Marksmanship

the ability to physically and cognitively outmaneuver adversaries.

Fast -

Recoil management, Recoil Recovery, Trigger/Sear, Sight Adjustments, Engagement Assessment

Follow through sequence:

Recoil Management, recoil recovery, Trigger/Sear reset, Sight Picture adjustment, Engagement assessment

Follow-through consists of all actions controlled by the shooter after the bullet leaves the muzzle. It is required to complete the shot process. These actions are executed in a general sequence:

movement in a direction directly toward the adversary.

Forward -

Is the process of the Soldier moving tactically during the engagement

Functional element Movement

actions taken to negotiate the battlefield while actively seeking, orienting on, or engaging threats. There are eight horizontal movement techniques while maintaining weapon orientation on the threat.

Horizontal movements are:

Once a potential threat is detected and acquired, the firer accurately identifies the range to target, and effectively establishes the threat as friend, foe, or neutral. Target identification is a systematic process supporting the characterization of detected objects. Once identified as a hostile threat, crews classify the threat as most dangerous, dangerous, or least dangerous from their perspective.

Identify.

lateral, diagonal, forward, or retrograde movement to the right or left.

Lateral right/left -

deadly in the application of force.

Lethal -

provide the Soldier to make operations during limited visibility an advantage through technology and techniques, and compound their adversary's disadvantages during those conditions.

Limited visibility -

is the ability of the Soldier to maintain orientation of the weapon appropriately during the shot process while keeping the major muscle groups from straining to maintain the weapon system's position. Relaxed muscles contribute to stability provided by support.

Muscle Relaxation

the Soldier applying their learned skills, employing their equipment, leveraging technology, and applying the proper force to create an unfair fight in favor of the Soldier.

Overmatch is:

tactical engagement buffer that accommodates the Soldier's time to engage with precision fires.

Overmatch provides a:

the specific location where the line of sight intersects the target.

Point of aim (POA) -

consistently accurate in the application of power to ensure deliver of the right effects in time, space, and purpose.

Precise -

provide a weapon and ammunition package that enhances the Soldier's consistent application of shots with a level of precision greater than the adversary's.

Precision -

is the result of a Soldier assuming and maintaining a stable firing position which mitigates the disturbance of one's sight picture during the cycle of function of the weapon.

Recoil Management

This includes the bolt carrier group recoiling completely and returning to battery.

Recoil management.

Returning to the same pre-shot position and reacquiring the sight picture. The shooter should have a good sight picture before and after the shot.

Recoil recovery.

Properly point the weapon (sight alignment and sight picture), Fire the weapon without disturbing the aim.

Regardless of the weapon system, the goal of shooting remains constant: well-aimed shots. To achieve this end state there are two truths. Soldiers must:

movement rearward, in a direction away from the threat while maintaining weapon orientation on the threat.

Retrograde -

All threats have been adequately serviced to the desired effect. The shooter then checks his sector of responsibility for additional threats as the tactical situation dictates. The unit's SOP will dictate any vocal announcements required during the post-shot sequence.

Sector check.

the target as viewed through the line of sight.

Sight Picture:

the physical alignment of the aiming device: Iron sight/back-up iron sight and the front sight post, Optic reticle, Ballistic reticle (day or thermal).

Sight alignment -

the relationship between the aiming device and the Soldier's eye.

Sight alignment is

Counteracting the physical changes in the sight picture caused by recoil impulses and returning the sight picture onto the target aiming point.

Sight picture adjustment.

the ability to routinely generate understanding through changing conditions.

Smart -

they need their hands for other tasks and no threat is present or likely. The weapon is slung and the safety is engaged. The hang carry should not be used when the weapon control status is RED. The reduced security of the weapon may cause the mechanical safety select lever to unintentionally move to SEMI or BURST/AUTO.

Soldiers use the hang when:

the weapon, aiming devices, and accessories a Soldier employs must seamlessly work in unison, be intuitive to use, and leverage natural motion and manipulations to facilitate rapid initial and subsequent shots during an engagement at close quarters, mid-, and extended ranges.

Speed -

the same as the Standing Unsupported. The only difference being the integration of some form of support. The Soldier places their non-firing hand up against the support and makes either an 'L' or 'C' grip of the weapon with their palm placed flat against the support. . It has to be practiced as a part of Table III, so that there is a solid understanding of what their natural point of aim is, and how to get a steady position with all their kit. The benefit over the standing unsupported is Soldiers can get a shot off more efficiently at longer distances. The drawback to using this position is that it makes it more challenging for Soldiers to determine where threats are due to the reduction of their field of view. It also has to be trained prior to coming out to the range as a part of table III so that Paratroopers have a solid understanding of transitioning between targets.

Standing supported is:

The target requires additional (subsequent) rounds to achieve the desired target effect. The shooter starts the pre-shot process.

Subsequent engagement.

The shooter determines the desired target effect is achieved and another target may require servicing. The shooter starts the pre-shot process.

Supplemental engagement.

can be natural or artificial or a combination of both. Natural support comes from a combination of the shooter's bones and muscles. Artificial support comes from objects outside the shooter's body. The more support a particular position provides, the more stable the weapon.

Support:

Trigger Control, Breath Control, Work Space management, Calling the shot, follow through

Supporting Soldier Functions:

THE ACT OF FIRING THE WEAOPON WHILE MAINTAINING PROPER AIM AND ADEQUATE STABILIZATION UNTIL THE BULLET LEAVES THE MUZZLE.

TRIGGER CONTROL IS:

vertical and horizontal. Each require specific considerations to maintain and adequately apply the other functional elements during the shot process.

Tactical movement of the Soldier is classified in two ways:

the ability of the Soldier to detect and positively identify any suspected target as hostile at greater distances than their adversary. This relies upon Soldier training and their ability to leverage the capabilities of their optics, thermals, and sensors.

Target detection, acquisition, and identification -

ensures that precise shots delivered at extended ranges provide the highest probability to defeat the threat through exceptional ballistic performance.

Terminal performance -

one of the most stable positions achievable for the Soldier outside of the prone. It has to be practiced as a part of Table III, so that there is a solid understanding of what their natural point of aim is, and how to get a steady position with all their kit. The benefit of this position is that the Soldier has a low silhouette and is stable. The drawback is the length of time it takes to achieve this position, and get out of it.

The Cross-legged sitting position is:

one of the most commonly used positions in combat. It has to be practiced as a part of Table III, so that there is a solid understanding of what their natural point of aim is, and how to get a steady position with all their kit. The benefit to this position is that it is much more stable than the standing unsupported, it reduces the Soldier's center of gravity, and silhouette. The drawback to this position is it takes time to achieve a solid position, and the wobble area may be increased by external factors (e.g. being blown about by the wind).

The Kneeling supported position is:

one of the most commonly used positions in combat, and also one of the positions that causes Soldiers issues during Table VI (qualification). . It has to be practiced as a part of Table III, so that there is a solid understanding of what their natural point of aim is, and how to get a steady position with all their kit. The benefit to this position is that it is much more stable than the standing unsupported, it reduces the Soldier's center of gravity, and silhouette. The drawback to this position is it takes time to achieve a solid position, and the wobble area may be increased by external factors (e.g. being blown about by the wind).

The Kneeling unsupported position is:

assume a stable position with some tradeoffs for the other sitting positions. It has to be practiced as a part of Table III, so that there is a solid understanding of what their natural point of aim is, and how to get a steady position with all their kit. The benefit to this position is it can be assumed and gotten out of (compared to the other sitting positions) rapidly. The drawback is, it is not as stable as the other sitting positions.

The Open-legged sitting position allows the Soldier the ability to:

a greater degree of muzzle control and readiness to respond to threats or weapon retention is necessary (such as crowded environments). In the collapsed low ready, the firing hand is secure on the weapon's pistol grip. The non-firing hand is placed on the hand guards or vertical foregrip. This carry allows a Soldier to navigate crowded or restrictive environments while simultaneously minimizing or eliminating his muzzle covering (flagging) by maintaining positive control of the muzzle orientation.

The collapsed low ready is used when:

the Soldier needs to either take a well-aimed shot from low cover, or as an attempt to reduce their overall silhouette rapidly. . It has to be practiced as a part of Table III, so that there is a solid understanding of what their natural point of aim is, and how to get a steady position with all their kit. The benefit to this position is it provides more stability than the kneeling while reducing the overall silhouette. The drawback is it takes longer to achieve this position, and the Soldier cannot move rapidly once this position is achieved.

The cross-legged sitting position will be used when:

the Soldier's sector of fire includes areas overhead or when an elevated muzzle orientation is appropriate for safety. The high ready carry is used when contact is likely. in the high ready, the weapon is slung, butt stock is in the armpit, the muzzle angled up to at least a 45-degree angle and oriented toward the Soldier's sector of fire— ensuring no other Soldiers are flagged. The firing hand remains in the same position as the low ready. The non-firing side hand can be free as the weapon is supported by the firing side hand and armpit. This position is not as effective as the low ready for several reasons: it impedes the field of view, flags friendlies above the sector of fire, and typically takes longer to acquire the target.

The high ready is used when:

the highest level of readiness and with the maximum amount of observable area for target acquisition purposes. In the low ready position, the weapon is slung, the butt stock is in the Soldier's shoulder, and the muzzle is angled down at a 30- to 45-degree angle and oriented towards the Soldier's sector of fire. Firing hand is positioned on the pistol grip with the index finger straight and out of the trigger guard. The thumb is placed on the selector lever with the lever placed on safe. From this carry, the Soldier is ready to engage threats within a very short amount of time with minimal movement. Observation is maintained to the sector of fire. The Soldier looks over the top of his optics or sights to maintain situation awareness of his sector. The Soldier's head remains upright.

The low ready provides:

is the point where the barrel naturally orients when the shooter's muscles are relaxed and support is achieved. When a Soldier aims at a target, the lack of stability creates a wobble area, where the sights oscillate slightly around and through the point of aim.

The natural point of aim

generally the most stable position to fire from. The Soldier can incorporate a sling-wrap and rest their magazine on the ground in this position to provide additional stability. It has to be practiced as a part of Table III, so that there is a solid understanding of what their natural point of aim is, and how to get a steady position with all their kit. The benefit to this position is the stability it offers the Soldier. The Drawback is the time it can potentially take the Soldier to achieve this position.

The prone supported position is:

the basic position for any Soldier to assume. It is the most stable outside of the prone supported position. The Soldier can incorporate a sling-wrap and rest their magazine on the ground in this position to provide stability on par with a prone supported position. It has to be practiced as a part of Table III, so that there is a solid understanding of what their natural point of aim is, and how to get a steady position with all their kit.The benefit to this position is the stability it offers the Soldier. The Drawback is the time it can potentially take the Soldier to achieve this position.

The prone unsupported position is:

enemy contact is imminent. This carry is used when the Soldier is preparing or prepared to engage a threat. In the ready, the weapon is slung, the toe of the butt stock is in the Soldier's shoulder, and muzzle is oriented toward a threat or most likely direction of enemy contact. The Soldier is looking through his optics or sights. His non-firing side hand remains on the hand guards or the vertical fore grip. The firing hand remains on the pistol grip with the firing finger off the trigger until the decision to engage a target is made.

The ready is used when

one of the lowest positions possible for the Soldier to achieve. It is used when attempting to fire out of low loopholes, or under a fence. It has to be practiced as a part of Table III, so that there is a solid understanding of what their natural point of aim is, and how to get a steady position with all their kit. The benefit of this position is the low silhouette it provides the Soldier. The Drawback is the offset point of aim that only comes with practice.

The reverse rollover prone is:

one of the lowest positions possible for the Soldier to achieve. It is used when attempting to fire out of low loopholes, or under a fence. It has to be practiced as a part of Table III, so that there is a solid understanding of what their natural point of aim is, and how to get a steady position with all their kit. The benefit of this position is the low silhouette it provides the Soldier. The Drawback is the offset point of aim that only comes with practice.

The rollover prone is:

no immediate threat is present and the hands are not necessary. In the safe hang carry, the weapon is slung, the safety is engaged, and the Soldier has gripped the rifle's pistol grip. The Soldier sustains Rule 3, keeping the finger off the trigger until ready to engage when transitioning to the ready or ready up position.

The safe hang is used when

Pre-shot, shot, post shot

The shot process has three distinct phases:

the basic outline of an individual engagement sequence all firers consider during an engagement, regardless of the weapon employed. The shot process formulates all decisions, calculations, and actions that lead to taking the shot. The shot process may be interrupted at any point before the sear disengaging and firing the weapon should the situation change. The shot process allows the Soldier to focus on one cognitive task at a time.

The shot process is:

not a position commonly encountered in combat, but may be used if there is cover that is too short for a kneeling supported, but too tall, for a prone supported. It can also be used as an unsupported position to reduce the Soldier's overall silhouette. . It has to be practiced as a part of Table III, so that there is a solid understanding of what their natural point of aim is, and how to get a steady position with all their kit. The major component of this is the elbows are planted into the meaty parts of the thighs, or resting the tricep muscle into the knee. The Soldier assumes a leaning-forward center-of-gravity to assist in recoil management.

The squatting position is:

the most rapidly achieved position. It has to be practiced as a part of Table III, so that there is a solid understanding of what their natural point of aim is, and how to get a steady position with all their kit. This position should be used for closer targets or when time is not available to assume a steadier position such as short range employment. The upper body should be leaned slightly forward to aid in recoil management. The key focus areas for the standing supported position are applied as described in this slide.

The standing position is:

spherical area, 12 to 18 inches in diameter centered on the Soldier's chin and approximately 12 inches in front of their chin. The workspace is where the majority of weapons manipulations take place.

The workspace is a

Hang, safe hand, collapsed low ready, low ready, high ready, ready (or ready up)

There are six primary carry positions. These positions may be directed by the leader, or assumed by the Soldier based on the tactical situation. The primary positions are—

Apply Rule #1. Soldiers must remain coherent of their weapon and continue to treat their weapon as if it is loaded when correcting malfunctions, Apply Rule #2. Soldiers must ensure the weapon's orientation is appropriate for the tactical situation and not flag other friendly forces when correcting malfunctions, Apply Rule #3. Take the trigger finger off the trigger, keep it straight along the lower receiver placed outside of the trigger guard.

This is the Mental Checklist the Should be going through if the weapon does not go 'bang' when the trigger is squeezed. Following this will allow the Soldier the ability to diagnose the malfunction efficiently with minimal time for the weapon down. To clear a malfunction, the Soldier must:

the physical relationship between the weapon system, the shooter's body, the ground, and any other objects touching the weapon or shooter's body. When a shooter assumes a stable firing position, movement from muscle tension, breathing, and other natural activities within the body will be transferred to the weapon and must be compensated for by the shooter. Failing to create an effective platform to fire from is termed a stabilization failure. These failures compound the firing occasion's errors, which directly correlate to the accuracy of the shot taken. As a rule, positions that are lower to the ground provide a higher level of stability.

To Create a stabilized platform, soldiers must understand:

Once the ejection phase of the cycle of function is complete, the weapon initiates and completes the cocking phase. As part of the cocking phase, all mechanical components associated with the trigger, disconnect, and sear are reset. Any failures in the cocking phase indicate a weapon malfunction and require the shooter to take the appropriate action. The shooter maintains trigger finger placement and releases pressure on the trigger until the sear is reset, demonstrated by a metallic click. At this point the sear is reset and the trigger pre-staged for a subsequent or supplemental engagement if needed.

Trigger/Sear reset.

actions taken by the Soldier to change the weapon orientation left/right or to the rear, followed by the Soldier's direction of travel turning to the same orientation.

Turning left/right/about -

change their firing posture ornegotiate terrain or obstacles while actively seeking, orienting on, or engaging threats.

Vertical movements are those actions taken to:

Change between any of the primary firing positions; standing, crouched, kneeling, sitting, or prone, Negotiate stairwells in urban environments, Travel across inclined or descending surfaces, obstacles, or terrain.

Vertical movements include actions taken to—

the direction of the weapon as it is held in a stabilized manner.

Weapon orientation -

Change between any of the primary firing positions; standing, crouched, kneeling, sitting, or prone. Negotiate stairwells in urban environments. Travel across inclined or descending surfaces, obstacles, or terrain.

What are some examples of Vertical Movement?

Forward, Retrograde, Lateral right/left, Turning left/right/about

What are some examples of horizontal Movement?

Detect, identify, decide, engage, Assess

What are the elements of the Direct Engagement Process?

Detect, Identify, Decide, Engage, Assess

What are the elements of the direct engagement process (DIDEA)?

Stability, aim, control, and movement

What are the functional elements of the shot process (SACM)?

Stability, Aiming, Movement, Control

What are the functional elements of the shot process?

Standing, Squatting, Kneeling, Sitting, Prone

What are the primary positions?

Sight Alignment and Sight Picture

What are two components of Aiming ?

Vertical movement, Horizontal Movement

What are two movement techniques?

The extent of lateral horizontal and front-to-back variance in the movement that occurs in the sight picture.

What is arc of movement or the wobble zone?

A smooth, consistent trigger squeeze, regardless of speed, allows the shot to fire at the Soldier's moment of choosing.

What is the key to trigger control?

The basic outline of an individual engagement sequence all firers consider during an engagement, regardless of the weapon employed.

What is the shot process?

The Soldier applying their learned skills, employing their equipment, leveraging technology, and applying the proper force to create an unfair fight in favor of the Soldier

overmatch:

This step evaluates the weapons or options employed to defeat the threat or threats. It is the process the crew uses to determine if the applied weapons or options deliver the desired effect.

Assess.

Smart, Fast, Lethal, Precise

Attributes:

Leg position, stance/CoG, Firing Elbow, Non-firing elbow, Firing Hand, Non-Firing hand, Buttstock, Stock Weld

Combinations of Support:

Non dominant eye, Incorrect zero, light conditions, battle field obscurants, incorrect sight alignment, incorrect sight picture, improper range determination

Common Aiming Errors:

Weapon orientation, Sight Alignment, Sight Picture, Point of aim, Desired point of impact

Common Engagement Actions:

Target Detection, Target Acquisition, Target Identification, Engagement Range, Limited visibility, Precision, Speed, Terminal performance

Components:

If the firer determines during the follow-through that the weapon failed during one of the phases of the cycle of function, they make the appropriate announcement to their team and immediately execute corrective action.

Correct Malfunction.

The determination is made by the crew to engage or not. Soldiers and leaders use all the situational information at their disposal to ensure an appropriate level of response to the threat.

Decide.

the desired location of the strike of the round to achieve the desired outcome (incapacitation or lethal strike)

Desired point of impact (POI)-

The target detection process takes practice and skill to acquire potential threats successfully in various environments and visibility conditions. This process includes all actions to actively search, acquire, and locate potential targets.

Detect.

is the specific application of military options or weapons to defeat, neutralize, or destroy the threat. Successful implementation of the weapons or military options at the disposal of the firer efficiently and effectively alters, disrupts, or halts the threat's DIDEA process, and ultimately eliminates the threat to friendly forces.

Engage.

Once the sight picture returns to the original point of aim, the firer confirms the strike of the round, assesses the target's state, and immediately selects one of the following courses of action: Subsequent engagement, Supplemental engagement, Sector check, Correct Malfunction

Engagement assessment.

provide the Soldier with weapons, aiming devices, and ammunition capable of striking and defeating a threat at a greater range than the adversary can detect or engage the friendly force with effective fires.

Engagement range -

Support, Muscle Relaxation, Natural Point of aim, Recoil Management

FUNCTIONS OF STABILITY: