______________________ EVERY MARINE A RIFLEMAN USMC RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP 1903-2013 1 MARINE GUNNER...

______________________EVERY MARINE A RIFLEMAN

USMC RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP 1903-2013

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MARINE GUNNER C.P. WADEWTBN, QUANTICO, VIRGINIA

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Historical Context

• “Every Marine is, first and foremost, a Rifleman. All other conditions are secondary.” -General A.M. Gray, Jr., USMC.

• “The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle.”

-General John “Blackjack” Pershing, US Army.

• “Do not attack the First Marine Division. Leave the yellow-legs alone. Strike the American Army.” --Orders to Communist enemy forces in Korea. (The 1st MAR DIV subsequently discontinued the use of khaki leggings).

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Purpose

• To educate leaders on the history of USMC rifle marksmanship in order to improve their ability to conduct analysis and refinement of the current USMC rifle program and the USMC Infantry Rifle.

• To educate Marines on USMC history and heritage to foster espirit de corps.

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Agenda

• History of the USMC Service Rifles and Carbines (1903-2013).

• Combat history of USMC Service Rifles and Carbines.• History of the USMC rifle qualification programs (1903-

2013).• 110 years of history of USMC rifle qualification targets.• Concepts for consideration.

US Marine Corps Winchester Lee-Navy M1895 Service Rifle

NOTE: This Service Rifle used up until the time period of thisstudy. It is also depicted on the USMC Good Conduct Medal.

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US Marine Corps Service RifleCurrent USMC Infantry Rifle

– United States Carbine, 5.56mm, M4.• Adopted as the standard US Marine Corps Infantry Rifle in 2013.

– (2012) $1329.00 for base Carbine.– $969.00 for Rifle Combat Optic (RCO).– $120.00 for RCO mount.– $143.68 for Back-Up Iron sight.– $1338.00 for AN/PEQ-16A device.– $9.21 per magazine (x7)= $64.47.– $67.92 for sling.– $71.33 for ambidextrous fire control.– $41.81 for bayonet.– $81.81 for cleaning gear.– $97.39 for enhanced charging handle.

– TOTAL COST FOR M4 INFANTRY RIFLE IN 2012: $4,354.41– TOTAL COST FOR M1903A1 & SLING IN 1941: $49.55

– What cost $49.55 in 1941 would cost $639.19 today.

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US Marine Corps Service Rifle

– United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1903/A1.• Adopted in 1903. Primary Service Rifle until 1944. Fully replaced by M1

Rifle in 1947.• Replaced the Krag-Jorgensen, Lee 1895, and the M1885 Remington-Lee

rifles.• 1906: Projectile redesigned into “spitzer” bullet.• Stock redesigned on M1903A1 (1929-1939). • Caliber: .30-’06 Springfield (“Thirty-aught-Six”). Rifle often called “Aught

Three”.• Based on the Mauser Gewehr 98 rifle.• Clip-loaded, bolt action, 5-round internal magazine.• Capable of firing rifle grenades.

M1903A1 1941 cost: $48.58 + 97 cents for sling.

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– United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1903/A1.

US Marines at Belleau Wood, France 1918

US Marine Corps Expert RifleBadge—1920’s (with unauthorizedUSMC Emblem).

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– United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1903A3.• Caliber: .30-’06 Springfield (“Thirty-aught-Six”).• Based on the original Springfield 1903 rifle.• Clip-loaded, bolt action, 5-round internal magazine.

– Redesigned in ~1942 for greater ease of manufacture:» Rear sight converted to aperture on rear of receiver.» Rifle butt stock altered.» Some metal parts stamped vs. milled.

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– United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1903/A3.

US Marines on Guadalcanal 1942 ‘03 Rifle Grenades

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– United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1903/A1/A3.

US Marine Corps Color GuardWashington D.C. – present day.

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• United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1.• Called “M1 Service Rifle” or “M1 Rifle” by USMC; not “Garand”.• Capable of firing rifle grenades.• Ordered by USMC in 1941—began fielding in 1942, standard by 1947.• Semi-auto, gas operated, Enbloc clip-fed, 8 rd capacity.• Caliber .30-’06 M2 selected as standard Ball ammunition.• Some in the USMC advocated against adopting a semi-auto rifle, for fear of

marksmanship degradation.

NOTE: This rifle is depicted on the USMC Expert Rifle qualificationbadge and on the rank insignia of Lance Corporal through MasterSergeant.

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• United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1.

Sergeant Dakota Meyer, USMC.

The USMC Enlisted chevron has a representationof two crossed M1 Service Rifles.

M1 Firing Rifle Grenade

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US Marines at Iwo Jima 1945 US Marines in Korea 1950

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US Marines in Beirut, Lebanon (the 1st time 1958)

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US Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon present day

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• United States Carbine, Caliber .30, M1, M1A1.• Issued to select Marines in lieu of sidearm.• .30 Carbine cartridge.• Developed into M2 (select fire) and M3 (night vision) versions.• Fired only to 300 yards/meters for Annual Rifle Training.

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• United States Carbine, Caliber .30, M1, M1A1.

US Marines at Okinawa 1945 US Marines in North Korea 1950

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• United States Rifle, 7.62mm, M14.• Adopted by USMC in 1960.• 7.62 x 51mm, semi-auto (or select when modified), gas

operated, magazine-fed (20 rd).• Highly modified M1 Service Rifle.• Intended to replace multiple weapons in US Army and USMC

inventory.

NOTE: Springfield Armory, Massachusetts was closed in 1968.

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• United States Rifle, 7.62mm, M14.

US Marine in Vietnam 1965

The M14 had the capability of fitting an M76 GL attachment, but the M79 GL was issued.

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• United States Rifle, 7.62mm, M14.

US Marine color guard—unknown unit, present day

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• United States Rifle, 5.56mm, M16A1.• Adopted in 1967 and sent straight to Vietnam.• Result from Project Salvo.• Semi-auto and automatic modes.• Capable of mounting optic devices in Carrying Handle.• Grenade fires by way of attached launcher (M203).• USMC developed training program after rifle had been fielded to

combat.

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• United States Rifle, 5.56mm, M16A1.

US Marines in Vietnam 1968 US Marines in Beirut, Lebanon (the 2nd time 1983)

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• United States Rifle, 5.56mm, M16A2.• Designed by US Marine Corps (WTBn Quantico (Rifle Team) and MCDEC) as the M16A1E1

from 1980-1983.• Adopted (FIRST) by the USMC in 1984. This is the only time in 110 years when the USMC

preceded the US Army in a Service Rifle development and acquisition.• Adopted by US Army in late-80’s (read ARI research note 86-19).• Semi-auto and 3 round burst mode.• Capable of mounting optic devices in Carrying Handle.• Grenade fires by way of attached launcher (M203).

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US Marines in Panama 1989 US Marines in Kuwait 1991

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US Marines in Somalia 1993 US Marines in Liberia 1996

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US Marines in Afghanistan 2001 US Marines in Iraq 2003

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• United States Rifle, 5.56mm, M16A4.• Developed from US Army requirement for “Modular Weapon

System” in 1994 to facilitate mounting of modular attachments.• Continued use of semi-auto and burst modes.

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• United States Rifle, 5.56mm, M16A4.– Decision to remove from the USMC Infantry battalions made in

2013.– USMC full-fielding of Rifle Combat Optic (for every rifle and

carbine achieved in 2013.– Iron sights are attached as a “back-up” to the RCO.

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US Marines in Iraq 2004 US Marines in Afghanistan 2012

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• United States Carbine, 5.56mm, M4– First issued to select personnel in lieu of a sidearm in 1999.– Large additional procurement in 2004 and 2007.– Selected as standard USMC Infantry Service Rifle in 2013.– Approximately 86,000 in 2013 USMC service.

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• United States Carbine, 5.56mm, M4

US Marines in Afghanistan 2012US Marines in Iraq 2004

2013

M1903

110 Years of the USMC Service Rifle

M1 RIFLE M14 RIFLE M16A1 M16A2

1903 1942 1960 19991984

M16A4M4

M4M16A4

M1903

1917

M1 RIFLE M14 RIFLE M16A1 M16A2 M4M16A4

M4A1

USMC

US Army 1936

NOTE: The end dates of some Service Rifles areapproximate due to relegation to Reserve and ceremonial service.

1971

1988 19931957 1967

______________________US Marine Corps

Courses of Fire

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US Marine Corps Rifle Qualification

1912-1942Annual RifleEntry Level

1943-1955Annual RifleEntry Level

1955-1968Annual Rifle “A” Course

1971-1986ART & ELT“A” Course

1986-1993ART & ELT“A” Course

1955-1971Entry Level Rifle

1993-2007Entry Level“A” Course

1993-2007Annual Rifle S.L.R.

1968-1971Annual Rifle“C” Course

2007-2008Annual Rifle Table 1A+2 Iron Sight

2007-2012Entry LevelTable 1+2Iron Sight

2007-20??Annual Rifle Table 1A+2 Optical Sight 2012-20??Entry Level Table 1+2 Optical Sight

NOTE: The USMC has always endorseda program for ELT and a time-condensedprogram for ART.

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US Marine Corps Rifle Qualification 1912-1942

• 1912-1942– Three courses of fire:

• Army Marksmans’• Sharpshooters’• Expert Rifleman’s

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• 1912-1942– Marines would fire one of the several courses dependent on billet and time.– Recruits and Annual shooters fired different courses.– Common use of shooting jackets, slings, sight-blackening, etc.– Marines who had demonstrated previous high qualifications fired an abbreviated

training program.– Use of .22 caliber training rifles was routine prior to scored fire.

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• Army Marksmans’ Course 1912-1942

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• Sharpshooters’ Course 1912-1942

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• Expert Rifleman’s Course 1912-1942

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• Expert Rifleman’s Course 1912-1942

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• Navy Marksman’s Course 1912-1942

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1943-1955 ‘A’ Course of Fire

Drill Time (min) Distance (yards) Target Rounds Position Sling

Stage One

Slow Fire NA 200 “Able” 4 Standing Hasty

Stage Two

Slow Fire NA 200 “Able” 4 Sitting Loop or Hasty

Stage Three

Slow Fire NA 200 “Able” 4 Kneeling Loop or Hasty

Stage Four

Slow Fire NA 500 “Baker” 8 Prone Loop

Stage Five

Rapid Fire 60 sec 200 “Dog” 16 Standing to Sitting Loop or Hasty

Stage Six

Rapid Fire 60 sec 200 “Dog” 16 Standing to Kneeling Loop or Hasty

Stage Seven

Rapid Fire 60 sec 300 “Dog” 16 Standing to Prone Loop or Hasty

Total Rounds 68

The qualification scores for each marksmanship category were:

• Expert – 306

• Sharpshooter – 292

• Marksman – 268

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US Marine Corps Rifle Qualification 1955-1968(Note that Entry Level shooters fired this course until 1971)

1955-1968 ‘A’ Course of Fire


Stage One

Slow Fire 12 200 “Able” 10 Standing Hasty or Parade

Stage Two

Slow Fire 6 300 “Able” 5 Sitting Loop

Stage Three

Slow Fire 6 300 “Able” 5 Kneeling Loop

Stage Four

Slow Fire 12 500 “Baker” 10 Prone Loop

Stage Five

Rapid Fire 50 sec 200 “Dog” 10 (2+8 for M1) Standing to Sitting Loop

Stage Six

Rapid Fire 50 sec 300 “Dog” 10 (2+8 for M1) Standing to Prone Loop

Total Rounds 50

The qualification scores for each marksmanship category were:

• Expert – 220

• Sharpshooter – 210

• Marksman – 190

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1968-1971 ‘C’ Course of Fire for Annual Rifle Qualification

Drill Time Distance(yards) Target Rounds Position Sling

Stage One

Timed Fire 120 sec 200 Short/Midrange 10 Standing Hasty or Parade

Stage Two

Timed Fire 120 sec 200 Short/Midrange 10 Kneeling Loop

Stage Three

Rapid Fire 40 sec 200 Short/Midrange 10 Sitting Loop

Stage Four

Rapid Fire 60 sec 300 Short/Midrange 20 Prone Loop

Stage Five

Rapid Fire 180 sec 500 Long-range 10 Prone Loop

Total Rounds

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US Marine Corps Rifle Qualification 1971-1986Entry Level and Annual Rifle Training


Stage One

Slow Fire 5 200 “A‟ 5 Sitting Loop

Stage Two

Slow Fire 5 200 “A‟ 5 Kneeling Loop

Stage Three

Slow Fire 5 200 “A‟ 5 Standing Parade

Stage Four

Rapid Fire 60 sec 200 “D‟ 10 Standing Loop

to Sitting

Stage Five


Stage Six

Rapid Fire 60 sec 300 “D‟ 10 Standing

to Prone Loop

Stage Seven

Slow Fire 10 500 “B‟-MOD 10 Prone Loop

Total Rounds 50

Expert: 220

Sharpshooter: 210

Marksman: 190

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Stage One


Stage Two


Stage Three


Stage Four

Rapid Fire 60 sec 200 “D‟ 10 Standing to Sitting

or Kneeling Loop

Stage Five

Slow Fire 5 300 “A‟ 5 Sitting or Kneeling Loop

Stage Six

Rapid Fire 60 sec 300 “D‟ 10 Standing to Prone Loop

Stage Seven


Total Rounds 50

Expert: 220

Sharpshooter: 210

Marksman: 190


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• Aspects of this particular course of fire:– Shooters were not permitted to fill magazines for Slow Fire. An Empty magazine was

inserted, then one cartridge [at a time] was inserted into the Upper Receiver, and the Bolt Release operated to chamber each round.

– Shooters raised their hands for a Coach’s assistance when encountering stoppages.– A Speed Reload occurred during the Rapid Fire events, reloaded by the “strong hand”.– Weapons Conditions had not yet been created.– A Flag Safety was employed at all times when not actually firing.– Weapons Safety Rules had not yet been created.– Lessons-learned from the 1990-1991 Gulf War caused major weapons handling revisions to

USMC rifle training and qualification.

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Stage One


Stage Two


Stage Three


Stage Four

Rapid Fire 60 sec 200 “D‟ 10 Standing to Sitting Loop

Stage Five


Stage Six


Stage Seven


Total Rounds 50

Expert: 220

Sharpshooter: 210

Marksman: 190

US Marine Corps Rifle Qualification 1993-2007(Entry Level Rifle Training)

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1994-2005 Course of Fire (Sustainment Level Rifle Training)

Expert: 40

Sharpshooter: 35

Marksman: 25

US Marine Corps Rifle Qualification 1993-2007(Sustainment Level Rifle)

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Note: Here is an excerpt from a Marine’s May 2001 SLR Qualification Day:

US Marine Corps Rifle Qualification 1993-2007(Sustainment Level Rifle)

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Note: Here is an excerpt from a Marine’s May 2001 Qualification Day:

US Marine Corps Rifle Qualification 1993-2007(Sustainment Level (Annual) Rifle)

Note that the Marine achievedRifle Expert on his fourth shot of the 300 Yd Slow Fire.

This was a “hit or miss” course.No points were awarded for a shot that missed the bullseye.

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TABLE 1 (of 2)


Stage One


Stage Two


Stage Three


Stage Four

Rapid Fire 60 sec 200 “D‟ 10 Standing to Sitting Loop

Stage Five


Stage Six


Stage Seven


Total Rounds 50 (possible score 250)

US Marine Corps Rifle Qualification 2007-Present(All Rifle Training)

NOTE: In 2008, the RCO was required forall Annual Rifle Training. In 2012, the RCO was also required for all Entry Level Training.

In 2011, the Marine Corps decided to transition from the Loop Sling to a Hasty/combat sling.

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US Marine Corps Rifle Qualification 2007-Present(All Rifle Training)

Dist. Drill Position Iterations Rds per Time (sec)

Stage One – Presentation

25/50 Head Shot Standing 2 1 3

25/50 Controlled Pair Standing 1 2 4

25/50 Failure to Stop Standing 1 3 5

Stage Two - Position Change

25/50 Controlled Pairs Standing & Kneeling 1 4 7

25/50 Failure to Stop Standing to Kneeling 1 3 8

Stage Three - Multiple Targets w. Position Change

25/50 (2)Controlled Pairs Standing 1 4 6

25/50 (2)Controlled Pairs Standing & Kneeling 2 4 9

25/50 (2)Failure to Stop Standing to Kneeling 2 6 10

Stage Four - Speed Reloads

25/50 (2)Controlled Pairs Standing & Kneeling 1 4 10

Stage Five - Moving Targets

100/200 Movers Right Standing to Kneeling 2 2 10

100/200 Movers Left Standing to Kneeling 2 2 10

Total Rounds: 50 (x2 runs) for a Possible score of 100.

Expert: 305

Sharpshooter: 280

Marksman: 250

Table 2 (of 2)

______________________US Marine Corps

Rifle Qualification Targets

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USMC Qualification Targets 1903-2013Target “A” or “Able”

1903-1920 1920-1960 1960-Present

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USMC Qualification Targets 1903-2013Target “B” or “Baker”

1903-1922 1922-1971Mainstream use until 1971 but since only used in competitions.

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USMC Qualification Targets 1903-2013Target “B-Modified” or “B-Mod”

This target was created to provide a highaiming point for the front sight of the M16A1

due to its lack of rear sight adjustability.

1971-Present

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USMC Qualification Targets 1903-2013Target “C” or “Charlie”

1903-1942A 20” V-ring was added in 1922.

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USMC Qualification Targets 1903-2013Target “D” or “Dog”

This target has been in use for 100 years.

1903-1913 1913-2013

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USMC Qualification Targets 1903-2013Target “D-Modified” or “D-Mod”

This target was only used for Annual Rifle Training (“SLR”).

1994-2007

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USMC Qualification Targets 1903-2013Target “E” or “Echo”

29.5”

10.5”

1903-Present

This target has been in use for 110 years.

This version usedfor SLR programfrom 1994-2007.

This version usedfor Expert Rifleman’sTest in early 20th

Century..

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USMC Qualification Targets 1903-2013Target “F” or “Fox”

1903-Present Used for field firing.

Note: This is a “Dog” bullseye.

Early 20th Century

Note: Used for Expert Rifleman’s Test.

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USMC Qualification Targets 1913-2013Current Rifle Targets

2007-Present (All)

Note: This Able Target used from 1960. This Dog Target used from 1903. This B-Mod Target used from 1971.

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USMC Qualification Targets 1913-2013Current Rifle Targets

2007-Present (All)

Note: Entry Level Marines use a versionwith easily identifiable scoring lines. ARTshooters cannot distinguish scoring linesat firing distance.

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USMC Qualification Targets 1913-2013Current Rifle Targets- 1980’s to Present

“Ivan”, “Crazy Ivan”, “Bobber” targets arefrequently used for field firing on automated

Location Of Hits And Misses (LOMAH) devices.

This target depicts a Soviet soldier with a Kalashnikov.

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USMC Qualification Targets 1913-2013

• Is the Known Distance method of training still relevant?• Should the USMC continue to utilize competition-style “bullseye” targets?• If so, should we reinstate the “Baker” target since the requirement for the

“B-Mod” target is no longer valid? No. RCO hold required.• Could our “bullseye” targets be modified or enhanced to integrate human

physiological factors? Yes.• Should we continue to utilize range flags?• Should we continue to allow each shot to be “pulled, marked, and scored” or

should a shooter fire a portion of or the entire course without constant feedback and then score?

• Should we continue the practice of firing “near to far” or should be conduct the course “far to near”?

• Should we have entirely removed use of the Loop Sling?• Should we require the use of body armor and equipment for Table 1?• Is our rifle training challenging [enough]? Is it time to raise the standard?

Questions__________

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______________________ EVERY MARINE A RIFLEMAN USMC RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP 1903-2013 1 MARINE GUNNER...

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