MCRD San Diego -- Earplugs deafened the loud bangs coming from the M16-A4 service rifles recruits were firing as they tested their marksmanship during firing week June 12 aboard Edson Range, Weapons and Field Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif..
For recruits of Company K, this was their first time firing their rifle during recruit training. Since many recruits have never shot a rifle before, Primary Marksmanship Instructor’s assisted them throughout firing week.
These instructors also gave classes the week prior on Marine Corps Marksmanship fundamentals ensuring the recruits comprehend the basics.
Traditionally, every Marine has been trained using iron sights. These are usually metal alignments used to assist in aiming firearms at a target. Marines and recruits are taught to use proper rear and front sight alignment. The rear sight is mounted perpendicular to the line of the front sight and adjustable due to windage and elevation. Recruits are taught how to maneuver these sights to make an accurate aim during their classes the week before shooting.
However, many recruits are starting to learn a different way now that the Marine Corps is transitioning from iron sights to Rifle Combat Optic’s.
RCO’s are attached to the firearms where the rear side aperture for iron sights would be located. Instead of using the front sight alignment to aim in on the target Marines now use a small red chevron that appears in the RCO scope.
When deployed, every Marine is issued a service rifle with an RCO attached.
“Recruits need to learn how to fire with RCO’s, because when they go in-country they will be prepared,” said Gunnery Sgt. Adrien Perez, PMI chief, Range B, Edson Range, WFTBn, MCB Camp Pendleton.
Every year Marines are required to qualify on the M16-A4 service rifle either shooting marksman, sharpshooter or expert. While many Marines were able to shoot expert, the highest qualification, they are more likely to achieve it now due to the advantages of the RCO.
“We’ve noticed higher scores on the range,” said Perez. “The ratio of expert shooters is higher in the recruits and Marines that shoot with RCO’s.”
Although, the ability to see the target has changed, the fundamentals have not.
“Marines still apply natural point of aim and everything else they have learned with the iron sights. All of the fundamentals taught for iron sights are the same for RCO’s,” said Perez.
While every Marine has a different Military Occupational Specialty and not all regularly fire a weapon, they are still expected as a Marine to be a basic rifleman.
“No matter what your military occupation is, you’re going to be in the fight sooner or later,” said Sgt. David Tate, platoon sergeant, Range B, Edson Range, WFTBn., MCB Camp Pendleton. “So you need to know what you’re doing, not only for your own wellbeing but for your fellow comrades.”
Once the recruits of Co. K grasp the understanding of Marine Corps Marksmanship and apply it during qualification, they will be more prepared to apply it when down range.