructor talks about each main topic. Primary Instructor may use assistant combat instructors or students for the demonstration. Student instructor ratio will be 400:6
STUDENT ROLE: Observe the demonstration. You may need to have the students stand in the back of the classroom to observe.
INSTRUCTOR(S) ROLE: Demonstrate proper stance, how to square up to a target, proper weapons carry, forward movement, the four steps of pivots for right and left-handed shooter. Primary Instructor may use assistant Combat Instructors or students for the demonstration. Demonstration should be done on stage to ensure the most visibility and ensure that the four weapons safety rules are being followed at all times (400:6).
1. Safety Brief: Demonstrators ensure that they are following the four weapon safety rules at all times. Any weapons used for demonstration will be visually and physically cleared before each demonstration.
2. Supervision and Guidance: Ensure all students grasp the concept of body/target alignment, proper weapons presentation, searching and assessing, weapons safety, proper stance, weapons carry, pivots and forward movement.
3. Debrief: After the demonstration ask the students if there are any questions. Summarize and clear up areas of confusion.
(ON SLIDE #34)
TRANSITION: Now that we have completed the demonstration. are there any questions? If there are no (more) questions (Pause and receive questions)) I have a question for you.
QUESTION: How do you prioritize your targets?
ANSWER: Based on three factors: proximity, threat and opportunity
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Now that we know how to deal with multiple targets we are going to discuss the fundamentals of close quarter marksmanship.
(ON SLIDE #35)
11. FUNDAMENTALS OF CLOSE QUARTER MARKSMANSHIP. (22 MIN)
a. Combat Stance. All Marines are taught the BASIC WARRIOR STANCE. Initially it is taught in regard to hand-to-hand combat. This fighting platform is brought over to the realm of combat shooting because the feet placement and body alignment are similar. Hips, torso and head are all squared off towards the adversary assuming the aggressive, highly mobile BASIC WARRIOR STANCE. This is imperative due to the individual having SAPI plates in his/her body armor. When squared off, an individual’s vital organs are protected if he receives an impact from enemy small arms. Your shooting stance is very similar to a boxing stance.
(1) Feet. The feet are approximately shoulder width apart with the strong side foot dropped slightly back (4 to 6 inches) and your toes pointed toward the threat.
(2) Legs. Knees slightly bent, in order to absorb movement.
(3) Hips. Align your hips to the threat.
(4) Back. Straight, leaning slightly forward without becoming unstable, in order to absorb recoil and allow your weapon to naturally fall back on the target after firing.
(5) Shoulders. Are aligned with the hips and square to the threat.
(6) Head. Erect, both eyes are opened! It will be necessary to learn to shoot with both eyes opened in a MOUT engagement, due to the close range fighting. This allows you to use your peripheral vision to spot threats and danger areas while still maintaining proper sight alignment. This technique requires training to allow your dominant eye to continue to see the front sight, while your weak eye is opened. To practice this technique squint your weak eye slightly at first and then begin to open it more and more.
(7) Elbows. Tucked in tight to your body, not only for stability, but to prevent being knocked off balance if your elbows were to hit anything, i.e. door jam etc
(ON SLIDE #36)
b. Grip. The GRIP of the weapon with the firing hand is accomplished by placing the web of the firing hand high on the pistol grip, and wrapping all fingers except the trigger finger around the pistol grip of the weapon. The trigger finger lays along side the lower receiver of the weapon unless up on target with the intention of shooting. The firing thumb is placed on top of the safety selector for positive manipulation and is an integral part of the grip. The support hand is placed around the hand guards and as far forward as comfortably as possible from the shooter to help reduce muzzle rise, while “pinching” the hand guards in order to assist in guiding the rifle onto the target. The amount of isometric pressure should be more with the firing hand, and less with the support hand. Do not over grip the pistol grip. If the weapon is visibly shaking or if your fingers are turning white, you are probably over-gripping, which could influence your accuracy.
(1) Strong Hand. Grasp the pistol grip high with the trigger finger straight and the other three fingers of the firing hand around the pistol grip firmly (not a death grip). Your thumb must be able to easily manipulate the selector lever. Your grip must be as comfortable and natural as possible.
(2) Weak Hand. Grasp the hand guard or vertical pistol grip at a position that is comfortable with a firm grip (not a death grip)
(ON SLIDE #37)
c. Trigger Control. Trigger Control is extremely important when shooting. Most competitive shooters will tell you that trigger control is the true secret of becoming deadly with a rifle. To have true trigger control, we want to achieve what is called a “surprise break.” A surprise break is described as placing equal gradual pressure on the trigger until the hammer falls and it surprises you. What happens is that a shooter fails to achieve “surprise break” because your brain tells the finger when to shoot or you subconsciously try to counter the recoil that is about to occur. Normally, when this occurs, the rounds will strike somewhere other than center. Again, achieving a “surprise break” is critical; the trigger finger works and performs independently of the rest of your body. Additionally, we use the verbiage of PRESS the trigger. We feel that the word PRESS more accurately describes how to experience a “surprise break.”
(1) Proper trigger control is the method used to apply pressure on the trigger so that a shot can be delivered without disturbing the sight alignment. Combined with sight alignment it is the most important fundamental of marksmanship and responsible for the majority of poor shots. Control of the trigger is a result of careful manipulation of the trigger by the trigger finger. The term "trigger pressure,” implies that the pressure on the trigger must come from the trigger finger only. The gripping fingers should not move.
(2) The position of the trigger finger is determined by the ability of the shooter to manipulate the trigger. It should be placed naturally as determined by the body configuration and the grip. The placement of the trigger finger may have to adjust so that a smooth trigger manipulation is achieved with the sight alignment remaining undisturbed. The use of too much or not enough trigger finger will cause the shots to move left or right.
(3) In close quarter marksmanship, you do not squeeze the trigger; you press it. Once you start your press, maintain steady increasing pressure until the hammer falls. Do not slap the trigger! You must not upset your flash sight picture (sight alignment at longer ranges) while pressing the trigger. Remember steady pressure; don't flinch, jerk, or anticipate the shot. It should be a surprise each time the round goes down range.
(4) Every trigger has some "slack" in it before the pressure applied starts to operate the trigger mechanism. Take up that slack rapidly before starting the steady press. Failure to take up that slack may result in wild shots.
d. Sight Alignment.
(1) Sight Alignment is the relationship between the front and rear sights with respect to the eye. The clear tip of the front sight post is centered both vertically and horizontally in the rear sight aperture.
(2) In order to obtain sight alignment, you must realize that the human eye can only focus on one object at a time. This object, for the purpose of shooting is always the front sight post. Therefore, if proper focus on the front sight post is obtained and maintained, the aligning of the sight will require the shooter to place a clearly focused front sight in a slightly blurred rear sight aperture.
(3) It is imperative to maintain front sight post concentration! The point of focus must be on the front sight post while aligning the sights and during the short period required to deliver the shot. If the focus is displaced forward to the threat, the shooter jeopardizes his ability to achieve correct sight alignment.
(ON SLIDE #38)
(4) Unlike basic marksmanship, close quarter shooting does not allow you the time to acquire perfect sight alignment. Since MOUT combat engagements are, generally speaking, 12 yards and closer, the large rear sight aperture (0-2) should be placed up to provide a wider field of view. The need for perfect sight alignment is not as critical to accuracy on target. However, the front sight post must be in the rear sight aperture; proper sight alignment is always the goal.
(5) The eye focuses in 1/25th of a second and the mind operates at three times that speed, 1/75th of a second. Focus on the threat until the front sight breaks the line of sight between you and the threat, immediately shift your focus to the front sight and press the trigger. This is called, "flash sight picture". Using this technique, you are guaranteed to hit the threat with a good stopping shot 98 percent of the time.
(6) As the range to the threat increases (past 12 yards), more time must be taken to ensure good hits. At these ranges, you will employ those basic marksmanship skills (i.e. sight alignment and breathing).
(7) At close ranges you must still focus on the front sight, but now you must center that sharply focused front sight in the slightly unfocused large rear sight aperture.
(ON SLIDE #39)
e. Aiming Point.
(1) When engaging the enemy at close range it is important that we understand the relationship of the elevated front sight and the axis of the bore. The weapon should be set for battle sight zero.
(2) At 3 meters the point of aim is slightly higher than point of impact (approximately 2 inches).
(3) At 25 meters the point of aim is point of impact.
(4) At 50 meters the point of aim is slightly lower than point of impact (approximately 2 inches).
f. Follow Through.
(1) For every shot that is pressed there are two sight pictures i.e., sight picture/press the shot/sight picture (follow through). This is extremely important in regard to combat shooting due to the fact that if one shot is pressed and the adversary does not go down, another rapid shot in a timely manner would be required. However, if there is no follow through, the shooter would have to re-acquire the sights and present the weapon back on target, thus losing valuable time.
(ON SLIDE #40)
g. Muscle Memory.
(1) To become effective at engaging threats at close range you must not only apply the fundamentals of combat marksmanship, but strive to attain both speed and accuracy as well. This is achieved by muscle memory.
(2) Muscle memory is defined as repetitiously moving your body as comfortably and naturally as possible the same way every time. In doing so your body will memorize the movements it needs to take in order to consistently engage a threat accurately with little or no thought process (hesitation) involved.
(3) Applying muscle memory will eliminate hesitation thus allowing you to engage threats quicker. However, you cannot trade speed for accuracy! The fastest presentation and firing of a weapon does you no good if you do not hit what you are aiming at, so you should only shoot as fast as you can hit accurately. You do not have to shoot before your threat, but you must hit accurately before he does. Smooth is fast!
(ON SLIDE #41)
TRANSITION: Are there any questions about the fundamentals of close quarter combat marksmanship? (Pause and receive questions) If there are no questions for me, I have a few for you.
QUESTION: What is being attempted through practice or muscle memory?
ANSWER: Attain both speed and accuracy.
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Now that we have the fundamentals of close quarter combat marksmanship down we will discuss shooting on the move because as you know we like to confront our threats.
(ON SLIDE #42)
12. SHOOTING ON THE MOVE. (5 Min)
Due to the threat in high-intensity MOUT operations, Marines should move into a covered position as quickly as possible. The “Combat Glide” is normally used once inside the building, not to be used in the open, for the simple fact that once inside a building you must slow your momentum and support each other by fire. All the fundamentals of a combat stance apply when using the combat glide. The combat glide is performed by the Marine having his weapon at the “ready”, scanning for targets “eyes, muzzle, target”, shooting elbow tucked, to reduce exposure, slightly crouched and bent at the knees and moving quickly and silently in a heel-toe fashion. This technique will allow the Marine to maintain a stabilized shooting stance with stable sight alignment and sight picture.
a. Shooting while moving is no different then when shooting from a stationary position. The most important thing to remember is to maintain a stable upper body-shooting platform.
b. All the fundamentals of combat marksmanship still apply. Do not concentrate so much on the movement that you forget them.
c. Maintain your balance by gauging your steps.
d. When you move, step heel to toe. The heel touches the ground first. Walking on the balls of your feet will result in bouncing and making accuracy difficult.
(ON SLIDE #43)
e. Move by crouching slightly, keeping your waist as stationary as possible. Keep your knees bent and think of them as shock absorbers.
f. To be successful at shooting on the move you must be able to perform the following steps without hesitation:
(1) Identify the threat.
(2) Acquire your sights.
(3) Fire.
g. Do not rush your steps, SMOOTH IS FAST!!!
(ON SLIDE #44)
TRANSITION: Are there any questions about shooting on the move? (Pause and receive questions) If there are no questions for me, I have a few for you.
QUESTION: What is the way we move inside a building, when one’s rifle is at the ready, scanning for targets (eyes, muzzle, and target), shooting elbow tucked, slightly crouched and bent at knees and moving quickly and silently?
ANSWER: Combat glide
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Now that we have discussed shooting on the move, we can move into how to properly pivot.
(ON SLIDE #45)
13. PIVOTING. (6 Min)
The purpose of the pivot drills is to enable the shooter to accurately engage a threat from an unexpected direction. The following skills will be taught from the low ready. The following counts will be described from the left and right sides only. It does not matter which side is strong or weak.
a. 90-Degree Static Turns. When a target is located to your left or right.
(1) Pivot Left. (Right handed)
(a) Count One (Target ID). On the count of one, the head and eyes turn to identify the target.
(b) Count Two (Step & Pivot). On the count of two, take a natural step forward with your right foot and pivot on the balls of your feet thereby squaring your body to the target.
(c) Count Three (Present). On the count of three, present the weapon, then acquire sight picture while taking the weapon off safe.
(d) Count Four (Shoot). On the count of four, fire the appropriate method of engagement.
(2) Pivot Left (Left handed). On the count of two, you will take a cross over step with the right foot. The cross over step should position the right foot slightly in front of and inboard of the left foot. Everything else remains the same.
(ON SLIDE #46)
(3) Pivot Right (Right handed).
(a) Count One (Target ID). On the count of one, head and eyes turn to identify the target
(b) Count Two (Step & Pivot). On the count of two, take a crossover step with the left foot and pivot on the balls of your feet thereby squaring your body to the target. The cross over step should position the left foot slightly in the front of and inboard of the right foot.
(c) Count Three (Present). On the count of three, present the weapon, then acquire sight picture while taking the weapon off safe.
(d) Count Four (Shoot). On the count of four, fire the appropriate method of engagement.
(4) Pivot Right (Left handed). On the count of two, the head and eyes turn to identify the target, take a natural step forward with your left foot. Everything else remains the same.
(ON SLIDE #47)
b. 180-Degree Static Turns. This technique is used when the target is to your rear.
(ON SLIDE #48)
INTERIM TRANSITION: Are there any questions about the proper way to pivot? (Pause and receive questions) If there are no questions for me we will start our practical application.
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PRACTICAL APPLICATION. (240 MIN)
The PA is designed to give the students the opportunity and experience in weapons carries, pivots, magazine changes, and the walking at the ready. The student to instructor ratio is 400:16.
PRACTICE: The students will assume the proper combat stance, execute left and right pivots, and practice walking at the ready carry. The students will be given the opportunity to walk thru all drills until they have an understanding of what is required.
PROVIDE HELP: Each Combat Instructor will assist his station of students. Ensure that the instructors are answering questions from the students.
1. Safety Brief:
a. Any weapon used for a demonstration will be physically cleared before each demonstration by conducting “unload, show clear.”
b. The Primary Instructor ensures that the Operational Risk Assessment and Casualty Evacuation Plan have been briefed to all company personnel before the class.
c. The associated Operational Risk Assessment Worksheet and Casualty Evacuation Matrix in the Master Lesson File will be applied throughout training.
d. Prior to conducting practical application students will be briefed on safety concerns during movement on the various courses.
e. Ensure compliance with Base, School, and Battalion SOPs at all times.
f. A cease training WILL be called for the following situations: any student/instructor sustains an injury requiring MEDEVAC.
g. In the event that an injury or mishap occurs that requires immediate medical attention or medical evacuation, training will cease until the situation can be properly managed and required number of personnel is on hand to continue training. Unless otherwise directed, all students should move safely away from the incident supervised by a Combat Instructor and await further instructions from that instructor.
h. All Marines are reminded to immediately inform an instructor of any situation that they feel is unsafe or of any injury or accident that may occur during training, no matter how slight.
i. Instructors may identify other hazards that require a decision to cease training.
j. Training, once ceased, will not be resumed until the incident has been reported to the chain of command and higher authority has authorized training to continue. ONLY LONG RIFLE, Range OIC, Battalion CO or Primary Instructor can restart training after a Cease Training depending who ceases training.
2. Supervision and Guidance: Ensure all students grasp the concept of body/target alignment, proper weapons presentation, searching and assessing, weapons safety. Allow students the total time of 60 minutes to practice this portion of PA.
3. Debrief: Ensure that all students have properly executed all techniques. After the practical application ensure students have open opportunities to ask questions throughout training.
TRANSITION: Are there any questions about the practical application? (Pause and receive questions) If there are no questions for me, I have a question for you.
QUESTION: Explain to me a right-handed person pivoting left.
ANSWER: Head and eyes turn to id the target, take a step forward with right foot and pivot on the balls of your feet squaring body to target, present the weapon, and fire.
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(ON SLIDE #49)
SUMMARY (1 MIN)
During this period of instruction we have covered Combat Mindset, Ballistics, Methods of Target Engagement, and Close Quarter Marksmanship Techniques. With the information you have gained here in this class I know you will be able to perform if ever in a combat environment or situation, save your life, or the lives of your fellow Marines.
INSTRUCTOR NOTE
Explain to the students the procedure for completing the Instructional Rating Forms (IRFs). Inform students that an instructor will collect the IRFs once the entire period of instruction, to include performance examination, has been completed. Ensure that the students are turned over to their Combat Instructors for the next training event.
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INSTRUCTOR NOTE
Students will be taught the pivot drills to enable the shooter to accurately engage a threat from an unexpected direction. Students will be instructed on 90/180 Degree Static Turns, but will only execute the 90-degree static shoot for practical application and target engagement.
INSTRUCTOR NOTE
Students will be taught the method of obtaining sight alignment as per the references MCRP 3-01A and MCO 3573.2K, Rifle Marksmanship and Marine Corps Marksmanship Program. For Intermediate Combat Marksmanship Day engagement, students will use the Rifle Combat Optic AN/PVQ-31, which will be used on and calibrated for the M16A4 Rifle.
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