As announced on March 11th, the US Marine Corps is set to implement sweeping changes to its rifle marksmanship training and qualification regulations, aiming to bolster combat lethality and accuracy among troops.
Revamping Rifle Marksmanship Training
The Marine Corps is overhauling its rifle marksmanship training program, aiming to turn all of its Marines into highly lethal sharpshooters.
This initiative comes in response to concerns about existing shortcomings in marksmanship accuracy as identified in studies dating back to 2018.
The new program emphasizes real-world combat scenarios, with Marines qualifying on tougher targets.
Gone are the days of simply hitting anywhere; instead, the service is committed to instilling a culture of precision marksmanship that aligns with the ethos of “one shot, one kill.”
Marines must now pre-qualify with an “Expert” score before even entering the annual qualification course.
A Marine fires an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a marksmanship competition (Image source: DVIDS)
Implementing Reforms Under Col. Greg Jones
Under the leadership of Col. Greg Jones, commander of the Weapons Training Battalion at Quantico Marine Corps Base, Virginia, the Marine Corps is implementing a series of reforms effective immediately.
These reforms encompass a multifaceted approach to address deficiencies in shooting accuracy, with a particular emphasis on realistic shooting scenarios, movements, and positions.
“Our job in the Marine Corps is to kill the enemies of this great nation,” said Jones, quoted by USNI News. “After 20 years of war, we needed to take a harder look at marksmanship lethality.”
This sentiment underscores the Marine Corps’ commitment to ensuring that every Marine possesses the proficiency to effectively engage and eliminate enemy targets.
Leveraging Data
The service is also turning to data for answers.
Initiatives such as the Joint Marksmanship Assessment Program (JMAP) and the utilization of electronic feedback technologies like Blackbeard MantisX are being deployed to provide Marines with immediate and detailed insights into their shooting performance.
This data-driven approach enables tailored training interventions to address specific areas of improvement and enhance overall lethality.
“We don’t want you to accept less than your best effort,” said CWO4 Josh Grayek, director of the battalion’s Marksmanship Program Management Section. “We want you to try to get better. So we are only letting you accept your prequal score now if you shoot Expert.”
Marksmanship Proficiency as Core Doctrine
Jones emphasized the fundamental role of marksmanship proficiency in Marine Corps doctrine, likening it to the potency of surface combatants sinking enemy ships or fighter pilots downing adversary aircraft.
“[W] e’ve seen massive improvements in training. So folks shouldn’t be worried about failing. They should be focused… so when they do go downrange, they’re better able to defend themselves and their peers,” said Jones.
With the next major war or conflict envisioned to involve small units deployed across contested islands and waterways, the ability to deliver accurate and lethal fire will be paramount to mission success.
Conclusion: Optimism for Enhanced Lethality
To wrap up, the revamped marksmanship training program is still rolling out, with some elements awaiting upgrades and funding. However, the Corps is optimistic that these changes will produce a generation of Marines unmatched in their shooting skills and lethality.
