"ARI Research Note 86-13

N

(D BASIC RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP TRAINER'S GUIDE

Arthur D, Osborne

•Hellonics *" Systems Development Division,

(.0 Litton Systems, Inc.

Ifor

ARI Field Unit at Fort Benning, Georgia

DTIC

ELECTEI

TRAINING RESEARCH LABORATORY JUN 0 •13

Seward Smith, Acting Director

S ,-

U. S. Army

Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences

ff-D January 1986

Approved for Public rclesse: distribution unlimited.

86 6 2 043
U. S. ARMY RESEARCH INSTITUTE

FOR THE BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

A Field Operating Agency under the Jurisdiction of the

Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel

WM. DARRYL HENDERSON

EDGAR M. JOHNSON COL, IN

Technical Director Commanding

This report has been cleared for release to the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC1. It has been given no

other primary distribution end will be available to requestors only through OTIC or other reference services sue.

asthe National Technical Information Service, (NTIS). The views, opinions, and/or findings wontained in this

repout are those of the author(s) end should not be construed as an official Department of the Army position,. policy, or decision. unless so designated by other official documentation.
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REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE FORE ICOMPLTIIORM

, 0. NU a 'DV ACREPEOSRIL4ON N . RECIPI0NPII CA? AL.!( NUM|ER

ARI Research Note 86-13 go ) 20(• '-- b~~~~ r| C A -61 --

4. TITLE (and Subil#9) S. TYPE OP REPORT a PERIOD COVEEDo

BASIC RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP TRAINER'S GUIDE Final Report Oct. 79 - Jan. 80

C. PERFORMING OR1. REPORT NUMB"CER

?. AUTOR4(,Q .. CONTRACT On ORANT NUMbER(o)

Arthur D. Osborne MDA 903-.79-M-7322

s. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS 00, PROGRAM ELEMENT. PROJECT. TASK AREA B WORK U T NUMKMRS

Mellonics Systems Development Division, 2Q263743A794"

Litton Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 2498

Fort Benning, GA 31905

11. CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS It. REPORT DATI

ARI Field Unit at Fort Benning, Georgia January 1986

P.O. Box 2086, 1S. NUMBER or PAGES

Fort Benning, GA 31905 56

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U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral Unclassified

and Social Sciences, 5001 Eisenhower Avenue,

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Approved for public release: distribution unlimited.

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IS. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

Seward Smith, contracting officer's representative

16. KEY WORDS (Conflnue on :e.eoree eld* £1 necees.ay ad idonelly by block number)

K Rifle Marksmanship Training MI6A1 Performance2

"-Remedia] Marksmanship Training, Marksmanship Fundamentals•,

Shot Group Analysis, Basic Rifle Marksmanship POI)

Down Range Feodback• Ml6Ai Ballistics,

20. A•ST'RACT C•wthwe am r .verse .of t In-am. maov d Idenrlfl by block ntmbor)

.. The BRM Trainer's Guide provides the instructor with what are considered the

current fundamentals of marksmanship in terms of general knowledge and skill

acquisition techniques. I[he scope of the guide is initial entry marksmanship

training; however, it is appropriate for use in any unit. The most important

reason to field this guide is to provide information to trainers as quickly as

possible. Ilie conteLnts of this guide will appear in Change Three of FM 23-9, i

MI6AI Rifle and Rifle Marksmanship once it is published. While much over)

JD 1 COT1OW oF ,V T s ODSOLTS UNCLASSIFIED

SECURITY CLm.SIFICATION OF TP41S PAGE (W1h Dot' Entered)
Unclassified

5SCU14ITY CLASSIVICATION OF T0418 PAOEr1",, Doe 0 e, Inte•me)

20. Abstract (con't)

of the material reflects current thinking, it must be understood that

continued research will result in further refinement in marksmanship training

techniques. w(oA d S 2

Acceslon For

NTIS CRA&I

DTIC TAB3

Unannounced 0

Justification~

ii Unclassified

SECURITY CL ASSiPICATION OP" THIls PAGE(14e~n Data F~ntrerd)

Dist vail nd/o
CONTENTS

FOREWORD ..................................................... ......... ................. 1

INTRODUCTION ............................................... 2

TIE BASIC APPROACH ................................................................. ,

THE BASIC INGREDIENTS ........................ ................. 6

BtALLISTICS ....................................... 10

THE RIFLE................................... ............................................. 24

BASIC SHOOTING FUNDAMENTALS ........................................................ 27

FIRING POSI3TION S........ ........... ................................. ...... ............ 32

ORGANIZATION FOR TRAINING ............................................................... 35

REMEDIAL TRAINING .............................. . 35

ZEROING ............................................................................. , ... . 35

SHOT GROUPING. ............................................................................ 3g

SCALED SILHOUETTE TARGETS ................................................................ 43

DOWNRANGE FEEDBACK ................................. ...................................... 47

FIELD FIRE ............................................................................... 50

TARGET DETECTION ..................... ......................... . ......................... 50

RECORD FIRE ............................................ f ................................. 50

APPENDIXES:

APPENDIX A. Training Aids and Procedures ............................................ A-1

APPENDIX B. BR4 POI Recapitulation .................................................. B-1

APPENDIX C. Bibliography ............................................................. C-1

ift
Pale

FIGURES

Figure 1, Serviceability firing check .......................... 7

Figure 2. Minute of angle . ......................... .............................. 11

Figure 3. Shot group width as a function of range ............................... 13

Figure 4. Effecat of gravity ................ o ...................... .1

Figure 5. Bullet drop when rifle 1i boresighted ........... 4 ............... 15

Figure 6. Bullet rise and drop--16 rifle &eroed for 250 moters ................ 16

Figure 7. Adjusted optimum aiming point to allow for the effeots of gravity ...... 17

Figure e. Trajectory-150. 250. and 300 meters (cradle firings) ................... 19

Figure 9. Wind direction by the clock system .................................. 0... 20

Figure 10. Effect of a 10-mph wind on bullet's path ................................ 21

FIgure 11. Determining wind velocity by the flag method ............................ 22

Figure 12. Determining wind velocity by the pointing method ........................ 23

Figure 13, Adjusted aiming point--wind. ................ ...................... 23

Figure 14. Targets used for test firing . ................... 26

Figure 15. Sight alinement .......................................................... 30

Figure 16. Rifle stress (handhold) ................................................. 34

Figure 17. Trajectory-250-meter zero ............................................... 35

Figure 18. Trajectory-long-range sight ............................................. 36

Figure 19. 25-meter zeroing target for MI6A1 rifle (with standard sights) ........... 38

Figure 20. Shot groups form unsupported positions ................................... 40

Figure 21. Shot groups from entry-level soldier firings ............................. 42

Figure 22. 25-meter scaled silhouette targets (slow) ............................... 44

Figure 23. 25-meter sealed silhouette targets (timed fire) ......................... 46

Figure 21. 75-meter known distance target ........................................... 48

Figure 25. 175-meter known distance target .......................................... 49

iv
BAS3C RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP TRAINER'S GUIDE

FOREWORD

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Guide is to assist trainers involved with the teaohing of basic rifle

markmsanship (BRM) in aoquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to be a more effective Instruotor or.

basic shooting skills. Additionally, this Guide serves a& an introduction to the revised Basic Rifle

Markamenship Program.

SCOPE

This Guide has been designed specifically for the instructor of entry-level marksmanship. All

aspects of the newly developed BAH program are disoussed. However, this Guide speoifically addresses

basic shooting fundamentals that apply to all small mrms and is. therefore, a valuable source of

information for all units with M16A1-armed personnel.

There is no intent that this Guide serve as a one-stop reference for all marksmanship training.

Several areas, such as mechanical training, have not been included in recent research efforts as the

material contained in ourrent literature is considered adequate.

It will be noted that much information In this Guide is new. The rationale for each change ts

explained in detail. The fundamentals contained here will be included in change 3 of FM 23-9, M16A1

Rifle and Rifle Morksmanship.

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

Any individual involved with marksmanship instruction should Initially read the entire Guide and

them review appropriate portions of the Guide before specific training periods. The Guide is

organized to facilitate this type of use.

PREPARATION OF GUIDE

This document was prepared under Contract Number MDA 903794--7322 by Melloni0s Systems

Development Division of Litton Systems. Inc.; the US Army Research Institute, Fort Benning Field Unit;

and the US Army Infantry School.

RECOMMENDED CHANGES

This Guide represents several changes from previous marksmanship Instruction. It is also the

first attempt at providing a publication for the trainer of basic marksmanship. The experience gained

through field implementation will be invaluable in makitg this a better Guide. Recommended changes

concerning the content of the instruction, the organization of this Guide, or other marksmanship ideas

will be welcomed. All recommended changes will be fully evaluated by subject matter experts. The

preaddreesed tear-out page at the back of this book can be used, or address recommendations to:

I%
INTRODUCTION

HISTORY OF AMEPICAN MARKMANSHIP

During our early days, the US frontiersMan became world renowned with his rifle. He could

accomplish amazing feats compared to other marksmen. Although the frontiersman learned his skills

from childhood and kept them current hunting game and fowl, marksmanship was considered an Inborn

trait. Consequently, sharpshooters for the Army were seleoted, rather than trained.

The theory of "natural marksmanship" was phased out with the passing of the frontier. The Army

eatablished the School of Musketry, where systematic training was given to marksmanship Instructors.

The school of Musketry, and latir the Infantry School, produced well-qualified instructors who were

able to mass-train Infantrymen In rifle skills for World War I. During World War II, It was found

that the hastily trained riflemen had difficulty with obscure targets and often did not fire at all.

Aimed fire became less common and many engagements were decided by sheer weight of ammunition. Again,

In Korea, combat troops developed the tendency to substitute quantity for quality, choosing to fire a

large volume of ammunition instead of aimed fire. The Korean War brought renewed emphasis on

marksmanship. In Vietnam, with the introduction of the fully automatic 116 rifle, the use of

well-aimed firs was almost nonexistent, and the ability of the American soldier to hit the enemy at

combat ranges continued to deteriorate.

THE COURSE OF FIRE

Two basic approaches have been employed by the US Army to teach basic marksmanship: the known

distance (KD) approach and the TRAINFIRE approach. The KD approach (still employed by the US Marine

Corps), used by the Army until the late 1950's, was characterized by firing at bull's-eye targets

located at selected known distances (200, 300, and 500 yards) on an open range. The location of each

bullet strike was marked with spotters by individuals In the "pits."

Through analysis of combat actions in Korea, It was found that many soldiers had difficulty

applying the firing skills they had learned on the KD range to the engagement of combat targets--there

were no bull's-eye targets on the battlefield.

With the recognition or the importance of the transfer of skills learned In training to those

used in combat, it was considered necessary to examine the realism of the current training in this

respect. TRAINFIRE was an attempt to develop and evaluate a rifle markoanship training program

designed for maximum rapid transfer to combat conditions. The original TRAINFIRE program as Implemented had 80 hours of instruction, with many houra..of field firing at pop-up targets. It also

contained many trips back to the 25-meter line where fundamentals were reinforced and exact bullet

strike locations could be examined. Since the adoption of the TRAINFIRE concept, as a result of 1954

studies, the field fire orientation of basic rifle marksmanship has onanged little. However, major

changes have occured in the amount of time allowed for training, the number of rounds of ammunition

allocated for live firing, and the quality of downrange feedback (where bullets hit). In general, the

trend has been to allocate either fewer hours or rounds, or both, to each phase of training. The time

allocated to the fundamentals of shooting at 25 meters was reducod considerably and, except for

zeroing, all knowledge of precise bullet strike was lost from the program.

Even a casual obse'vation of soldiers undergoing the most recenh TRAINFIRE program revealed major

problems. The soldier was overloaded with knowledge requirements, was given Inadequate time for skill

practice, was given only one opportunity to master a complex zeroing procedure, and was expected to

develop shooting skills without knowledge of performance. Therefore, a major thrust of the new

program is to siwplify procedures, focus only on the critical skills required to hit targets, provide

adequate feedback of ahooting performance, and eliminate confusion. In effect, the best aspects of

the KD program and the TRAINFIRE program have been combined for presentation within current

constraints of time and money.

DETERIORATION OF SHOOTING SKILLS

The American soldier does not shoot as well as he is capable. This Statement is generally

accepted throughout the United States Army. The shooting skills of the American soldier have

deteriorated over the years and are considered to be at an unacceptably low level today. No conscious

decisions have been made which directly contribute to this deterioration of shooting skills: however,

many factors have had influence on this situation.

Many high priority and important subjects have been in competition for the time previously

devoted to marksmanship training. The introduction of mass destruction weapons, antitank guided

missiles, and other complex and highly sophisticated weapons and equipment tend to detract from the

importance once placed on rifle marksmanship.

2

\ ~ ~ Q< ~ ~..\..A *.*¶~ ... ... ~ *~ *9 A
The sontt:/Ing requirement to oonduct training In the minimum amount of time at minimum coat has

also had lifluenoe on the marksmanship program.

The transfer frrm KD firing to TRAINFIRE and subsequent modifications to TRAINFIRE, which

resulted in len knowledge of downrange performance, added to the deterioration of marksmanship skills

without It being obvious to the average training observer. The lack of downrange feedbaok and the

laok of knowledge concerning bullet strike made it easy to Ignore the problem. Standards were adjusted downward to allow for bad shooting and soldiers have been given the "benefit of the doubt" to

insure that a high qualification rate was attained.

Several events have occurred which have takeh the rifle out of the soldier's hand: physical training ezeroiesa with the rifle are no longer conducted, bayonet training and associated assault courses using the rifle are seldom conducted, dismounted drill with the rifle has been reduced, and

security requirements have been increased-resulting in soldiers being able to handle the rifle only

during official trainIng time. The soldier is no longer familiar with his basic weapon.

Many factors have thus contributed to the deterioration of shooting skills. However, currently a major effort is underway to improve the marksmanship skills of the American soldier. This Guide and

the revised Basic Rifle Marksmanship Program constitute tangible evidence of this effort. More

importantly, this effort has the support of commanders at the highest echelons. The success of this

effort hinges on the contributions of you-the marksmanship trainer. Your dedication to this effort

will insure that the American soldier will again be known for his expertise with the service rifle.

IMPORTANCE OF BASIC RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP

"Many current Army regulations and policies place insufficient emphasis on individual, crew, and

unit marksmanship. If the fighting Army does nothing else, we must be able to hit our targets. Conversely, if we do all other things right, but fall to hit and kill targets, we shall lose." This

is the lead sentence in the US Army Vice Chief of Staff's 11 Deo 1980 Marksmanship memorandum. Over

the years, the markmanship ability of an individual has been a predictor of his overall worth as a soldier in combat. Additionally, the collective marksmanship ability of its soldiers has been an accurate predictor of the overall worth of an army.

Soldiers, regardless of their job, must ultimately rely on the rifle for individual

protectlon-perhaps to save their own lives. All soldiers will function more effectively when they are confident that their skill with the service rifle will insure their personal protection.

The combat power that can be generated by American Armed Forces is staggering. Unfortunately,

the full force of this combat power could not to be applied in Vietnam nor can it be applied in other

limited conflicts that may arise. To insure the security of the nation, we must be prepared for

all-out war; hovever, the actual involvement of combat forces may be more closely related to a "rifle versus rifle" environment than a high Intensity all-out war. It is difficult to visualize any

military conflict that will not require all soldiers to be proficient with the service rifle, given the high mobility of all forces, the fluid environment expected on the battlefield, and the inability

to provide completed security in rear areas. Therefore, the requirement for American soldiers to be

proficient with the service rifle takes on added importance.

THE MARKSMANSHIP TRAINER

The marksmanship trainer is an individual assigned as a committee group Instructor, drill

sergeant, squad leader, section leader, or platoon leader. In short, EVERY SUPERVISOR IN THE ARMY

SHOULD BE A QUALIFIED RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP TRAINER. The term "trainer" is used in this Guide to

Indicate any individual that is Involved with the teaching of marksmanship skills. The iriiortance of

your job as a marksmanship trainer cannot be overemphasized. The degree of marksmanship p,oficienoy

attained by the soldier is largely dependent on the teaching of marksmanship fundamentals during entry-level training, but proper refresher training and skill retention practice must be provided during all subsequent assignments to insure combat readiness.

," •.. • • '. . • . . ..- • ' • ' . . • , '. • • . .3. . . . . .- .. °. . .• . .. -. , . . .. .. . ....
TIPE BASIC APPROACH

It should be remembered that this Guide is directed at teaching basic marksmanship skills to

every Soldier in the Army. Therefore, the approach to basic marksmanship is designed to place

emphasis on tnose few key factors that have major Influence on bullet strike, while minimizing or not

addressing those factors that influenoe bullet strike an inch or two. This approach also places

emphasis on a high first round hit probability for all close-in targets. There are four primary reasons for this.

1. Threat analysis places most personnel targets within 200 meters, with the majority of

targets being at 150 meters or closer.

2. A trained firer using an M16 rifle of average quality with standard servioc ammunition

is capable of hitting every personnel target out to ranges of 200 meters.

3. Enemy personnel from 0 to 150 meters pose an immediate threat to the soldier's life.

It is Important for all soldiers to have full confidence In their ability to kill every enemy soldier

they can see at this range.

4. Assistance In engaging personnel targets at ranges beyond 200 meters could be expected

to come from Indirect fire, air support, or other weapon systems.

The previous program consisted of a quick zero procedure and the engagement of targets out to 300

meters (most of which were missed) with no feedback on misses and no feedback on the location of hits.

The current program is desigend to develop and improve skills at a slower pace, providing precise

feedback on the first 75 rounda fired, and produce a soldier that is confident of hitting all olose-in

and most distant targets as well.

In general, the key features of the BR2 program are:

1. Simplified marksmanship fundamentals which focus only on the factors that contribute

most to hitting targets.

2. Simplified zeroing targets that result In fewer zeroing errors and promote an understanding of the zeroing process.

3. Firing at scaled silhouette targets on the 25-meter range, that provides for skill

practice in engaging silhouette targets, with accurate feedback on hits and misses. This exercise

requires the use of the long-range sight, which causes bullet impact to coincide with point of aim.

4. Downrange feedback (75 and 175 meters) that allows a check of the zero at distant

targets, provides knowledge of bullet trajectory, effects of wind, effects of gravity: and includes

effective practice in hold-off. When available, a standard KD range is used for this period.

5. Zero crflrmation gives the soldier and trainer a final check of fundamental ability

and Instills confidence In the zero before the record fire portion of BRM. This exercise also permits

the soldier to make any necessary minor adjustments.

6. Combat firing, conducted the morning of record fire, effectively improves soldier

performance. This exercise tasks the soldier to use all the skills trained during BRM against a difficult engangement scenario.

7. A revised qualification course that Increases the minimum hits required to qualify from

43 percent (17 of 40) to 58 percent (23 of 40).

To better understand the approach to basic marksmanship, assume that there are at least two

separate and different set of skills associated with marksmanship--competitive marksmanship and combat

shooting. Precision is required in the training of the competitive shooter. Armed with a rifle and

ammunition capaole of consistently shooting half minute of anglee, the competitive shooter is provided

with unlimited time, ammunition, and facilities for the purpose of refining marksmenship skills. All

skill practices are performed with immediate feedback of where each bullet hits. Any factor that

causes the bullets to stray from a four-square-inch area on a distant target must be of concern to the

competitive shooter. Accordingly, a list of fundamentals for the competitive shooter must include all

factors that have the slightest influence on the strike of the bullet.

aMinute of angle is explained in the ballistics section.

14

. . . . . . . .
A more general and less detailed program is required for the basic soldier learning combat

marksmanship. The soldier is provided with a weapon and ammunition combination that may be capable of

firing only three minutes of angle, and 1i provided with limited time, ammunition, end facilities I

learn shooting skills. However, the soldier is not required to hit a four-square-inch area. The

soldier receives maximum credit during record fire for hitting anywhere on a 700-square-inch target

(E-type silhouette). Given the many constrdints associated with teaching soldiers to shoot--lack of

shooting experience of entry-level soldiers, limited time. ammunition, and facilities, and inadequate

numbers of trained instructor personnel--it appears logical that the list of shooting fundamentals

developed for the initial-entry soldier should be somewhat different than a list prepared for the

competitive shooter.

The fundamentals previously taught to entry-level soldiers contained many factors that would be

more appropriately introduced in advanced marksmanship or a competitive program. The average aoldier

has been overwhelmed with emphasis on several factors that have only minor influence on the strike of

the bullet. Meanwhile, soliders have been missing half of the 700-square-inch targets. The basic

approach is to conduct training which will give all soldiers confidence that they can hit combat

targets.

5
19Z 94SIC INGREDIENTS

Any shooting performance represents the oolleotive oapability of the rifle, ammunition, and shooter. Before the contrlhution required of a soldier can be determined, the capabilities of the rifle and afmnunition used by the soldier must be known. Berause this information was not readily available in reliable form for typical rifles, firing teats were conducted to determine the performance capability of the typical rifle. The requirements. training procedures, and standard* in the current program are based on the performance rnaracteristIos of the typical "16A1 rifle firing typical service ammunition.

1

See bibliography

AMMUNITION

The basic marksmanship trainer has little control ever the quality of training ammunition. Ammunition purchased by the Army must be capable of fIr!,ng a four-inch or smaller group at 200 yards; therefore, the ammunition is relatively accurate and should not be of concern to the basic marksmanship trainer. Some small difference in performance may be noted between lots; therefore, It *. would be ideal if al firing from zero to record fire too accomplished with the same lot of ammunition. Service rifle ammunition is manufactured ýn lots of one to three million rounds, so it is normal to find the same lot being used for a complete -yale of training.

RIFLE QUALITY

Unlike the ammunition, there are many variables issociated with the rifle over which the

marksmanship trainer haw some control.

The local direct support maintenance facility can perform five basic serviceability checks. Any weapon not meeting specifications will be repaired or eliminated from the active inventory. Unfortunately, passing ail serviceability checks is no guarantee that a rifle will shoot accurately. Therefore, any time a weapon that has passed direct support maintenance serviceability checks Is suspected to be the cause of large shot groups, it should be fired by an experienced marksman. A record of shot group sizes, fired by an experienced marksman, has proven to be an Indicator of future

weapons performance. It is,. therefore, recommended that a record be maintained for each weapon assioned to a company. This record should contain tiie average shot group size each weapon is capable of firing as well as the qualification scores fired by each wespon during previous firings. This procedure will eliminate the possibility that a bed shooting performance is caused by the weapon or ammunition, and will allow attention to be rightfully focused on the Individual's application of

shooting fundamentals.

The importance of devoting time to rifle quality is illustrated In figure 1. The top targets were fired with an M16 that passed all available serviceability checks (checks conducted on two separate occasions by the Army Marksmanship Unit and the Direct/General Support Sma]" Arms Maintenance Shop at Fort Benning, Georgia), and the bottom targets were fired by the same weapon after the upper receiver was replaced. To insure this type of repair is made, however, someone must Identify the weapon as a bad shooting weapon.

4..

6

%
Theo* four targets were fired by the same firer with the same rifle from the same supported pouitioni

On a 25-motet range. Before firing the first two five-round groups (targets 1 and 2). the rifle

passed basic serviceability checks: barrel straightniess, headapace, bore erosion, muzzle erosion, and

trigger pull. Additionally, a physical measurement of the bore, a check of' torque readings, and the

recording of muzzle velocoity for several rounas found those measures to be well within specifications.

The next two five-round groups (targets 3 and 14) were fired after, the upper receiver war replaced.

With knowledge that the rifle would not "'hoot accurately, the decision to replace the upper receiver

was a judgement call. Remember, the only way to determine if this type of repair is needed is to

identify the rifle as a bad shooting rifle. Note alto that targets I and 2 have bullet holes which

are not round. This Indicates that the bullets had not yet stabilized when they hit the target, an

indication of a bad weapon.

Figure 1. Serviceability firing checks.

I A

no M_ FINwff"asrn.WI 0" OM. a"

0 41* 0. .. . I>. . '...'

2 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ . ~ I 11.a.' ~ p '.~*,.. p~

* it

- p ,'S.-* ~ *.
THE SOLDIER

With confidence that the rifles in the arms room are all of high quality and that good ammunition

will be delivered to the firing range, attention ann be turned to the soldier--who contributes the

largest number of variables to the firing process. Good shooutrs are made, not corn. It helps to

have good eyes and good muscle coordination, but practically every soldier allowed to enlist In the

Army is capable of becoming an expert with the M16A1 rifle. You may expect the following with a new

group of entry-level soldiers 2:

2 em bibliography.

1. Eighty-seven percent are right handeJ and will foal ocmfortable firing from the right

shoulder.

2. Eleven percent are left handed and will feel comfortable firing from the left shoulder.

3. Two percent will not be sure or which shoulder they prefer to fire from. (These soldiers

will not have a strong dominant hand. but is normally better to have them fire with the hand that

matches their dotinant eye.)

4. A percent will bive a dominant eye (app A) that is different from their domit|ant hand.

(Individuals with a strong dominant hand will normally prefer to fire with their dominant hand and

Initially use a patch over their nonfiring eye.)

5. Five percent will have difficulty keeping the nonfiring eye closed. (Some of these will

learn faster with an eye patch on the nonfiring eye.)

6. Twenty percent will need to wear glasses and .,ll have a good pair of gla8ses.

7. Twenty percent will be able to shoot better with glasses but will not have glasses or will

not wear them during marksmanship training. (If you want your soldiers to shoot their best, this

item should be chocked. If they have glasses, insist that they be worn for training.)

8. Twenty percent will Initially have some fear of firing the rifle.

9. Fifty percent w1il have no previous shooting experience.

It is to your advantage to know your soldiers' traits before the start of formal marksmanship

training and resolve potential problems.

BALLISTICS

The introduction of downrange feedback and other efforts to improve marksmanship require some knowledge of bullet flight characteristics. When the 5.56 projectile is launched into the earth's

atmosphere at some 2,200 miles per hour (mph), it is acted on by various forces and elements; for

example, gravity, wind, temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, and variability among bullets.

There Is enough variability associated with the firing of each round that you should not exnept to see

many shot groups with three bullets in the same hole. However, most of the items have neglItible

influence on the high velocity 5.56 bullet and are of no direct concern to the basic marksmanship

trainer. Variability caused by the shooter is the most important variable and will be covered later.

There are three factors that Influence bullet strike to such an extent that they must be

discussed in detail: minute of angle, gravity, and wind.

MINUTE OF ANGLE

A minute of angle is the standard unit of measure used in adjusting rifle sights and many other

ballistic related measurements or adjustments. It was used in a previous section of this Guide to

indicate the accuracy of a rifle. Minute of angle is explained here to assist in understanding three

things:

1. How sight changes will effect bullets at range.

2. How shot group size will Increase at range.

3. How a small movement of the rifle during firing will cause bullets to miss the target.

/8
You may recall from map reading instruction that. a cirale Is divided into 360 degrees. Kach

degree is further divided Into 60 minutes, as that a aircle aontaines 21,600 minutes (360 x 60). As

Indicated by figure 2, at a distance of 100 yards one minute of angle is equal to 1 inch. The rule to

remember ts that (%no minute of anile i& equal to I inh at 100 Zards. As you can see in figure 2,

when the circle Is increased to a radius of 200 yards, the angle covers twice the diatanse it did at

100 yards, or 2 inches. And. of course , the rule applies as range Inreaes---3 inches at 300 yards. II

Inches mt 400 yards. Remember these threo things:

1. One minute of angle is equal to 1 inch at 100 yards.

2. Once the angle is established, the wtdth covered will increase In direct proportion to

range-if it is 1 Inch at 100 yards, it will be 2 Inches at. 200 yards, etc.

3. One olick of adjustment on the M16 rifle, for windage or elevation, ia equal to one minute

of angle.

.............
2"

7I

Epch click of windage (rear sight) or elevation (front sight) adJustmnent on the M16 rifis Is equal to one minute of angle, or 1 Inch at 100 yards. Since the M16 sight radius (distance from the front to rear sight) is 19 3/4 inches, an aotual sight movement of only 5/dO00 inch moves the bullet strike 1

inch at 100 yards, 2 inches at 200 yards, etc. You Pan see that a small movement of the rifle during

firing would cause a large error at distant targets.

Figure 2. Minute of angle.

When target ranges were measured In yards, 'It was simple to remember sight change informtion--1

Inch at 100 yards, 1/4 inch at 25 yards, etc. Using the metric system, it m3ke3 it more difficult.

Hovever, since a meter is only 3 1/3 inches longer than a yard, the rult provides an idea of whet

effect sight changes will have at various ranges.

10
the metric system of measurement.• o now used for most measurements. This Guide uses inohes

several times because the U3 customary unit of meaur•ment. is more twmiliar. You eaould know the

followina:

I Inch m 2 /2 centimeters (2.54)

1 yard u .9 meters (.9144)

I entismeter u .4 Inches (.3938)

1 moter a 1.1 yards (1.0937)

I metoer n 100 aentimeters

1 centimeter a 10 millimeters

How rat does one click of windage or elevation move the strike of the bullet at 25 meotrs? At 25

yards. it would be 1/4 Inch, so at 25 moters (27.5 yards), It would be a little more than 1/4 Inch, or .7 centimeters. Also note that .7 centimeters Is %he same as 7 millimeters.

Figure 3 dApicts two bullets that are 1 Inch apart at 25 metors. The same rule applies as to the

Increase In distance between bullets as range inoreases-if bullets are 2 Inches apart at 50 meoers.

they will be 4 Inches apart at 100 meters, 8 inches apart at 200 moters, e*t.

-II

* 11
2. 3,, W. .... .1 . . 1o" 1.

LI effect, the angle created by these two .bullets between the rifle and the 25-meter line will not

ohange as the bullets continue downrange. Therefore, the bullets will be 2 Inohes apart at 50

meters, 3 Inches apart at 75 meters, eto. At 175 meters, they will be 7 inches apart. Note that the

shot groups at 175 meters will be seven times larger than they were at 25 meters. Just remember that

the angles do not ohange; therefore, the range (175 meters) divided by the zero distance (25 meters)

Is equal to the expected inorease In shot group size (MX).

Figure 3. Shot group width as &-function of range.

GRAVITY

Since the M16 fires a high velocity round, it has what is often referred to as a "flat

trajectory" from 0 to 300 meters. What this means is that when the M16 rifle is zeroed for 250

meters, the path of the bullet above or below the line of sight is less than that for most other

military rifles. This Is important because it allows targets from 0 to 300 meters to be hit using

approximately the same point of aim. However, because of gravity, no bullet travels in a straight

line.

12
Inohea 

Take 

above 

any 

the 

object 

floor 

that 

and 

Is 

drop 

similar In weight to a bullet (coin, key, eta.). Hold the object 24

Is tirad at a 300-meter 

It-that Is almost the same effect gravity has on a 5.56 bullet that

bullet leaves the muzzle, 

target. 

it 

The bullet Is supported by the rifle until firing, but the moment the Is acted on by gravity In the same manner @a a bullet you drop tfco you hand. (See figure 4.)

MITERS

s o0 100 ISO tO0 to0 Soo

< • •.1

3 .14 4

.17

a,

.23

10 " -V1

13 12 .27w

14

Isb.3

17:

Is

21

22

2 3 .32

)24

13
This chart shows that the effect of gravity on a bullet fired from a rifle is the ame as if the

bullet was dropped by hand. In a little more than 1/3 saecond the bullet falls 24 inohes and travels

300 meters. The time bands are keyed to the fired bullet at 25-meter Intervals-the lower bands are wider apart because the bullet aoses velocity more rapidly as range Increases.

Figure . Efreota of gravity.

Figure 5 shows the bullet path for a rifle boresighted (the bore of the rifle pointed at the

target, line of sight being through the bore) on a 300-meter target. As shown In figure 5, the bullet

drops 16 inches by the time it reaches 250-meters or 24 Inches at a diatance of 300 meters.

SaM looM IsoM 200M 260M 300M

24"

So4tuight

P8to o6 &Attet (djectoxy)

When the bore of the rifle is alined with a distant aiming point, the effects of gravity are

significant-c.ausing the bullet to drop 24 Inches from boresight at 300 meters.

Figure 5. Bullet drop when rifle Is boresighted.

It is important to note that gravity and wind (to be discussed in the following section) have an increasingly greater effect on bullets as range inoreases. As you can see, by dropping an object from a height of 24 inches, the object is traveling much faster the last Inch of the distance than It is

the first Inch. Wind works in a similar way. The 5.56 bullet has lost over 36 percent of Its in1n.1a

speed (muzzle velocity) by the time it reaches 300 meters. Since gravity and wind have an increasing

effect on the bullet, they will naturally have even more of an effect at greater ranges because it

takes the bullet longer to travel a given distance.

14

'% AA %:.::L: i9
It Is obViOus that something must be done to overcome the effects of gravity and make the

engagement 01 targets out to 300 meters as simple as possible. A study of M16 trajectory data reveals

that setting the sights to hit at 250 meters Is the best compromlse for hitting all tair'gets ftom 25 to

300 meters. Figure 6 shows the bullet *loae to the line of sight (looking through the rifle sihts)

at all ranges.

C-- 241,

S• • • R J CTORy .•. '-•- - -"

SOOM

The bore of the M16 Is 2.6 Inohes below the front sight, therefore, the bullet starts 2.6 inches below

the line of sight. It crosses line of sight at a distance of 42 meters. It reaohes its maxi1uMU

height above line of sight approximately two-thirds the distance to the target (250 meters). Exact

measurements are shown in figure 17.

Figure 6. Bullet rise and drop--M16 rifle zeroed for 250 meters.

With this sight setting, targets between 50 and 300 meters can be hit by aiming at the center of

all targets. Point of aim will be discussed in deetal later. The placement of the front sight that

will provide the highest probability of getting ell rounds on the target is illustrated in figure 7.

New firers may perform better by aiming for the center of all targets.

15
The placement of the front sihht as shown will provide the highe•t probability of hitting all targets

with all bullots when there Is no wind.

Figure 7. Adjusted optimum aiming point to allow for the effects of gravity.

The targets In figure 8 show the results of a center-of-wasa aiming point for ranges of 150, 250,

and 300 meters for rifles battleaight zeroed for 250 meters.

200 M

250 M

300 M

150 M

175M

75 M

loom

16

V•
150. 250.- 300a

WPN

- 51 4 

17
These rifles. zeroed for 250 meters. were aimed at the center of the bull's-eye for each range. Note

that the bullets are generally high at 150 meters, centered at 250 meters, and low at 300 meters. The

standard E-type silhouette outlines have been added to show 9hot group size and relevance to tield

fire performanoe. Also note that weapon 51 is erratic and must be turned In for repair.

Figure 8. Trajectory-150, 250, and 300 meters (cradle firings).

WIND

For practical purposes, the same gravitational forces are at work all the time. However, the

etteots of wind will vary greatly based on changes in wind speed and direction. While wind Is not a major consideration at close range, it takes on added significance beyond 150 meters. A 10-mph wind

is not uncommon. A 10-mph wind blowing directly from the side across the range (a full value wind, see Figure 9) will move the bullet as indicated In Figure 10.

VALUE VALUE

VAVALUE

WI WIN

A wind blowing from right to left is called a 3 o'clock wind.

* Figure 9. Wind direction by the clock system.

HL 8

V. L

ALE V

" - " " " ' " " " " " " "' ' " " " " " ~~~~~~~~~~~~W ' ' " N " " ' - WIND , - - ' " " ' " ' , " . - " - '
lIS" 3.$)OM

4q I

I I

30. 20M

I I

BULLET'S PATH 40WINO

5" 175M "" I?

SLINE OF SIGHT

4 t

1 75M

25M

4 0

I

19
Wind In not a problem when firing at targets at close range. However, it own ca',ae a firer to miass distant targets. (Bee Figure 5.) A 10-mph wind Is not very strong. But, when it im blow~ing directly frem the aide. It can bend the path of the M16 round.

As you can see, the wind has little effect on this path inside of 75 meters. However, It hasaen inoigeasing effect on the bullet's path beyond 75 meters. Thus, while the bullet moves only 1/2 Inch between 0 and 50 meters, It drifts 5 Inches between 250 and 300 meters.

Figure 10. Effect of a 10-mph wind on bullet's path.

As olearly reflected In Figure 10, wind Is not a problem at close ranges, a full value 10-mph wind from 3 o'clock moves the bullet only 1/10 Inch at 25 meters and less than 1 Inch at 75 meters. However, an distance Increases, the wind Is a definite consideration. Note that a 10-mph wind will move the bullet 5 Inches at 175 meters-requiring hold-off or 2 to 3 clicks of windange adjustment to hit target's oienter. Allowance for wind must be considered at ranges beyond 150 meters. One should

also note that the wind curve, much like the bullet drop curve, acoes not change uniformly In relation

to range--that the effects of wind at longer ranges are much greater than at shorter ranges. However, the wind effect is uniform in relation to vwind speed-at 175 meters a 5-mph wind moves the bullet 2

1/2 inches; a 10-mph wind, 5 Inches; a 15-mph wind. 7 1/2 inches; a 20-mph wind, 10 Inches, etc.

A half value wind will effect the bullet approximately half as muoh as a full value wind. That Is, a 1 o'clock icind having a velocity of 10 mph is equivalent to a 5-mph 3 o'clock wind.

If a wind gauge Is not available, there are three common field expedient methods of determining wind velocities.

1. Flag Method. If a shooter can observe a flag (or any cloth-like material similar to a flag) hanging from a pole, he should estimate the angle (in degrees) formed at the juncture of the flag and the pole. Dividing this angle by the constant number 4 will give the wind velocity in mph (Figure 11).

FLAG

WIND

40-,_, 10 MPH

4

Determine the angle between the pole and the flag and divide by 4 to obtain wind speed in miles per

hour.

Figure 11. Determining wind velocity by the flag method.

20

l n ld 0
2. Pointing Method. If no flag is visible, a piece of paper cr ether light material may

be dropped from the shoulder. By pointing directly at the spot where it lands, the angle (in degrees)

can be estimated. This figure is also divided by the number 4 to determine the approximate wind

velocity • eieua 12).

WINO

40 10 MPH 4\

Determine hie angle an-use •he same procedure used Wn-e ffaK mernoo--olv~ce CRY angie Oy 4.

Figure 12. Determining wind velocity by the pointing method.

3. Observation Method. If the above methods cannot be used the following information will

assist in determining wind velocities:

a. Under 3 mph, winds can hardly be felt, but the presence of slight wind can be

determined by drifting smoke.

b. A 3- to 5-mph wind can be felt lightly on the face.

C. Winds of 5 to 8 mph keep tree leaves In constant motion.

* d. At 8 to 12 mph, winds will raise dust and loose paper.

S.e. At 12- to 15-mph will cause small trees to sway.

Given the nature of the record fire course and the nature of combat, sights will normally not be

adjusted for wind. Therefore, the hold-off technique must be used to compensate for the effects of

wind. The placement of the front sights to allow for wind is shown in figure 13. During BRM, the

trainer should estimate the impact of wind and tell the soldiers how much to adjust the aiming point.

150 M - WIND

250 M

300 M

Shown is the placement of the front sight that will bring bullets to targe' center when firing in a

lO-mph full value 3 c'clcck wind.

Figure 13. Adjusted aimiig point--wind.

21
THE RIFLE

CONFIDENCE

A very important aspect of any marksmanship program In to develop soldier oonfidenoe In the

service rifle. The M16 rifle was issued to US combat troops in Vietnam because it was proven to be

the best combat weapon for that type of low intensity conflict. Following an evaluation of the 116's

performance in combat and additional testing, the decision was made to adopt the M16AI as th. standard

service rifle.

There has been considerable controversy over the adoption of the small bore (5.56-mm) rifle In

lieu of the large bore (7.62-mr) Ml4 rifle. However, several other major military powers, to Include

the Soviets, are going to a 5.56-mm type cartridge. It Is possible that this controversy over the M16

versus the Ml4 has had some negative impact on the marksmanship program, resulting In a lack of

confidence in the M16 rifle. The marksmanship program trainer should be aware of the facts and

contribute to producing soldiers that have confidence in the 116 rifle. The M16 rifle was adopted by

the US Army because it was proven to be the best combat weapon available.

Most advantages of the MI4 are not advantages at all when the service rifle is employed in

accordance with current doctrine--the engagement of personnel targets out to a range of 00 meters.

The major advantage of the M16 are:

1. It is lighter and easier to handle.

2. The ammunition is lighter (allowing almost twice as much ammunition to be carried

within ths same weight limitations).

3. It makes less noise.

4. It has less recoil.

5. It is easier to train all soldiers to fire.

6. It is more accurate out to ranges of 300 meters.

7. The bullet will yaw or tumble in flesh--producing tremendous killing power.

8. It has adequate knockdown power at all ranges (HAVING MORE KNOCKDOWN POWER AT 300

METERS THAN A .45 PISTOL DOES AT THE MUZZLE).

9. It is capable of killing all personnel targets well beyond 300 meters (having the force

to penetrate a steel helmet at ranges out to 00 meters).

10. The "flat" trajectory round allows the teaching of one aiming point to obtain target

hits at all ranges out to 300 meters.

11. The pistol grip and light weight allows firing with one hand in close-in fighting or

fighting In built-up areas.

12. The charging handle offers versatility (making it easy for right- or left-handed firers

to operate the weapon).

13. The construction is simple which permits complete field stripping in a few seconds.

It is impossible to adopt a service rifle that everyone believes is the ideal weapon. The M16A1

is not without its faults; however, it has no serious shortcomings. The M16A1 is a lightweight,

reliable weapon, capable of delivering accurate semiautomatic fire or a large volume of automatic

fire. Whtn cost, performance, reliability, versatility, and trainability are considered, the M16AI

rifle is the best military rifle in the world today.

22
ACCURACY

An effective way of deatroylng an Individual's confidence in a weapon it to issue him a weapon

that Vill not shoot. Concerned about the aoi. 'coy of the typioll weapon used by soldiers caused 60

entry-level soldier weapons to be selected at random and testud for aocuraoy. Weapon quality has

been disoussed and the targiets In figure 1 emphasize the importance of the unit augmenting the direot

aupport maintenance serviceabllity oheolcs with firing tests of their own.

The 60 test weapons were fired from a cradle, a vise-like mechanism that holds the weapon during

firing. and by two individuals, each firing from a prone unsupported position. The targets In Figure 14 provide an Indication that weapons No. 9 and 11 are quality weapons while No. 51 is not an acceptable weapon to be Issued to a soldier. The oradle firings of the 60 weapons at a range of 25

meters produced tht following shot group sizes:

Group size in Number of Peroent of

Centimeters Rifles Total

2 or smaller 36 60

2.1 to 2.9 15 25

3 to 4 7 12

over 4 2 3

60 100

The weapons that fire shot groups in exoess of 4 centimeters in size should not be issued to

soldiers before being repaired. The weapons firing shot groups in size from 3 to 4 centimeters are

Questionable, and soldiers using these weapons should be observed closely for possible problems

associated with the weapons.

3 See bibliography.

23
CRADLE F|NER-1 FIRE.2

Wpm#

'11

511

q-i

Theae rifles (3 of 60) were fired f~rom a cradle (weapon vire) and by two firer? from prone unsupported

positions on a 25-meter range. Riflee passed all serviceability checks before firing. A firing check

is the only procedure available to identify bad weapons like No. 51. I Figure 14l. Targets used ior test firing.

The soldier Must have confidence in the weapon. The first step in building this confiden~le is to

issue the soldier a weapon that you knew is capable of hitting all targeti that. will be presen~ted..

* 24

¶ 17
CARE AND CLEANING

This Guide makes no attempt to address the details of care and cleaning, sine no recent research

has been conducted In this area, the subject it adequately covered In current publications. The

following suggestions mre provided:

1. Emphasize the need to keep ýhe weapon, to include ammunition and magazines, ciean by

keeping It out of the dirt and sand.

2. Give oleanlng priority to the chamber and bolt carrier group. Theme aore the areas that

will cause most malfunctions.

3. After zeroing, insure that sights are not moved during cleaning.

4. If the weapon is firing properly, it is reanamended that the internal parts not be

cleaned after the final confirmatton of zero until record fire has been copleted. Cleaning will not

alter the zero, however, improper lubrication or assembly may cause malfunctions.

The M1b rifle, In good condition and properly maintained, will fire without malfunctions. Any

malfu•ctioning weapon indicates I mproper maintenance procedures or a weapon that should be inspected

by an armorer. A seapon malfunction during reoord fire should be a -are occurrence.

OPERATION

The operation and functioning of the rifle will not be diaoussed In detail; however, the

marksmanship trainer must be familiar with the operation and functioning of the rifle. This

information Is available in current publications. The following only cerves t4 highlight some

critical points.

The marksmanship trainer should not be concerned with the functioning of the weapon from a

technical point of view, but should be concerned with functioning as it relates to teaching the

soldier to correct malfunctions.

1. Feeding. To prevent a malfunction in the feeding of the first round, the magazine

should be checked to insure that the top round is straight, and the magazine should be looked in the

weapon. A hard blow on the bottom of the magazine may dislodge the first round, causing it to misfeed

or double feed. Another condition that may cause a malfunction on the.firSttround Is putting too many

rouinds in the magazine, To correct a feeding problem, the weapon and the magazine must be checked.

Most feeding malfunctions are caused by bad magazines, requiring cleaning or replacement.

2. Chamberin•. Pulling the charging handle fully to the rear and releasing it or

releasing the bolat catch should fully-chamber the round witnout assistance. The rifle should be

visually checked to insure that the first rcund Is seated in' the chember, using the forward assist If

necessary to insur-e that the bolt is looked. . . . ,

3. Firing. 'It the haeser Talleand the meapon eails to fire, check the cartridge primer.

If there is no dent ir, the primer, the firing pin As probably broken or missing. If the primer is

olightly dented, it indicat.,s a weak hammer spring• o excessive wearing of the firing pin or bolt

ares.

4. Extraction. If the carrrAdge fails to extrait, It indicates a dirty chamber, a broken

extractor, a weak extractor spring, or insuffloient gas suppiled to cause proper operation. Too much

oil in the chamber can create a vacuum and also prevent extraction.

S. Election. Failure to eject normally indicates a broken or worn ejector or weak ejector

spring.

IMMEDIATE ACTION

Immediate actic• is the unhesitating action taknn to correct a stoppage without an Invebtigation

of the cause of the stoppage. The procedure is to tap the magazine twice (if a round Is hung up oue

to a fallure to chaml'er, this may cause the bolt to ride forward and the soldier can fire if he hears

the bolt go forward). If the bolt does not go forward, pull the charging handle to the rear and look

into the chamber. If the chamber Is clenr, release the charging handle, hit the forward assist, and

attempt to fire. Soldiers should practice repeatedly to develop the immediate action response so that a simple stoppage will not cause them to fall to engage mcre than one target on the record fire range.

15-
RIE•DIAL ACTION

Remedial action is the aotion taken to correct a weapon malfunction when lmedlate action has

filled to correct the problem. Initial-entry s-ldiers should be given assistanoo with remedial

action, and efforts should be taken to prevent a recurrence.

BASIC SHOOTING FUNDAMENTALS

Two tings are required to hit targets: the rifle must be aligned with the target, and the

hammer must fall without without disturbing the lay of the weapon. The soldier can eooumplish this by

placing the front sight post on the target and squeezing the trigger.

It is important to understand and focus on the critical elements of the firing prooess--on those

elements that have major influence over the strike of the bullet. If you can teach your soldiers to

put the front sight post on the target and squeeze the trigger, they will all hit at least 23 of the

40 record fire targets. This can beat be accomplished through teaching the four basic fundmentals:

1. Steady position.

2. Aiming.

3. Breath control.

4. Trigger squeeze.

These basic fundamentals form the heart of the BRN program. It Is very important that you

understand and believo In these four fundamentals. The current program does not represent drastic

changes in marksmanship, but there are some significant changes in emphasis. For example, sight

alignment is relatively unimportant, the Shot Group Analysis Card Is considered lnval~d and has been

deleted, and the eight steady-hold factors are not taught.

STEADY POSITION

Before the soldier can hit targets, the weapon must be held In a steady position. This Is the

first shooting skill the soldier should master, and It should be mastered before firing the first live

rounds.

Supported Position. Soldiers should be enoouraged toýslways fire from supported positions if at

all possible. Any type of support (tree, truck tire, rolled up field jacket, etc) will greatly assist

shooting soourtoy. All supported firing In the BRM program Is performed from the foxhole position

with sandbag support. This is a stable and comfortable firing position, making It easy for the navies

firer to master shooting skills quickly. It Is critical that the weapon be fully supported by the

sandbags. The nonfiring hand and arm should support no part of this weight. The firing elbow must be

firmly planted on the ground outside of the foxhole position. In effect, the front of the weapon is

supported by the sandbags (the nonfiring hand is between the weapon and the sandbags for the purpose

of controlling the weapon for subsequent shots) and the rear of the weapon in firmly supported by the

firing hand (pistol grip) and the pocket of the firing shoulder (rifle butt). The firing hand and

shoulder are steady because they have straightltne bone support to the firing elbow, which is firmly

planted on the ground outside the fighting position.

Unsupported Position. In some situations, the soldier may be required to engage targets when no

support is available. Therefore, the soldier must learn to hold the weapon steady with only bone

stpport. The BAN program uses the prone unsupported position, the steadiest of all unsupported

positions. Since half of the record fire targets are engaged from the prone unsupported position, it

is critical that soldiers be proficient from this Position. A key to this position is getting the

nonfiring elbow as far under the weapon as possible. This provides for the greatest amount of bone

support and will allow the soldier to maintain a steady position for an extended period.

The supported fighting position and the prone unsupported Position will be discussed In detail

later.

It is important to build confidenoe in the soldier's ability to fire the rifle. Therefore, It is

important for the soldier to have mastered steady positions before firing the initial rounds. If a

soldier has not yet learned to hold the weapon steady, you wile be wasting your time and his by going

on to other fundamentals. Learn to hold the weapon steady, and the remainder of the shooting process

will be much easier to master.

26
AZNINO

Having mastered the task of holding the weapon steady, the weapon must be aligned with the

target-exactly the some way for each firing. The peep sight on the MIG is a superior sighting

system. The peep eight Is located well to the rear of the receiver, placing It close to the eye. thereby Increasing sight radius (diatance between front and rear uight). The major advantage of the

peep eight Is that It requires the soldier to align only two objects--the front sight and the target.

A good firing position places the eye close to and directly behind the rear peep sight. When the

eye is focused on the front sight post, the natural and Instinctive ability of the eye to center

objects and to seek the point of greatest light (which is the center of the rear sight hole

(aperture)) will provide for correct sight alignment. Therefore, the aiming task Is simple--plaoe the

front sight post on the target.

Among all the other stresses associated with learning a new skill, the soldier has In the past been asked to perform a task that is Impossible for the human eye-to focus on three separate planes (objects at three different distances) at once. For the novice shooter, the instinctive and natural

ability of the eye will more accurately align the alghts than the oonsoious attempts by the shooter.

It Is Intended that eight alignment be taught, but this subject should be placed In proper perspective and not be presented to the soldier as such an Important shooting fundamental.

Relying on this natural ability of the eye to seek the center of the rear sight hole, point of

aim becomes more important than sight alignment. To obtain correct point of aim, the tip of the front

sight post must be placed on the aiming point. To aooomplish this, the eye must be focused on the tip of the front sight post. This may cause the target to appear blurry, while the front sight post is seen clearly. T?.ere are two reasons that make It Important to focus on the tip of the front sight post. First, it the front sight post is seen clearly, only minimum aiming error oan aocur while a more significant error can occur If the front eight post Is blurry (that Is. focusing on the target). A blurry front sight post may cause an alignment error and may cause a target miss. (If the front

sight post Is damaged, it should be replaced; If It is shiny, it must be blackened.) The second reason for focusing on the tip of the front sight post is that this forces good sight alignment. When

the eye is focused on the tip of the front sight post so that it is seen clearly and distinctly, the

eye must be centered in the rear sight hole. If the eye moves from the center of the rear sight hole

while focusing on the tip of the front sight post, the aperture will begin to darken on one side, and

the front sight post cannot be seen as clearly and distinotly as It had been. Therefore, with the

focus of the eye directed to the tip'of the front sight post, minimum point of aim error will result, and the natural ability of the eye will provide for good sight alignment. It is difficult to recreate

what Is perceived by the eye looking through the rear sight hole, but Figure 15 attempts to show what

the eye should see.

27

S i ..
- • -. __o- -

CORRECT

.4

Focus on the tip of the front sight post so that it oan be seen clearly and distinctly--and correct

sight alignment to automatlo.

Figure 15. Sight alignment.

It is suggested that you teat this sight alighment theory with a rifle. Assume a good firing position with your eye looking through the rear sight, forget about sight alignment, and foous on the

tip of the front sight post. Cheok the rear sight. You should find that It is aligned. While

continuing to focus on the tip of the front sight post, move your eye to the side of the rear sight hole and it will appear to darken and get blurry.

Considerable practioe in aiming should be considered before firing the initial live rounds.

During dry firing, after the front sight post has been plaoed on the target, the soldier should change his eye focus back and forth between the front and rear sights to insure that good sight alignment has

been obtained. Before firing, the soldier should be confident that plaoing the tip of the front sight post on the target will provide correct sight alignment, making aiming a simple process. Place the

tip of the front sight post on the target.

28

SS * .. b.*'p., N
BREATH CONTROL

It is impossible to maintain a steady position, keeping the tip of the front sight post on the

aiming point, while breathing. Therefore, breathing must not be taking place at the moment of firine.

the novice firer should be taught to inhale, then exhale normally, and hold his breath at the moment

of natural respiratory pause. The shot must then be fired before feeling any unpleasant senslations

from holding the breath. As the firer's skills improve, and as timed or multiple targets are,

presented, the soldier must learn to hold his breath at any part of the breathing cycle. Breath

control should be practiced during dry firing exercises until It becomes a natural part of the firing

process.

TRIGGER SQUEEZE--THE MOST IMPORTANT FUNDAMENTAL

The three fundamentals discussed above get the weapon into a steady position and correctly

pointed at the target. Most ovice firers can accomplish this in a relatively short period. But all

of this is wasted if the trigger is not properly controlled. The charts previously used to show

errors that result from improper sight alignment (not having the front sight post centered in the rear

sight hold) do not accurately reflect the sight alignment problem, but they do reflect the seriousness

of weapon alignment problems.

Alignment of the overall weapon is critical. The sight radius on the M16 (distance from the

front sight to the rear sight) is 50.17 centimeters, or approximately 1/2 meters. Any alignment error

between front and rear sights will repeat Itself for every 1/2 meter the bullet travels. For example,

at the 25-meter line, any error in weapon alignment will be multiplied 50 times. If the weapan is

misaligned by 1/10 inch, it will Cause a 300-meter target to be missed by 5 feet. The alignment error

is normally not a function of improper sighting, but is a function of improper trigger control,

causing misalignment of the rifle at the moment of firing. The trigger squeeze is the most important

fundamental for the novice firer, because he is most likely to cause weapon misalignment by his poor

trigger control.

Trigger squeeze is vitally Important in controlling weapon movement. Any sudden movement of the

finger on the trigger will disturb the lay of the weapon and cause the shot to miss its intended

point. When the trigger is correctly squeezed, the exact moment of weapon firing will be a surpirie

to the soldier. The M16 rifle has a low noise level and also low recoil when compared to many other

military rifles. But the normal, unconcious reflex action of the novice firer to compensate for the

noise and the slight punch in the shoulder is such that he will miss the target if he knows the moment

the weapon will fire. A common practice is to tense the shoulder in anticipation of the weapon

firing. It is difficult to detect, and many soldiers do not realize they are flinching In

anticipation of the weapon firing. The ball and dummyjexercise (App A) or the use of Weaponeer are

excellent techniques for detecting improper trigger squeeze. When the hammer drops on a dummy round

and It does not fire, the soldier's relfexive movement will clearly demonstrate to him, and the

trainer, that he is not properly squeezing the trigger. The Weaponeer (App A) is an excellent aid in

detecting improper trigger squeeze because of its automatic misfire capability and a feature that

allows the aiming point to be observed for the last 3 seconds before firing.

The proper trigger squeeze should start with relatively heavy pressure on the trigger during the

initial aiming process. For example, for a trigger that requires 8 pounds of pressure, 4 to 5 pounds

should be applied during the aiming process and then additional pressure applied after the front sight

post is steady on the target and breathing has been stopped.

From the supported fighting position, there should be no reason to deviate from this procedure.

If any significant movement of the weapon can be detected when firing from a supported fighting

position, additional work on the position is needed. From the prone unsupported position, a small

wobble area will exist. The wobble area is the movement of the sight around the aiming point when the

weapon is in the steadiest possible position. If wobble is present, the same trigger squeeze

technique should be employed. If the front sight strays from the target any time during the firing

process, pressure on the trigger should be held constant and resumed as soon as sighting is corrected.

The position must provide for the smallest possible wobble area. Under no circumstances should an

attempt be made to quickly pull the trigger while the sight is on the target. The best firing results

are obtained when the trigger is squeezed continuously while the smallest possible wobble area is

maintained and the actual moment of firing cannot be anticipated.

As skills increase with practice, the time required to squeeze the trigger can be reduced

considerably. Novice firers may take 5 seconds to perform an adequate trigger squeeze, but as skills

improve, the trigger can be squeezed in a second or less. The important thing to remember is that the

firer must not know the instant that the weapon is going to discharge. Otherwise, body reflexes will

attempt to compensate and will cause misalignment of the weapon. Once the hammer falls, the bullet

(traveling at 3,250 feet per second) will clear the muzzle of the weapon before body reflexes can

disturb the lay of the weapon.

29
The fundamentals the soldier should have In mind when he comes to the firing line are to:

1. Establish a steady position.

2. Put the front sight post on the target.

3. Stop breathing.

4. Squeeze the trigger.

This simple procedure will insure target hits at all ranges.

USING THE FOUR FUNDAMENTALS

Before the presentation of targets, the position must be adjusted to allow for holding the rifle

steady. The soldier must raise his head slightly (maintaining cheek contact with the weapon), look

over the sights with both eyes open, scan the appropriate area, and insure that the targets are

detected the moment they pop up. As the target appears, the head Is dropped down, the eye Is fooused

on the target. The aiming point for this particular target is determined as the eye is rapidly plaoed

behind the rear sight ý%ole. Initial pressure is applied to the.trigger (approximately half the

pressure that It will take to pull the trigger) as the tip of the front sight post is placed on the

aiming point and as the eya is focused on the tip of the front sight post. Breathing is controlled

and final trigger squeeze begins. Everything is performed rapidly to the point of final trigger

squeeze. More and more pressure is applied to the trigger until the weapon fires. The instant of

firl.ng cannot be anticipated. When suffiulent dry firing is conducted, the soldier will be isble to

apply these fundamentals in a well-coordinated manner, resulting in exoellent shooting performance.

Do not allow yourself to be detracted from these four basic fundamentals. These are the faotors

that have major influence over the strike of the bullet. Too much emphasis on other points will

probably degrade the shooting performance of entry-level soldiers. When possible, test these

fundamentals for yourself on a live-fire range. Zero a rifle and engage a 175-mete*r target. From a

steady position, put the tip of the front sight post just below the center of the target, allow for

any significant wind, stop breathing, and squeeze the trigger. The target will, of course, be hit.

Repeat this procedure but add common errors that you feel may be important, for example, different eye

relief, rifle Cant, sight misalignment, different ways of holding the weapon, different body

positions. If the four fundamentals are practiced for each firing, the target will not be missed. It

is also important to remember that when these shooting skills.are required in o.mbat, they must be

performed under conditions of fear and stress. Insure that the soldiers you train will be effeotive

combat marksmen by properly focusing on the basic fundamentals during training.

FIRING POSITIONS

Two firing positions are used In the basic record fire course. Both are good positions for the

teaching of basic marksmanship skills.

Remember that only two actions must be performed to hit a target--the weapon must be pointed at

the target and the hammer must fall without the lay of the weapon being disturbed. Practically

speaking, it is not necessary to hold the weapon tightly with the nonfiring hand to make it shoot Io

the semiautomatic mode. IF it were possible to suspend the rifle in midair, the same place eaoh time,

and pull the trigger without disturbing the aim, the rifle would fire a tight shot group. This is

because when the weapon is fired without stress, each bullet is exposed to similar conditions.

However, the soldier's job is to fire while maintaining complete control of the weapon--being ready to

rapidly engage additional targets. Therefore, the soldier must maintain control of the rifle. The

importance of this is to understand that minimum effort is required to make the rifle shoot and that

strong-arm tactics will detract from, rather than contribute to, accurate shooting. (The effects of

stress on the rifle are shown in Figure 16.)

FOXHOLE POSITION (SUPPORTED)

This is an excellent position that provides a stable firing platform. The depth of the foxhole

position and the sandbag support should be adjusted for the height and arm length of each soldier.

Nonfiring Hand and Arm. The handguard should rest in a V formed by the thumb and forefinger of

the nonfiring hand, and lie across the heel of the hand. The handguard should not be gripped. The

nonfiring hand is used to maintain control of the weapon and assist in the rapid engagement of

subsequent targets. The forward weight of the rifle must be fully supported by the sandbags. The

nonfiring hand and arm should carry none of this weight.

30
Rifle Butt. The' butt of the stock Is placed In the pocket formed by the firing shoulder. A firm

placement of the butt Into this shoulder will lessen the effects of reooll.

Firing Hand. The firing hand grasps the pistol grip, and the forefinger Is placed on the trigger

In a manner-that will not disturb the lay of the weapon while the trigger is being squeezed. Note

that the emphasis on placement nf the trigger finger Is to be able to pull the trigger without oausing

movement of the weapon. The tip of the finger keeps the finger clear of the receiver and is good for

light triggers. If the trigger is hard to pull, firing performance will improve for many soldiers

with the finger inserted at least to the first joint. A slight rearward pressure should be exerted by

the firing hand to keep the butt of the rifle firmly in the pocket of the shoulder, minimizing the

effects of recoil.

Firing Elbow. The body should be supported by the corner of the foxhole position, placing the

firing elbow outside of the foxhole position, blocked against solid support.

Stookweld. The stookweld Is the mating of the cheek with the stock of the rifle, whion puts the

eye close to and directly behind the rear peep sight. To obtain a consistent stookwold, a good guide

is to place the tip of the nose within one inch of the charging handle for each firing. Some

stookweld should be maintained during target acquisition (some part of the cheek in contact with the

stock) to assist In rapidly assuming a firing position.

Relax. A good position will eliminate undue muscle strain or tension which distracts from a

steady position.

PRONE SUPPORTED POSITION

The firer assumes a comfortable prone position behind the weapon. The forward part of the weapon

Is supported by the nonfiring hand and arm. The steadiest positions normally result with the

nonfiring elbow as far under the weapon as possible; however, the left and right elbows and the

nonfiring "and should be adjustd to provide the steadiest possible firing position. The other factors

discussed above apply equally to tho prone position.

EFFECTS OF STRESS ON THE WEAPON

Firing tests have revealed that any pressures on-j.he front handguard may have an adverse effect

on accuracy unless the same pressure is applied for each firing. The targets in figure 16 show the

difference in bullet strike as a result of pressure on the forward part of the weapon. These targets

were fired with a hasty sling, which pulls the forward part of the barrel down; and a bipod with

downward pressure at the rear of the weapon, which pushes the forward part of the barrel up. This

difference in bullet strike will not result from normal hand pressure to the rear, but rearward

pressure does not contribute to accuracy. Previous military rifles (M1 and M14) had recoils that

discouraged firing without a firm Crip on the weapon; however, the light recoil of the M16 and the

extra control provided by the pistol grip allows firing without a firm grip on the weapon. Pressure on the handguard will influence bullet strike and is an item that must receive consideration in all

firing positions. It is important to zero with the same type of pressure on the weapon that will be

used for fii•ing.

The point is that a lack of grip by the nonfiring hand will not detract from shooting

performance-too much grip may detract.

31
WPN ZERO SLING POD

11

"i ~35

I IV

The left targets show the normal zero. the center targets were fired with a hasty sling, and the

targets at the right were fired with a bipod attached and downward pressure applied with the left hand

forward of the carrying handle. Note that the difference in bullet strike at 300 meters would be 2 to

4 feet,

Figure 16. Rifle stress (handheld).

32
ORGANIZATION FOR TRAINING

The current program recommends that firing lines have a section designated for each platoon. For

example, if there are 36 points being used on the firing line. each of the four platoons would be

assigned 9 points. This allows the leaders/cadre of that platoon to concentrate their, efforts on the

personnel assigned to their platoon. By the end of each period of instruction, the platoon cadre

should have a list oF their platoon personnel who have demonstrated potential firing problems. An

attempt should always be made to diagnose and correct individual problems before the next period of

instruction.

REMEDIAL TRAINING

Soldiers who do not obtain the specified minimum standard for any period of marksmanship instruction should have their problems diagnosed and be provided appropriate remedial training. All

soldiers must demonstrate a grasp of the basic fundamentals of shooting before allowed to continue in

subsequent periods of instruction. A target or scorecard is provided for each firing period of

instruction. It is recommend-d that soldiers retain these as individual progress records and for

periodic checks by cadre. These individual performance records will be valuable diagnostic aids.

ZEROING

The battlesight zero is the sight setting which provides the highest probability of hitting the

majority of combat targets without sight changes and with minimum changes in point of aim. As shcwn

in figure 17, zeroing the M16 rifle for 250 meters provides excellent hit probability at all ranges

out to 300 meters.

250M ZERO

'..1 25M 42M 75M lOOM 150M 175M 200M 250M

Figure 17. Traectory--250-meter zero.

33
The best method of obtaining a 250-meter battlesight zero is to fire at a range of 250 meters,

making the necessary sight adjustments to place the center of the shot group on the aiming point.

However, such a method requires extensive terrain and training time for firers to move between the

firing line and targets to check the location of their shot groups or the use of ranges and/or target

equipment not currently available at moat Installations. When projectiles of the same type and

caliber are fired from the same type rifle they nave the same general trajectory. The rifle can be

zeroed at any known dlitanoe along the trajectory course. Referring to figure 17, if the bullet's

strike 13 adjusted to hit 1 Inch below point of atr at 25 meters, point of aim at 42 meters, 1 3/4

Inches above point of aim at 75 meters, etc., an acceptable 250-meter battlosight zero will result.

The previous practice has been to zero an the 25-meter range, adjusting bullet's strike 1 Inob (2.4

centimeters) below point of aim.

The procedure of aiming one place and adjusting bullets to hit another has been oonfusing to many

soldiers. Marksmanshp research revealed that using the long-range sight and adjusting bullet strike

to coincide with point of aim at 25 meters would produce a good 250-meter zero when the sight w0s

flipped back to the regular aperture. The standard rear sight of the M16 consists of two apertures

(holes). When the unmarked apertu'e (regular sight) has been zeroed for 250 meters, flipping to the

aperture marked "L" automatically provides a zero of 375 meters. Figure 18 shows the difference In bullet trajectory between the regular and long-range slghts. As discussed above, the rifle may be

zeroed at any point along the trajectory curve produced by the regular or long-range sight.

Therefore, by flipping to the long-range sight and adjusting bullet impact to coincide with point of

aim at 25 meoters produces a 375-meter zero on the long-range sight; or m 250-meter zero when the sight

is flipped back to the regular aperture.

I ONG RANGE SIGHT

3 V1

2OM5 375M

After the standard sight has been zeroed for 250 meters, flipping to the long-range sight results In a

zero for 375 meters. Note that the trajectory, when zeroed for 375 meterr, crosses the line of sight

at 25 meters. Therefore, by flipping to the long-range sight and adjusting bullet impact to point of

aim at 25 meters, the standard sight will be zeroed for 250 meters.

Figure 18. Trajector--long-range sight.

34
The conedion bull presented another prolem, in thet when zeroing was oomplvted (the soldier having learned to aim at the bottom of the target), ala subsequent firing was at s1lhouette type targets (with a center-or-4ansa aiming point). It was found that the quality of zero did not

deteriorate, and much confusion was eliminated, when a muiled silhouette target was substituted for

the Canadian bull. The new zeroing target in figure 19 liws a soaldier to ihoot a moaled silhouette

target (providing the same visual peroeption as an actual silhouette tageet at a range of 250 motors)

and adjust bullet strike to coincide with a coenter-of-maSs aiming point. The new zero target also

provides additional information to assist in making sight changes. To determine eight changes, the

firer locates tUs shot grouped center, pioks out the horizontal and vertical lines nearest that point, and finds from the margins how many olioks to move whioh sight and in what direotion. The target olso sAows the soldier where hia bullets (fired at 25 meters) would have hit on an actual target at 250 meters. Soldiers can be shown that a tight shot group loated on the intersection of the two zero lines at the center of the cirole is the desired zero. They can see that the nearer to the dot and

the tighter the shot group, the more likely they would be to hit a 250-meter enemy target.

The cirole an the silhouette is the maximum allowable shot group size for zeroing. While the

object is to shoot the smallest possible shot groups, as close to the center of the circle as possible, a rifle that shoots all three shots inside the circle is considered to be zeroed. The circle is equal to the 19-inch width of the pop-up field fire target at 300 meters. This change from

5.2 centimeters to 4 centimeters (at 25 meters) provides a more stringent, but more valid standard for

zeroing.

15
(Drawings not to scale)

26 METER ZEROING TARGET FOR MIBAI RIFLE

(WITH STANDARD SIGHTS)

13 1 11 10 9 9 7 0 • 4 31 2 1 U- 1 2 3 4 • 0 7 I 9 10 11 12 13

16 Is

Is C~I-- ~Ila 14 Reef - 14

12 - - [ h 12-

11 11

10 '10

7 Front - Frnt 

SI' -IN t • ?

a[---

4 4

3 3

2 -

2 2

4 I~ fIT 4

• IS

1 - - ---- -

- I - -- ---

13 -- SE "L SIGT 13- 14 ---- 1 1 1 -+ 1'- -4 1 

1. Aim at target center, adjust sights to move shot group center as close as possible to white

dot.

2. At completion of zero, rotate rear sight to unmarked aperture and weapon will be battlesight,

zero for 250 meters.

Figure 19. 25-meter zeroing target for 16A1 rifle (with standard sights).

36

.... f.U..v L : :w .- . .- - . ,.

,,.v . , ,. ,,. ., , - .:.,.;,r : '.• .' '-r , : : ' " ' ,".'% ;,.: ,',', "-•'. ' . .. , v ,. ., • ,• ,,,, R, :,-,,, .os.r .., , , -a.,,
ZEROING PROCEDURE

Previous marksmanship program conducted zeroing before shooting fundamentals were mastered and

did not allow for an opportunity to chock or confirm the zero during the remainder of the program.

Additionally. following the zero period, the soldier was not provided with information concerning

target hits and, in most oases, was provided no feedbaok about target misses. The current program

provides for a considerable Increase In firing at the 25-meter line, where feedback is provided on the

placement of all shots. It also provides a downrange t'eedback exoroise (to be used when

know-distances (0D) ranges are not available) where sight changes can be made at longer ranges. There

is then a return to the 25-meter line late In the program to confirm and/or refine the soldier's zero,

The primary emphasis for all 25-meter firing should be on the teaching of shooting

fundamentals-the shooting of tight shot groups. Once a soldier can shooh Well. the zeroing process ".4 is simple.

Keeping in mind the variability associated with each round, sight change decisions choulo always

be based on previous shot. groups fired as well as on the )aat shot group. The current prograt also

includes a continuation of firing after the initial zero standard has been met, for the purposes of

skill practice and refinement of zero. The objective of zeroing is to get the shot group center as

near to the center of the circle as possible. A zero low in the c!rcle Is an actual zero for 175 to

200 meters while a zero high in the circle is an actual zero for 275 to 300 meters. A zero anywhere in the circle will provide for target hits at all ranges but a perfect zero will slhow for 3om2

shooting errors and still enable target hits.

NOTE: Many tactilial units have rifles equipped with the low light levwl sight system (LLLPS).

These rifles do not have a long-range sight capability, thevefore. special targets have been

designed which place bullet strike 2.4 contimeters below point of aim at 25 meters.

SHOT GROUPING

The targets in figure 20 were fired by an experienced marksman from a prone unsupported position.

These targets represent tne size and shape of s'10t g,^oups you can expect from soldiers that are

applying correct shooting fundamentals from the supported fighting position.

37
77".- kro vvv

-i r

F 77

A*1 1 1

I L I [ f I

b-...... ... &±.. t i 

t 7 b.r~L C F 4.41 1

~' ~ -. ama~.e C... mM~e in.

-F KA1'I ;. *.i __ 'r: 

-~~Ii . ~V' t 

2 4~4 14jj+~r-v2 'tV h t4 {'14.T

The~se initial shot gruups, fired from nine different rifles, represent what can be expected of

entry-level soldiers who correctly apply basic shooting fundamentals. (No attempt was mnade to zero these rifles fir this exercise.

Figure 20. Shot groups fired from unsupported positions.

38

..................... C,,.. 4 ~C .* "CC~*C%
The targets In figure 21 were fired by baslo trainees with weapons of known shooting quality.

The top three targets refleot the correct Ipplidation of shooting fundamentals.

'rh botto•to three tvg•ets obviously reflect firer errors and theme are relatively easy to

diagnoso because 95 percent of these size shot groups are caused by improper trigger squeeze. Only improper trigger squeeze can logioully cause thin amount of error with a good weapon at 25 meters.

The three targets In the middle of figure 22 are Yore difficult to diagnose. The soladera are

not properly applying shooting fundamentals. You should obasrve the soldier firing--check to Insure

ti, has a steady and -elaxed position, oheck to Insure he underatands aiming or check It with the M16

sighting device, Insure that breathing Is properly controlled, and observe trigger squeeze, or use ball and duy to insure that the rifle is not beitag wOved at the moment of firing.

39
IM,

I -l

* a~..* e .n.T1

MIN-M"AaWFRAW MO

I : : . . y 

--

44

j-4 -

. *ask

1-.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .

914 -. .
I The key to correating tiring errors Is to stay with the basic fundamentals; a steady rifle with

the tip of the front sight post at the aiming point end a surprise firing will result In tight shot

groups.

SCALED SILHOUETTE TARGETS

Once the soldier has zeroed his weapon, the trainer Is faced with the task of building on and

reinforcing basic marksmanship skills. Of key importance Is providing a transition to field fire

(pop-up) targets, whioh require new skills on the soldier's part. The trainer must insure that a

natural transfer of skills acquired with 25-meter zero targets Is provided to the more complex task of

engaging targets at range. The use of scaled silhouettes on a 25-meter range ti one method of

providing this transfer.

The scaled silhouette targets (figure 22-actual target siaze t 18 x '23) were designed to aslsit

in the transition from firing at 25-om•er zeroing targets to engaging pop-up targets on the field fire

range. The targets on the left are engaged with three rounds each from the prone unsupported

position. This exercise glves an indication, at 25 meters, of likely hits and misses when the firer

later shoots at actual pop-up field fire targets. It Is also helpful In the teaching and the

practicing of proper aiming point.

41
211 MESTER ICALIID

SIILHOUETTEI

SLOW FINE TARGET I IPIRED WITH "L" APERTURE

ON STANDARD SIGHTE).

300 M 75 M

175 M 175 M

300 M

75 M USE LONG RANGE SIGHT

Use long-range sight. The white dot on eaoh target shows the aenter-of-mass aiming point. Bullets

should hit within the oirole, but are soored as lilts If they hit any part of the silhouette.

Figure 22. 25-meter soaled silhouette targets (ulow fire).

42

%'
.,w.

Aiming at one of the black ailhouettes will result in hitting the silhouette in approximately the same place as an actual size target would have been hit on the field fire range. (Remember that wind

sad gravity will l•ot affect the bullets much at 25 meters, but will have an effect at greater distances.) These targets have been reduced in sizes ao that when viewed from 25 meters they appear jto be actual size. For example., the firer will note that the front sight appears larger than the

300-aeter target, Just U It does when a 300-meter target Is engaged at actual range. In other words, the viaust. perception the firer Sets from shooting the scaled-down 300-meter target an the 25-meter

range is similar to the visual perception ho gets from shooting the actual target aL a distance of 300

motors.

If these silhouettes are hit, it means that the targeta located at the actual distances would

probably also be hit. On the other hand, it' the silhouette targets are not hit. It is probable that

the field fire targets will not be hit. A soldier who cannot hit the 25-meter scaled silhouettes Is

not ready.f`r.field firing.

The imed fire silhouette target at figure 23 uses the same information feedback principle an the

75-17S-300-meter scaled silhouette targ*t, but is Intended to be a preview of the performanue requirements of the •oabat fire and record fire periods of Instruction. The exercise is characterized

by:

1. Inclusion of 50-, 100-, 150-, 200-, 250-. and 300-meter scaled silhouettes to be fired

at from the fighting position (supported) and prone position (unsupported).

2. A requirement to fire at all 10 silhouettes per target under time pressure.

.3. Rapid shifts of point of aim from silhouette to silhouette.

S~quickly choose q. The as t~rat~egy absence for of sequencing a cloearly defined shotse. pattern of silhouettes on the target. Soldiers must

range. 

range. 5. An additional opportunity to oritique aiming point and teach proper hold for targets at

6. Ability to assess hits and misses for trainer critique.

44

i "43
as METER SCALED

SILHOUErIE

TIMED FIRE TARGET

(FIRID WITH "L° APERTURE

WITH STANDARD SIGHT$) 300 M30M 300M

n ~200 Mn

250 M 2M200 M 250 M

100 M

150 M 150 M

50 M

Use long-range sight. The white dot on each target shows the best aiming point for targets at actual

distance. If adjusted aiming point is used at 25 meters, bullets should hit within the oircles, but

are scoreo as hits if they hit anywhere in the silhouette.

Figure 23. 25-meter scaled silhouette targets (timed fire).

44
The exercise emphasizes the task requirements of rapid target engagement under time pressure.

The soldier completes the exeroise with some understanding of what will be required in subsequent

exercises. For the more accomplished shooter. the exerole Is challenging. For the poorer shooter, the exercise provides another opportunity for diagnosis and remedial training. These training

benefits are acoomplished on a 25-meter range using an lnexpensive, single target format. (Actual

target size is 18 x 23 inches.)

An advantage of firing on a 25-meter range is the opportunity for the firer to approach and Inspect

the target. By locating his shots relative to the point of ai, the firer is provided Information on

the adequacy of his marksmanship skills. The same principle applies to rounds located on targets at

any range, By introducing the soldier to downrange feedback5 at 75- and 175-mater targets, the

trainer provides several additional dimensions to the BRM program of instrtorion (POI)-

both hits and misses are captured.

mistakes are identified and corrected.

sights are MdJusted to provide the best possible zero.

* good shooters are made better.

spotters are used to help trainers spot soldiers needing help, and effects of gravity and

wind are experienced.

5

3ee bibliography

The use of information feedback as a method of improving skill acquisition has been long

substantiated by research studies. This fact has been used to develop a period of instruction of

basic rifle marksmanship incorporating feedback of where each round strikes (both target hits and

misses). For Initial field firing, this is an improvement over the use of only pop-up targets. which

offer all-or-no feedback information on hit or miss.

Downrange feedback provides not only the capture of all hits and misses, but also the opportunity

to measure how close or far a bullet strike is from where it is intended to be. Provided such

information, the soldier can refiiie his skills. In additi4n to this logical advantage to downrange

, i•eedback, as a practical matter, the exercise is simple to eeocute. All that is required are large

target frames or witness panels on which are stapled E- or F-type silhouettes. Downrange feedback

configured in this way does not required extensive investment in equipment.

Targets were developed for use at 75 and 175 meters, including sight change information, and are

shown photo-reduced in figures 24 and 25. The actual size of these targets are thQ same as F-type and

E-type silhouettes respectively.

When facilities do not permit this period of instruction to be conducted on a range with targets

at 75 and 175 meters, the trainer is still faced with the task of building on and reinforcing basic

marksmanship skills. Of key importance is providing a transition of field fire (pop-up) targets which

require new skills on the soldier's part. The trainer must insure that a natural transfer of skills

(acquired with 25-meter firing) is utilized in the more complex task of engaging targets at r-inge. The use of additional s3Cled silhouettes on a 25-meter range is one alternate method of providing this

transfer.

45

% %
Figure 24. 75-meter known distance target.

I

,..In WO lo

Aim at the X. move Mhot group to center, olick each sight the number of times marked On line. Allow

for wind before making sight adjUS~trer~ts.

Figure 25. 175-meter known distanoe target.

,46

L%--- =:•
FIELD FIRE

Minor adjustments have been made to the two field fire periods of instruction. These changes are designed to provide a better transition to field fire targets while developing soldier confidence that I all targets can be hit, and to present a target array that will better prepare the soldier for record

fire.

It is important for the soldier to know where his bullets are going if any targets are missed. A

scorer should be used to assist the firer in determining bullet strike for target misses.

TARGET DETECTION

* Target detection is included in the current program as concurrent training during the field fire

periods. It Is listed as concurrent training only to conserve time. Target detection is considered

to be an important block of Instruction, and it is intended that it be presented as a high priority subject that all soldiers attend. A soldier cannot hit what he cannot detect and thus does not

engage. t

RECORD FIRE

To qualify on the previous record fire course, a soldier had to hit 17 of 40 targets, or 43

percent. The current program increases the minimum targets hit to qualify from 43 percent to 58

percent, or 23 of 110. This means the soldier must hit six additional targets in order to qualify;

however, six targets have been moved to a closer range. Nonetheless, in theory, it is a higher standard because all six of the targets that have been moved to a closer range must be hit.

Additionally, many exposure times have been reduced. The basis for this change is threefold:

1. It is universally accepted that the ourrent-A-tandard is too low.

2. A recent threat analysis6 reveals the largest array of personnel targets are normally encountered in the 100- to 200-meter range.

6

See bibliography.

3. Firing data from typical M16's Indicate that targets out to 200 meters will be hit by

all rounds it the soldier applies proper fundamentals. A few targets beyond this range will probably be missed even though the soldier applies all fundamentals that he is taught, but most tirgets should

be hit even at ranges greater than 200 meters. Any soldier who practices the fundamentals will have no difficulty qualifying on this course of fire. Changes in qualification scores are as follows:

Previous Current

Expert 28-40 36-40

Sharpshooter 24-27 30-35

Marksman 17-23 23-29

Unqualified 16 and below 22 and below

47

' I"L • " • " " - • * - ' " " . " , r " • * " " . • " o , • " ' " " • % . " • • ' " • " " ' . • . . " , " , " , " • " • ' • • " • " . ' , " - " * " - - ,
APPENDIX A

TRAINING AIDS AND PROCEDURES

Several training techniques are available to assist the soldier's understanding shooting

fundamentals before live firing or to assist In remedial training for those soldiers who experience

problems during training. If newly developed, approved electronic devices (for example, Weaponeer)

are available, they are reoommended. However, several procedures that should be available at all

locations are discussed below-target box exercise, Paige sighting device, dime-washer exercise, M15A1

sighting device, N16 sighting device, dominant eye training aid, and ball and dummy exercise. The

ball and dummy exercise is considered to be a good diagnostic exercise that can be used on the firing

line to identify the common problem of anticipating weapon firing. The M16 sighting device can also

be used on the firing line to assist in diagnosing problemi.

The ourrent program includes dry firing as a training procedure. The previous program introduced

the soldier to the supported fighting position for the first time during initial live firing. It is

considered very important for the soldier to have a period of relaxed time (without the constraints

and pressures of the live-fire environment) to practice the basic shooting fundamentals from the

foxhole supported and prone unsupported positions before live firing. Dry firing should be conducted

until the soldier can effectively demonstrate the performance of basic shooting fundamentals (steady

position, aiming, breath control, and trigger squeeze) in a well-coordinated and confident manner.

The trainer must insure that dry firing instruction is closely and properly supervised to insure that

practice does not become boring. Dry fire training is an effective training procedure which can be

implemented throughout marksmanship training, resulting in improved record fire scores.

TARGET BOX EXERCISE

The purpose of the target box exercise is to teach and to permit the trainee to practice

consistent placement of the aiming point. The exercise requires a rifle requires a rifle rest, a

target box on which is attached a plain piece of paper, a pencil, and v• team of firer and target man.

The firer places the rifle firmly in the rifle rest and assumes a wodified prone firing position

along side of it. While looking through the rifle sights, the firer motions the target man to move

the target paddle in line with the sights. It is important to insure that the target box be 25

meters from the muzzle of the weapon, since the silhouette on the target paddle is scaled to depict a

250-meter target viewed at 25 meters. When the silhouette appears in proý3r position above the front

sight post, he gives the signal to mark the paper. The target man marks through the small hole in the

paddle. The paddle is then removed and the target man rarks the dpot 01. The paddle is once igain

placed at a different starting point against the sheet of paper and the exercise is repeated two more

times. After the third "shot", the three points are triangulated and labeled as shot group 01. The

exercise should be repeated as many times as necessary to achieve shot groups that will fit into a 4

centimeter circle.

A trainer must monitor the exercise. The trainer should not only observe the trainee as the

rifle is sighted, but must discuss shot group size and placement relative to aiming errors. Only when

the trainer is satisfied that the trainee is proficient in sighting the weapon should the target man

exchange roles and become the firer.

THE RIDDLE SIGHTING DEVICE

The device is used to insure that firers can obtain the correct sight picture with their own

weapon. This device consists of two parts:

1. A small metal frame which attaches to the frunt sight.

2. A plastic strip that has a magnet attached and a silhnuette target printed cn it.

The device is attached to the front sight post and is then moved until the firer obtains the

correct sight picture, which can be checked by a trainer using an M16 sighting device.

A-1
"THE nIME-WASHER EXERCISE

The dime-washer exercise is an additional activity to perfect the fundamentals of shooting. In

addition to the firer's rifle, three other items of equipment are required:

S1. A washer or dime.

S2. A three-inch plastic disk w~th a 1-inch cestae' hole.

3. A a*ercing target positioned 25 meters from the firer.

The exercise Is carried out in two-soldier teams. The firer assumes a supported or unsupported- I firing position aind is critiqued by the assistant and trainer. The assistant assumes a position

slightly forward of the muzzle and on the side of the rifle opposite the firer. He places the plastic

* disk over the barrel and against the front sight guard. The disk serves to block the firer's view of

the washer" or dime, thus emphasizing correct aiming,

The assistant then positions himself so that he can watch the firer's eye and trigger finger.

The firer is now instructed to cook the rifle and aim at the t&.rget. When the firer is on target, the

Sassistant balances the washer or dime on the barrel so that it does not touch the flash suppressor.

After balancing the washer-dime, the assistant tells the firer, "READY", and closely observes the

firer during the trigger squeeze.

If the washer-dime drops from the barrell during the triqger squeeze, the assistant informs the

firer of the cause. The rifle is then reoooked and the exercise repeated. Other firing positions may

be used. The aim of the exercise is for he firer to consistently dry fire without causing the

t washer-dime to fall.

M15A1 SIGHTING DEVICE

The M15A1 sighting device is a cardboard device designed to demonstrate rifle sight alignment and

point of aim. Even though the sight picture of the sighting device is not a completely accurate

representation of what the trainee sees when sighting the rifle, the M15A1 Is useful during the first

sessions of marksmanship fundamentals.

The front of the card has an opening (the rear sight aperture) through which two inserts are

visible:

1. The front sight post and blades.

2. A silhouette scaled to the size of the front sight blade. Both are independently movable. Thus,, the front sight post can be moved to the center of the aperture, indeperndently of the

silhouette which can le positioned above the front sight post. The trainer can demonstrate to the

trainee that sight alignment is rhe proces3 of locating the tip of the front sight post in the central

region of the rear sight hole. Although centering the front sight post in the peep sight hole rapidly

I becomes an autonatic process as rifle practice continues, trainees unfamiliar with iron sights may

fiud manipulating the illustratd sight post useful.

The M15A1 also provides for demonstration of the proper relationship between the front sight post

and the silhouette. As is the case with the sight alignment, placement of the aiming point should be

demonstrated by ýhe trainer who is monitoring the trainee's grasp of miming fundamentals.

THE M16 SIGHTING DEVICE

* The M16 sighting device (also referred to as the Belgian sight or cheater device) is metal with a

tinted glass square, that when attached to the rear of the M16 rifle carrying handle, permits a trainer to observe a firer's sight alignment and aiming point.

This device can be used in two ways. The first is to use it while conducting the Paige sighting

device exercise. The second is to use the device while dry firing or live firing. However, a brass

deflector must also be used during live firing; otherwise, brass cartridge cases ejecting from the

rifle will hit the trainer in the face or eyes.

THE BALL AND DUMMY EXERCISE

The ball and dummy exercise may be conducted on any live-fire range. The soldier is provided a magazine ]jaded with a random selection of live ant rounds. In some cases, the exercise may be

more effective is the trainee is not informed that izire contains dummy rounds so that the

normal firing procedure may be observed. Any movem the body or rifle that can be detected, when

the firing pin hits a dummy round, is a clear message ..,at proper trigger squeeze is not being

applied. A-2
DOZNANT III TRAINING AID

There are several procedures that *an be used to determine which eye is the dominant or master

eye. The following technique can be performed quickly and Is the mosat accurate field technique

avaolable.

Cut a 1-inch olrec)lar hole in the center of an 8- x 10-inch piece of material (can be anything

frm paper to plivood).

The trainer positiorta himself approximately 5 feet in front of the soldier. The trainer closes

his nondcminant eye and nolds his finger up In front 4f and just below his dominant eye to provide the

soldier with an alaing point.

The soldier holds the training aid with both hands at waist level and looks with both eyes open

at the trainer's open eye. With both eyes focused on the trainer', open eye and arms fully extended,

the soldier brings the training aid up between himself and the trainer while continuing to look at the

trainer's eye through the hole In the training aid. The soldier's eye the trainers see through the

hole in the training aid Is the soldier's dominant eye.

vEAPOHEER

The Woeponeer la a rifle fire simulator. It operstev on 115 volts AC and requires an indoor area approximately 6 feet wide and 18 feet long. The firing station consists of a modified M16A1 rifle tht

recoils and provides sour d simulation through earphones. The recoil and sound levels may be varied.

A misfire mode is available to enable detection of flinching and to reinforce Immediate action.

The weapon functions similar to an actual 916A1 rifle and requires similar actions of the firer.

The Wmaponeer can be erected ao that all basic firing positions can be used. The target display

consists of a scaled 25-meter zeroing target and E-type silhouetes scaled to represent targets viewed

from 100 and 250 motors.

A console contains the cortroala needed to operate the system. Targets may be manually raised or lowered or set for random raise (variable erposure time) in a killable mode. The console contains a visual display (small TV screen) that showk the target, aiming point of the firer (an excellent way to

ohcoh for a steady position), and simulated bullet strikes (up to 32). An important feature of the

Weaponeer Is the playback which shows the aiming point for the last 3 seconds before firing each shot.

This is an excellent way to diagnose improper trigger control.

A-3

. v C ~ *'W V , '.'
APPENDIX B

BRM P0O RZCAPITULATZOM

PEROD TZITLE HOURS XOUNDS

1 Zntroduotion to Rut'le Narl:amenship

and Neahnnioal Training 4 0

2 Fundamentala of 3hootitfi: Dry Fire 4 0

3 Fundamentals of Shooting: Live Fire 4 9

* Preatlue Firing: Zero 8 lb

, Praotice Firing: 25-Meter Silhouette 2 18

6A Downrange Feedbaok: 75 and 175 Haters 8 30

or

68 Downrange Feedbaok: 25 Mete,'s (4) (36)

7 Field Fire: Single Targets; and Target Detectton 4 42

$ Field Fire: Sin~le and Multipie Targets 4 36

9 Zero and timed Fire (25-Meter Silhiuette) 4 32

10 Praotioe Raoord Fire 4 40

11 Combat Firing/Record Firing 7 90

12 Automatio Firing 2 21

13 Proteotive Hask Firing 2 20

14 Night Firing "- 3 M0

TOTAL 60 386 C

(See note 1)

ONLY if 6A is impossible (56) (392)

& NOTFS:

1. Total rounds do not include ammunition required for remedial training, ammunition used for

t demonstrations, or blank ammunition.

2. When available, the Weaponeer should be used during all periods for diagnostic and remedirl

training. Soldiers may be returned to remedial training during any period.

C

, B-i
APPFNDIX C

BZLIOORAPHI

1. A. D. Osborne, J. C, Morey, and S. Swilth, Adequacy of 1-16A1 Rifle Perforumnoe and Its

Lmplications for Markamnnmhp Training, Litton-M;lonlosiARi, Fraft Resaroh Roport, July T979.

2. T. J. Thompson, S. Smith, J. C. Morey, and A. D. Osborne, Effeotiveness of Improved Dealo Rifle IHarksmanihiy Training Proreams, ARI/Litton-4ellonlos Drift Rese~roh Report, January iWO.

3. Osborne, Horsy, and Smith, op. alt.

4. Smith, Thompson, Evans, Osborne, Maxey, and Horsy, Zffaots of Down-Rwa6 Feedbaok and the ARI

Zeroing Target in Rifle Harksmanshi Training, ARI/Litton-h•llonioa Draft, ReNoei-rch Report,

Febuary 1979.

5. Smith, st, al., op. alt.

6. R. D. Klein and T. J. Tioerney, Analysis of Faotors Afeotl he Davelopmont of Threat Oriented

Small Arms Trhining Faoilities, Litton-4elloneio/ARY Fra-t Rese h Report, Auguat 19T7.

7. Field Manual 23-9. M16At Rifle and Rifle Harksmansho, June 1974.

8. Osborne, Horsy, and Smith, op. cit.

9. Thompson, et. al., op. ait.

c-i