Rifleman marksmanship is an extension of basic rifle marksmanship and focuses on the techniques needed to engage targets at extended ranges. To successfully engage targets at increased distances, the rifleman team must be proficient in marksmanship fundamentals and advanced marksmanship skills. Examples of these skills are determining the effects of weather conditions on ballistics, holding off for elevation and windage, engaging moving targets, using and adjusting scopes, and zeroing procedures. Marksmanship skills should be practiced often.

FUNDAMENTALS

The rifleman team must be thoroughly trained in the fundamentals of marksmanship. These include assuming a position, aiming, breath control, and trigger control. These fundamentals develop fixed and correct firing habits for instinctive application. Every rifleman should periodically re-familiarize himself with these fundamentals regardless of his experience.

STEADY POSITION ELEMENTS

The rifleman should assume a good firing position  in order to engage targets with any consistency. A good position enables the rifleman to relax and concentrate when preparing to fire.

a. Position Elements. Establishing a mental checklist of steady position elements enhances the rifleman's ability to achieve a first-round hit.

(1) Non-firing hand. Use the nonfiring hand to support the butt of the weapon. Place the hand next to the cheat and rest the tip of the butt on it. Bail the hand into a fist to raise the weapon's butt or loosen the fist to lower the weapon's butt. An effective method is to hold a sock full of sand in the nonfiring hand and to place the weapon butt on the sock. This reduces body contact with the weapon. To raise the butt, squeeze the sock and to lower it, loosen the grip on the sock.

(2) Butt of the stock. Place the butt of the stock firmly in the pocket of the shoulder. Insert a pad on the ghillie suit  where contact with the butt is made to reduce the effects of pulse beat and breathing, which can be transmitted to the weapon.

(3) Firing hand. With the firing hand, grip the small of the stock. Using the middle through little fingers, exert a slight rearward pull to keep the butt of the weapon firmly in the pocket of the shoulder. Place the thumb over the top of the small of the stock. Place the index finger on the trigger, ensuring it does not touch the stock of the weapon. This avoids disturbing the lay of the rifle when the trigger is squeezed.

(4) Elbows. Find a comfortable position that provides the greatest support.

(5) Stock weld. Place the cheek in the same place on the stock with each shot. A change in stock weld tends to cause poor sight alignment, reducing accuracy.

(6) Bone support. Bone support is the foundation of the firing position; they provide steady support of the weapon.

(7) Muscle relaxation. When using bone support, the rifleman can relax muscles, reducing any movement that could be caused by tense or trembling muscles. Aside from tension in the trigger finger and firing hand, any use of the muscle generates movement of the rifleman's cross hairs.

(8) Natural point of aim. The point at which the rifle naturally rest in relation to the aiming point is called natural point of aim.

(a) Once the rifleman is in position and aimed in on his target, the method for checking for natural point of aim is for the rifleman to close his eyes, take a couple of breaths, and relax as much as possible. Upon opening his eyes, the scope's cross hairs should be positioned at the rifleman's preferred aiming point. Since the rifle becomes an extension of the rifleman's body, it is necessary to adjust the position of the body until the rifle points naturally at the preferred aiming point on the target.

(b) Once the natural point of aim has been determined, the rifleman must maintain his position to the target. To maintain his natural point of aim in all shooting positions, the natural point of aim can be readjusted and checked periodically.

(c) The rifleman can change the elevation of the natural point of aim by leaving his elbows in place and by sliding his body forward or rearward. This raises or lowers the muzzle of the weapon, respectively. To maintain the natural point of aim after the weapon has been fired, proper bolt operation becomes critical. The rifleman must practice reloading while in the prone position without removing the butt of the weapon from the firing shoulder. This may be difficult for the left-hand firer. The two techniques for accomplishing this task are as follows:

After firing, move the bolt slowly to the rear while canting the weapon to the right. Execution of this task causes the spent cartridge to fall next to the weapon.  After firing, move the bolt to the rear with the thumb of the firing hand. Using the index and middle fingers, reach into the receiver and catch the spent cartridge as it is being ejected. This technique does not require canting the weapon.

NOTE: The rifleman conducts bolt operation under a veil or equivalent camouflage to improve concealment.

(1) Use any support available.

(2) Avoid touching the support with the barrel of the weapon since it interferes with barrel harmonics and reduces accuracy.

(3) Use a cushion between the weapon and the support to prevent slippage of the weapon.

(4) Use the prone supported position whenever possible.




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