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 selfpreservation - 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 lightheadedness 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.
changes in light.
To increase sensitivity to
(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:
ANSWER:
What are three types of mind set?
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:
effect?
What information is critical to evaluate its
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:
of ballistic
questions).
question for
QUESTION:
Are there any questions about the mechanisms
injury or the diagram? (Pause and receive
If there are no questions for me, I have a
you.
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).
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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 reconfirm 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 reassessment 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 psychophysic 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 eyebrows 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 lifethreatening 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 lefthanded 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 handto-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.
movement.
(3) Hips.
Knees slightly bent, in order to absorb
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.
square to the threat.
Are aligned with the hips and
(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.
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.
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.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
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 bodyshooting 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
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
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.
to your left or right.
(1) Pivot Left.
When a target is located
(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)
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.
b. 180-Degree Static Turns.
when the target is to your rear.
This technique is used
(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.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
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.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
(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.