MODULE 3

I. INTRODUCTION

Marksmanship is defined as the skillful art of shooting and hitting the target at a given known
distance. In the field of soldiery, it is important that each and every trooper should have at least the
basic fundamental knowledge of marksmanship to attain this. As a trooper we are expected to
possess its necessary skills and knowledge in order to become proficient marksman to effectively
gain confidence especially in real combat situations.

II. FUNDAMENTALS OF MARKSMANSHIP

A. Steady Position - refers to finding a comfortable position that allows the

weapon to be held still, while it is being fired.

Factors of Steady Position:

1. Non-firing Hand Grip – the rifle hand guard rest on the heel of the
hand in the V formed by thumb and the fingers. The grip of the non-firing hand is
light, and slight rearward pressure is exerted.
2. Firing Hand Grip – the firing hand grasps the pistol grip so that it
fits the V formed by thumb. The forefinger is place on the trigger so that the lay of
the rifle is not disturbed when the trigger is squeezed. A slight rearward pressure
is exerted by the remaining three fingers to ensure that the butt of the stock
remains in the pocket of the shoulder, thus minimizing the effect to the recoil.
3. Rifle Butt Position – You must place the butt of the rifle firmly into
the pocket formed on your right shoulder. Proper placement of the butt of the rifle
lessens the recoil, hence helping to steady the weapon. This also prevents the
butt of the rifle from riding up and down the shoulder.
4. Firing Elbow Placement (Right elbow) – the location of right
elbow is important because it provides balance to the shooter’s position. Correct
positioning of the right elbow helps from the pocket on the shoulder or the butt of
the rifle.
5. Non-firing Elbow Placement (left elbow) - The position of left
elbow must be under the receiver of the weapon or as close to your position as
the conformation of your body will permit. This would directly support the fire.
6. Stockweld – is the point of firm contact between the shooter’s
cheek and the stock. The cheek is placed on the stock in a position that gives
proper eye relief.
7. Support – If artificial support (sand bags, logs, stumps) is
available, it should be used to steady the position and to support the rifle. If is not
available. Then the bones, not the muscles, in the firer’s upper body must
support the rifle.

8. Muscle Relaxation – you must relax to determine a natural

position. This is accomplished when in position and by checking to see if the
sight picture is not correct, you must move your body until you find a relaxed
position and the desired sight picture is achieved. Before can hit the target, you
must first assume a comfortable and stable position.
9. Natural Point of Aim – when the soldier first assumes his firing
position, he orients his rifle in the general direction of his target. Then he adjusts
his body to bring the rifle and sights exactly in the line with the desired aiming
point. When using proper support and consistent stock weld, the soldier should
have his rifle and sight aligned naturally on the target. When this correct body
rifle target alignment is achieved, the front sight post must be held on target,
using muscular support and effort. As the rifle fires, the muscle tend to relax,
causing the front sight to move away from the target toward the natural point of
aim. Adjusting this point to desired point of aim eliminates this movement. When

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 multiple target exposures are expected, the soldier should adjust his natural point
of aim to the center of the expected target exposure area.

B. Aiming – refers to the precise alignment of the rifle sights with the target.

Elements of Correct Aiming:

1. Correct Sight Alignment – placing the center tip to the front sight
post in the exact center of the rear sight aperture.
2. Correct Sight Picture – it has the target, the front sight post and the
rear sight aligned. The sight picture includes two basic elements: sight element
and placement of the aiming point.

C. Breathe Control – refers to proper control of breathing to keep the rifle

steady as the rifle is gently squeezed.

Two (2) Types of Breath Control:

1. Breathe control when zeroing or firing single target – There is a
moment of respiratory pause while breathing most of the air has been exhaled
from the lungs and before inhaling. Breathing should stop after most of the air
has been exhaled during the normal breathing cycle. The shot must be fired
before the soldier feels any discomfort.
2. Breathe control, firing at timed or multiple targets. This
technique is employed during rapid fire (short-exposure targets). Using this
technique, the soldier hold his breathe when he is about to squeeze the trigger.

D. Trigger Squeeze – If the trigger is not properly squeezed, the rifle is

misaligned with the target at the movements of the firing.

Trigger Squeeze is important for two (2) reasons:

1. Sudden movement of the finger on the trigger can disturb the lay of
the rifle and cause the shot to miss the target.
2. The precise instant of firing should be a surprise to the soldier.

II. FIRING POSITIONS

It is necessary to find the most effective position which will allow you to
aim at a target in a natural and consistent manner, and assume an identical position over a long
period of time, without causing undue strain upon the muscular system. Locating the most effective
firing position is the first shooting skill that one must develop before firing live rounds.

Types of Firing Position

A. Basic positions – used during fundamental training and during basic record
firing. It offers stable platform for firing the rifle. It has two (2) types:

1. Supported Prone Position – these positions provides the most

stable platform for engaging targets. This is done by assuming a prone position
while your rifle rest on a sand bag.
2. Prone Unsupported Positions – this position offers another stable
firing platform for engaging targets. Similar to the supported prone position but
without the aid of sand bag.

B. Advance Positions – different firing positions used to adapt to different

combat situations.
1. Alternate Prone Position – this position is an alternative to
both prone supported and unsupported fighting positions, allowing the firer to
cock his firing leg. This position relaxes the stomach muscles and allows the firer
to breathe naturally.

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 2. Kneeling Supported Position – this position allows the firer
to obtain the height necessary to better observe many target areas, taking
advantage of available cover.
3. Kneeling Unsupported Position – this position is assumed
quickly, places the firer high enough to see over small burst, and provides for a
stable firing position.
4. Standing Position – this position is provides the least
stability but could be needed for observing the target area since it can be
assumed quickly while moving.
5. Modified Firing Positions - adopted once the firing skills
have been mastered by the firer. Modified firing positions are encourage to take
advantage to available cover, to use anything that helps steady the rifle, or to
make any change that allows the firer to hit more combat targets.

IV. PRINCIPLES OF ZEROING

The purpose of battle sight zeroing is to align the fire control system (sights) with the
rifle barrel, considering the ammunitions ballistics. When the rifle is zeroed, the sights are adjusted so
that the bullet strike is the same as the point of aim at some given range. When a standard zeroing
procedure is followed, a rifle is properly zeroed for one soldier is close to the zero of another soldier.
In order to understand the principles of zeroing, one must know the basics of ballistics,
especially, the relationship between the path of the bullet flight and the line of sight. In bullet is called
trajectory. The maximum height of a bullet trajectory, in relation to the line of sight, depends on the
range to the target. The greater the distance a bullet travels before impact, the higher it must travel in
its trajectory. On the other hand, the line of sight is the straight line distance through the rear sight
aperture, across the front sight blade to the point of aim.
After the bullet leaves the rifle, it is initially moving on an upward path. The bullet will
intersect and begin to travel above the line of sight, a short distance from the muzzle. As the bullet
travels further, it begins to drop and will eventually again intersect the line of sight. The range at
which this intersection occurs is the zero for that sight setting.

III. M16A1 STANDARD SIGHT AND ZEROING

To battle sight zero the rifle, the soldier must understand sight adjustment
procedure. Normally, most zeroing is conducted at a range of 25 meters.

A. L-Mark
By pushing the rear sight forward so the L is exposed, the bullet crosses
the line of sight at 25m, reaches the maximum height above the line of sight of about 11 inches at
225m, and crosses the line of sight again at 37m. To battle sight zero, a good group shot should be
produced from a P1 size target at a range of 25m. This is also known as point of aim – point of impact
from 25m range.

B. Unmark
Flipping the rear sight at the unmarked position or short range sight, the
bullet crosses the line of sight at approx 42m, reaches the maximum height above the line of sight of
about 5 inches at 175m, and crosses the line of sight again at 250m. However, at the 25m range, the
bullet is about 1 inch below the line of sight. In using this to battle sight zero, a Canadian Ball zeroing
target is used.

MARKSMANSHIP EXERCISES

1. TRIANGULATION BOX EXERCISES

A. OBJECTIVE
To able to practice correct sight alignment, correct sight picture and the
correct placement of the aiming point using triangulation box.

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 B. CONDITIONS
1. On a 25m firing range assuming prone position, use triangulation
box apparatus to correct sight alignment and correct sight picture.
2. Form a close triangulation of assumed fires delivered from the
triangulation box apparatus.

C. STANDARDS
1. The firer must be able to align the rifle with the target exactly the
same way for each assumed fire delivered.
2. Be able to form a close triangulation of assumed fires delivered
from the triangulation box apparatus.

2. BATTLE SIGHT ZEROING

A. OBJCTIVE
To be able to apply the four (4) fundamentals of rifle marksmanship in the
integrated act of firing with M16A1 rifle (live fire).

B. CONDITION
1. Assume prone position (unsupported) on a 25m firing range, give, a
“Canadian Bull” target with 12 rounds ammunition while wearing
complete webbings with lousy cap.
2. The firer must be able to make necessary adjustment on the sights of
his M16A1 rifle.

C. STANDARD
Be able to form 3-round shots groups with in a 2.8 cm circle out of the 12
rounds allocation.

Note: Troopers not achieving an acceptable 9 rounds will be diagnosed and

given appropriate remedial training.

3. 25M RECORD FIRING

A. OBJECTIVE
To be able to know the level of proficiency in rifle marksmanship.

B. CONDITION

1. Each fires is allocated five (5) rounds each

2. Assume unsupported prone position with a “Canadian Bull” target

STANDARD
With out assistance, three (3) out of the five (5) rounds is the minimum number of
delivered rounds that should at least fall at the target.

4. 100M/200M FIRING

A. OBJECTIVE
To be able to engage falling plates (12 x 12 in) at 100m and 200m range.

B. CONDITION
1. Firers assume unsupported prone position at 100m and 200m range
parapets.
2. On each range the firers will be given five (5) falling plate targets at the
ranges of 100m and 200m.

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 C. STANDARD
To be able to engage three (3) out of five (5) falling plate targets at the
ranges of 100m and 200m.

6. ENDURANCE FIRING

A. OBJECTIVE
To be able to engage targets after hurdling 1mile (1.6km) run with time
pressure.

B. CONDITION

1. Troopers by buddy with full combat gear (ruck sack) will run 1 mile to
the firing range and engage five (50 water plastic at 25m firing range.
2. They assume prone position with their ruck sack upon reaching the
firing line.

D. STANDARD
1. Must finish the course within 15 mins from the time the firer was
released from the starting line.
2. The fire must at least hit three (3) out of the five (5) targets.

Note: ALL LIVE FIRES ARE GRADED “GO or NO GO” ONLY

I. INTRODUCTION

Marksmanship is defined as the skillful art of shooting and hitting the target at a given or
known distance.

II. FUNDAMENTALS OF MARKSMANSHIP

A. Steady position
B. Aiming
C. Breathe Control
D. Trigger Squeeze

A. Steady Position

Factors of Steady Position:

1. Non-firing Hand Grip
2. Firing Hand Grip
3. Rifle Butt Position
4. Firing Elbow Placement
5. Non-Firing Elbow Placement
6. Stock weld
7. Support
8. Natural Point of Aim

B. Aiming

Element of Correct Aiming:

1. Correct Sight Alignment
2. Correct Sight Picture

C. Breathe Control

Two (2) types of breathe control:

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 1. Breath control when zeroing or firing single target
2. Breathe control, firing at timed or multiple targets

D. Trigger Squeeze

Trigger Squeeze is important for two (2) reasons:

1. Sudden movement of the finger on the trigger can disturb the lay of the rifle
and causes the shot to miss the target.
2. The precise instant of firing should be a surprise to the soldier.

III. FIRING POSITIONS

Types of Firing Position

A. Basic Position
1. Supported prone Position
2. Prone Unsupported position

B. Advance Position
1. Alternate Prone Position
2. Knelling Supported position
3. Kneeling Unsupported Position
4. Standing position
5. Modified Firing Positions

IV. CONCEPT OF ZEROING

V. M16A1 STANDARD SIGHT AND ZEROING

A. L-Mark
B. Unmark

M14 MARKSMANSHIP

I. M14 SIGHTS

C. Rear Sight
The elevation and windage knob are used to move the rear sight aperture up
or down and right or left respectively. Both knobs make an audible click when they are turned. Each
click changes the strike of the bullet at specific distance, depending on the range to the target. The
elevation knob is adjustable from 0 to 72 clicks. The rear sight aperture can be adjusted from 0 to 16
clicks to the right or left of the center index line by rotating the windage knob.
During initial training and battle sight zeroing in marksmanship the rear sight
should be set at 12 clicks of elevation and zero windage. Thereafter, the rifle can be calibrated.

D. Elevation and Windage Rule

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 The elevation and windage rule state that one click of elevation or windage
will move the strike of a bullet a specific distance at a specific range. At a range of 25 meters one
click of either elevation or windage will move the strike of the bullet approximately 0.7cm. To compute
the distance of one click of elevation or windage will move the strike of bullet at a given range, divide
the range (expressed in meters)by 25 meters and multiply by 0.7 cm.

D = R x 0.7 D = Distance in centimeters

25m R = Range in meters

Example: Compute the distance that one click of elevation or windage

will move the strike of the bullet at a range of 250 meters.

D = 250 m X 0.7 cm = 10 x 0.7 cm = 7 cm

25 m
Therefore, D = 7 cm

II. BATLLE SIGHT ZEROING

A. Principles of Zeroing
In order to understand the principles of zeroing, one must know the
basics of ballistics, especially, the relationship between the path of the bullet
flight and the line of sight. In bullet is called trajectory. The maximum height of a
bullet trajectory, in relation to the line of sight, depends on the range to the target.
The greater the distance a bullet travels before impact, the higher it must travel in
its trajectory. On the other hand, the line of sight is the straight line distance
through the rear sight aperture, across the front sight blade to the point of aim.
After the bullet leaves the rifle, it is initially moving on an upward path. The
bullet will intersect and begin to travel above the line of sight, a short distance
from the muzzle. As the bullet travels further, it begins to drop and will eventually
again intersect the line of sight. The range at which this intersection occurs is the
zero for that sight setting.

B. Battle Sight Zero Target

The standard 25 meter target is used for the battle sight zero. In order to
use the elevation and windage rule effectively, the firer must know the
dimensions of the target (see fig)

C. Calibration of the Rear Sight

1. Turn the elevation knob forward until the rear sight aperture is at its
lowest possible setting. The firer should count the number of clicks as he
followers the rear sight aperture and should compare the number to that which is
recorded on his firing data card.
2. Loosen the screw in the center of the elevation knob until the knob
can again be turned forward.
3. Turn the knob forward until the 250-meter index line (the long line
between the numbers 2 and 4 on the elevation knob) is opposite the index line on
the receiver.
4. From this point, turn the elevation knob forward the number of
clicks of the 250-meter battle sight zero setting.
5. Hold the elevation knob in the position and tighten the center
screw. Next, turn the elevation knob to the rear until it is at its highest possible
setting and again tighten the center screw.
6. To check the adjustment, set the 250-meter index line on the
receiver. Then turn it forward, counting the clicks. The number of clicks will be
equal to the battle sight setting if the sight has been calibrated correctly.

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