Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- Once recruits have reached the second phase of training, they take on the challenge of becoming a rifleman at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Recruits of Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, were taught the basic fundamentals of firing the M16-A4 Service Rifle during Grass Week, while under constant supervision of Marines who specialize in marksmanship, better known as primary marksmanship instructors.
Primary marksman instructors teach recruits the fundamental techniques of shooting such as breathing and trigger control as well as shooting position stability.
“Recruits have to focus on the basic fundamentals. Natural point of aim and proper placement of the rifle in the prone, kneeling, sitting and standing positions will make the difference in just qualifying or shooting expert,” said Cpl. Tony Williams, range coach, Range Company, Weapons and Field Training Battalion. “Recruits practice the fundamentals of marksmanship during grass week and should feel comfortable with firing the weapon by the time they step foot on the range.”
Once PMIs complete the classroom instructions, recruits move to an area to “snap in.” This time allows them to practice the fundamentals they were taught. The semi-circular area surrounds a white barrel with different size targets painted on the sides. The targets are of different size simulating what they look like at distances of 200, 300 and 500 yards, the exact distances recruits will be shooting from.
Recruits spend several hours “snapping in,” which allows them to gain confidence and build muscle memory in different shooting positions.
“During grass week, recruits have to stay disciplined and focused to retain all of the knowledge they will need for firing week,” said Williams. “Some of the recruits have never fired a weapon before, so attention to detail is key.”
Once Grass Week is over, recruits move on to Firing Week and apply the fundamental marksmanship principles they learned to qualify with their weapon and be able to move forward with training. Some recruits prepare for Firing Week physically and mentally by going the extra mile.
“I’ve spent a lot of time practicing breathing control and trigger control,” said recruit Seth M. Schut, Platoon 3229.
Firing Week is the first time recruits are able to fire their weapons in recruit training. They are given several days to polish their skills before qualifying for an official score.
Although qualifying is important for recruits in order to continue with training, all Marines are required to qualify annually to ensure they are combat-ready since all Marines are considered to be basic riflemen.
“Once I reach the fleet, I will be an infantryman, so it’s critical that I start learning the basics and fundamentals now,” said Schut, a Fennville, Mich., native. “Every Marine is a trained rifleman.”
Lessons learned during grass week and firing week of recruit training are used throughout a Marine’s career. For that reason, it is important for recruits to retain all the knowledge PMIs teach. With the instruction and coaching, recruits are set up for success to move forward in becoming United States Marines.