Company L recruits apply Marine Corps marksmanship skills

Photo By Cpl. Crystal Druery | Recruits track where their shots hit on the target March 20 on Delta Range, Edson Range, Weapons and Field Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. For many recruits this is their first time using a weapon so primary marksmanship instructors assist them while shooting on the range.  

CA, UNITED STATES

03.20.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Crystal Druery 

Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego     

EDSON RANGE, MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON. Calif. — Brass flies while earplugs block the deafening noise of rifle fire as Company L, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion begins their week on the rifle range.

After a week of learning the fundamentals of marksmanship, Company L started sending rounds down range in hopes to earn the title rifleman, one of the many training requirements to become a Marine while at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

The recruits were guided on shooting techniques by primary marksmanship instructors, March 20, on Delta Range. The PMIs helped enforce the fundamentals of Marine Corps marksmanship to help the recruits of Company L better understand how to us the M16A4 service rifle.

“If the recruits don’t understand the fundamentals, then they won’t be able to apply them,” said Sgt. Daniel Mullis, PMI, Edson Range, Weapons and Field Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

It’s important the recruits receive plenty of practice and knowledge on their M16A4 service rifle, explained Sgt. Alanser Uruo, senior drill instructor, Platoon 3254, Company L, 2nd RTBn.

“Having all of this hands-on training builds up the recruits confidence. Most of them have never used a weapon,” said Uruo.

The week prior, recruits of Company L had grass week, where they were put through many classes that educated them on Marine Corps Marksmanship knowledge and allowed them time to practice what they learned by aiming in on targets.

“The PMI’s have given us a lot of helpful knowledge and tips that we’ve been able to apply on the range,” said Recruit Chris Sell, Platoon 3254, Company L, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion.

Mullis said he was impressed with Sell’s shooting so far. Most of Sell’s shots had been in the four and five area, five being the highest score.

“He’s a good example of someone taking the knowledge we provide and applying it,” said Mullis.

For any Marine to earn a Marine Corps marksmanship qualification badge they must complete tables one and two. Table one consists of shooting an overall score of 180 or higher from the 200-, 300- and 500-yard lines. Marines must learn these skills and be proficient at it in case there comes a time they’re required to use their M16A4 service rifle.

“This is the weapon the recruits will take into combat. It’s important that they learn how to use it properly,” said Uruo.

From the 200-yard line the recruits shot 20 rounds in the sitting, kneeling and standing position for 25-minutes, followed by shooting 10 rounds in 60-seconds while sitting. The recruits then moved to the 300 yard line and shot five rounds while sitting and 10 rounds in 60-second while in the prone. Finally the recruit’s shot 10 rounds from the 500 yard line while in the prone with a 10-minutes time frame.

“I feel so far I’ve been able to shoot well because the PMIs always tell me to relax, where to put my hands on the weapon and to slowly and easily squeeze the trigger,” said Sell. “The trigger pull has been the most helpful.”

After practicing during the beginning of the week, the recruits pre-qualify then qualify before week six is over. Table two is next, which requires recruits to engage moving targets.

Table one and two scores are composited together earning the recruits a marksman, sharpshooter or an expert badge. A marksman requires a score between 250-279, sharpshooter 280-304 and expert badge requires a score between 305-350.

“This training is where it all starts. It lays down the ground rules and gives the recruits a baseline for combat,” said Mullis.

• Date Taken: 03.20.2012
• Date Posted: 03.27.2012 14:15
• Story ID: 85841
• Location: CA, US