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Improving Army marksmanship: regaining the initiative in the infantryman's hale kilometer
Infantry Magazine, July-August, 2006 by David Liwanag
Close-quarters combat rifle courses of fire can be conducted on existing 25-meter zero rifle ranges that are universal on Army posts.
The Soldier's perceived limited effectiveness with his rifle has spawned the requirement for the Objective Individual Combat Weapon to compensate. The proposed adoption of the XM8 carbine (with a 12 1/2-inch barrel) to replace the M16 rifle and M4 carbine will further decrease a Soldier's ability to hit extended-range targets. The XM8 will no longer exploit the relatively flat trajectory of the 5.56mm cartridge to 300 meters. Additional problems arise from the future requirement for training on the 25mm explosive launcher of the Objective Infantry Combat Weapon (OICW). Simulation is already seen as the answer to high ammunition costs and the inability to maneuver on explosive-contaminated ranges. The Army must address the need for precision fire to avoid collateral damage caused by a proximity-fused area weapon and the inherent limitations of a short-barreled XM8. In the interim period between retirement of the M16 and fielding of the OICW, we will be vulnerable to enemy small arms fires from 200-500 meters.
Advance Combat, Known-Distance Marksmanship, and Competition as a Proposed Training Fix
The Army can build a trained cadre of competent NCO rifle marksmanship trainers using both known-distance and close-combat competition as the vehicle. Shooting competitions are held at ranges from 25 to 600 yards. The USAMU can give advanced marksmanship training at Fort Benning, at requesting-unit home station, and in-theater by mobile training teams. USAMU established and began conducting exportable designated marksman courses in October 2004.
Divisions and posts can run competitions covering known-distance shooting, firing from advanced and alternate firing positions (kneeling, standing, and sitting), conducting sustained fire with magazine changes, and adjusting sights to compensate for the effects of environmental and meteorological conditions. Combat matches emphasize rapid target engagements, magazine changes, and offensive action toward banks of enemy targets. Fire-team level events exercise squad leaders and individual shooters in selecting targets and using sustained fire.
Combat KD rifle firing and competition can help build a trained instructor base. KD shooting and techniques provide invaluable precision training feedback. KD teaches Soldiers to compensate for the effects of range and wind (correcting by hold off or sight correction for elevation and wind-age), atmospherics, and lighting. Designated courses of fire reinforce sustained individual and squad rapid aimed fire and magazine reloads, and train squad and fire-team leaders in fire distribution and control. Soldiers are already familiar with E- and F-type silhouette targets. Soldiers shoot offensive courses of fire in full field gear to include helmet and body armor from 600 yards to 25 yards (KD ranges are set up in 100-yard increments from 100 to up to 1,000 yards).
