working group 3 institutional marksmanship

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Working Group 3 Institutional Marksmanship

Table of Contents:

ARQ Summary

FY 19 ARQ Development

FY 20 ARQ Current Course of Fire / Phase One Testing

FY20 ARQ Phase II After-Action Reports

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Working Group 3 Institutional Marksmanship

ARQ Summary

During out brief of the FY13 Combat Marksmanship Symposium (CMS)

to the USMC Marksmanship Advocate, Deputy Commandant, Combat

Development and Integration (DC CD&I), Weapons Training Battalion

(WTBN) Quantico, serving as the Marksmanship Proponent, was tasked to

explore re-sequencing the Marine Corps Combat Marksmanship Program

(MCCMP) skill sets in order to maximize training, time, and

efficiency. Proposals brought to the FY14 CMS recommended methods by

which more combat related marksmanship techniques could be

incorporated into training, while maintaining proven fundamental

marksmanship skills. From FY14 to FY16 an alternate table one, and

table two course of fire began testing. During FY16 CMS, the

Executive Steering Committee (ESC) determined a need to offer

operational commanders a means to shorten the time spent on annual

rifle training (ART) and eliminate the excessive ART waiver requests.

DC CDI tasks marksmanship proponent to establish a conceptual,

truncated Annual Rifle Training (ART).

At this point, Alternate table two transitioned into Annual

Rifleman’s Qualification (ARQ). From August 2017 to May 2018 ARQ was

tested on 4 different occasions, the first two tests are run on WTBN

Quantico. During the first two iterations the USMC Threat target is

compared to the Baker target. Along with the targets, multiple

positions are tested with the shooters (magazine supported prone,

magazine supported kneeling, and the squatting positions). Small

adjustments to the Alternate table two course of fire were made, and

the twenty-five meter unknown distance target was added to the ARQ.

In March of 2018 Marksmanship Program Management Section (MPMS)

traveled to Okinawa, and Camp Atterbury Indiana in May 2018 in order

to test the feasibility of ARQ at different ranges throughout the

MAGTF.

Several problems became apparent during the testing of the ARQ.

The most predominant being that not all range complexes in the Marine

Corps can support the use of all necessary yard lines. The moving

target engagement portion of the ARQ was removed due to unrealistic

scenario presented by a Marine with a stick mounted target side

stepping left to right while in the pits. During the refinement of

the ARQ target a down grade version had to be created in order to

accommodate our current weapon system and ammunition combination not

being able hold to a standard of a human silhouette target at 500

yards. Additionally, during this time frame the course of fire was in

constant revision resulting in unusable data.

Beginning in FY 19 MPMS standardized the ARQ test course of fire,

developed a two phase approach to the testing and obtained assistance

from Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity (MCOTEA).

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Phase one focused on testing the standardized conceptual ARQ course of

fire for the purpose of identifying potential failure points in the

execution. Testing was conducted with support from various Formal

Marksmanship Training Centers (FMTC) and a cross section of Military

Occupational Specialties across the MAGTF. MCOTEA requested MPMS

gather 600 data points (individual shooters’ data) to provide enough

information for a thorough analysis. MPMS was able to collect

approximately 300 usable data points that showed areas of redundancy

and installation specific issues. The data was presented at the FY 20

CMS and it lead to a modification in the course of fire, removing

skill set redundancies. For example, testing showed that there was no

reduction in performance when Marines fired identical stages of fire

while wearing a field protective mask, hence, one of the decisions

made was to remove the field protective mask portion. The streamlined

course of fire was approved for continued testing (Phase two) to

determine the thresholds of expert, sharp shooter, marksman, and

unqualified. Again, MCOTEA requested MPMS gather 600 data points.

During the FY 21 CMS MPMS will present the data collected and

discussion on a way forward.

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FY 19 ARQ Development

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FY 20 ARQ Current Course of Fire/Phase

One Testing

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ARQ FY20 PHASE-II After-Action Reports

Stone Bay ARQ AAR

Day 1 (0800-1600)

(modified) day 1 focus points:

o ARQ Brief

o Range operations

o Scoring

o Data collection

o Weapon and gear setup

Sustain

o Four to five hours classroom instruction is still an appropriate amount of time

o Daily scoring practical application is a necessity

o Continue to ensure the understanding and importance of data collection

Improve

o Try to find out what weapons and optics will be utilized for the COF

o Refine how we deliver the information in the briefs

Day 2 (0600-1700)

Range –

o The original five day COF was modified due to a lack of range availability. (Stone bay

96/inclement weather)

o The focus of the COF remained on the input at the instructor level. This means two things;

one, the instructor will demonstrate proficiency in the execution of the COF. Two, our

staff aids in the development of the instructor from methodologies to techniques.

Sustain

o Keep focus on the instructors and their proficiency in executing the ARQ

o Continue practicing scoring procedures during COF

o Ensure instructors are able to identify any potential friction points, especially those

specific to their instillation

Improve

o Improve prior planning and communication with MTU in order to better mitigate logistical

and personnel issues downrange

Day 3

Due to weather MCB Stone Bay was closed and we were unable to continue the ARQ course of

fire.

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Debrief points

Stone Bay MTU seemed to lack communication amongst their own personnel.

The range and required material were not prepared.

There was a noticeable amount of confusion among the MTU staff.

MTU personnel seemed very attentive and receptive to the classes and instructions

despite time constraints and logistical issues the MTU personnel were able to understand the

concepts and methodologies behind executing the ARQ

MCAGCC MTU ARQ AAR (MCRD EDSON MTT) 20200802

Barricades at each 100 and 200 yard lines, mitigating dragging them to

each yard line and increase the life span of each.

o Currently working on a prototype that would allow the barricade

to remain hinged onto the firing line, while being collapsible.

This would mitigate the wear of the barricade and increase the

life span, while reducing cost.

o Possible steel post (tree) that would facilitate shooting

platforms, with PVC pipe in the ground.

o Currently only using wood as it is easily accessible.

The entire COF was conducted on MCRD Alpha (Table 2 Range)

o Alpha Range staff were very efficient and quickly grasped the

COF.

o MCAGCC MTU Staff ran the first iteration of the COF and Alpha

Range personnel ran the COF there after until completion.

Requesting to cut the 500 from 5 rounds in 60 seconds, to 5 rounds in

45 seconds.

o During the COF all shooters were consistently finished firing 5

rounds in 40-45 seconds, with no shooter using the full 60

seconds.

Day Packs:

o Many Marines used the Day Pack, however used it incorrectly. They

would not fill the pack full and it was flat/useless. I am aware

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this is on the units, but we will have to emphasize this to the

CMT’s of said units. More so, understanding the purpose of

utilizing the daypack and the tactical reason behind it.

o MTU allowed each relay 60 seconds of prep time to dry run on

their target during the COF. This allowed the shooter and coach

to identify their positions to use and or how to properly use

their Day Pack in the prone, or not. Doing so helped to mitigate

most shooting platform/position issues prior to target

engagement.

o Additionally alleviating excess time wasted during the drills

trying to find their hold positions on the barricade and or

deciding to use the pack or not.

The MCRD Edson MTT had 23 shooters on day 1 and 21 shooters days 2-3.

The participating units were MCRD Edson Staff, Miramar MTU and Camp

Horno Range MTU. After the first day, Miramar MTU personnel were no

show and did not return to complete the ARQ.

o During the ARQ MCRD Alpha had a detail of recruits on deck and

were running them through table II. This was not completed until

approximately 1000-1030, thus not allowing us to begin the ARQ

until 1100 or later.

Day 1 COF: 23 Shooters

o First Round Day: 1105

o Last Round Day: 1600

o First Round Night: 2030

o Last Round Night: 2215











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Recommendations

o COA 1: Recommending to remove the night portion and or place it

on the units as we do Tables 3-6. After speaking with Marine

Gunners Ray Browne and Chris Jones, more data is needed IOT

support this decision.

The night portion was fast in comparison to the day,

however we averaged 2.5 hours per relay day with only 21-23

shooters, vice 200 shooters that are run at MCAGCC.

Transition of the shooters topside/pits were very fast as

the small amount of shooters allowed easy accountability

and one avenue of access to and from the pits. This is not

the case for 200 shooters and how we transition to and from

the pits aboard MCAGCC R1, which creates a longer

transition time.

o COA 2: Recommend splitting the COF into 2 portions as we do the

ART Table 1-2. Conduct Long Bay M, T, W and Short Bay T, F.

Additional MTU staff is necessary IOT facilitate ARQ. The

ARQ’s that have been ran on MCAGCC have the Marines on the

range for most of the day. I recommend doubling the staff

and allowing the ability to run dual crews and mitigate and

risk that might occur.

Reconfigure ISMIT to accommodate ARQ w/ barricades. Incorporate night

fire training w/ PEQ’s and NVG’s into the ISMIT.

During the COF there is a portion of movers that are 2 shots per drill

for 8 drills. After each engagement the shooter must mount the

barricade, engage the target twice and dismount the barricade.

o Recommend that we allow the shooter to remain positioned onto the

barricade as we know from combat that engaging a target twice and

it disappears does not automatically assume that the threat is

eliminated. I recommend after engaging the 2 shot drill, to

remain in position and “scanning” the target area for him to re-

engage or his reinforcements. This is also keeping in the

tactical mindset. After engagement of 2 shots per direction (L to

R, R to L) (total 4 shots), dismount the barricade for a new

iteration.

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MTU allowed the shooters 30 mins prior to night fire to Co-Witness both

IR and visible lasers, in case the IR laser stops working they may

switch to the visible and continue the COF. This was a decision I made

as through the ARQ’s it has been identified that PEQ’s have a tendency

to stop working and allows the shooter to continue the COF.

o Although the shooters did conduct an LBS, most were off and or

done incorrectly from the units and allowing them to Co-Witness

helped get rounds on target tremendously.

Increase T/E for NVG’s and PEQ’s as all Marines will be required to

fire with NVG’s and PEQ’s.

Aboard MCAGCC, Range Safety requirements is at a minimum of E-6 RSO and

E-7 OIC. This is the requirement for live-fire and movement. During the

COF there is a “failure to stop while moving” drill that is the last

drill of the short bay portion. The shooters move from the 25 to 15

yard line while engaging the target w/ a failure drill. This drill

requires and E-6 RSO and E-7 OIC.

o I recommend when ARQ allowing an E-5 RSO and E-6 OIC as we

conduct ART/CPP and or MCAGCC MTU would require a deviation.

o MCAGCC MTU currently does not have an E-7, however does have a GS

(Mr. Folts) whom can fill the OIC requirement in the event that

the MTU is gapped a Gunner or does not have an OIC. If Mr. Folts

were to be the OIC of the day and night portions, that would

require him to work a lot of overtime and additional money paid.

Ammo Load Out:

o I suggest that we remove the ammo load out for each drill and

allow the shooter to fill however many necessary of each mag.

This is keeping with the concept that in combat you will not have

a specific number of rounds per mag, nor be told to fill only a

specific amount. Additionally this allow the Marines to

understand how important it is to check your round count and

ammunition accountability.

o This was conducted for the ARQ MTT and the shooters had issues

managing/accounting for their ammunitions day 1 and no issues

thereafter. This teaches the Marine that ammunition management is

a real thing.

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Scoring:

o It was proposed that each category (D, N) hold some sort of point

value, not just D and also hold a numerical number value with it,

on the score card.

o MCDP 1-0, Appendix C, Tactical tasks of Destroy or Neutralize,

should leave the EN in some form of degradation. I understand

that if I am suppressing something does not mean that I am having

effects on target, so I am suggesting that should not be a point

value. However, Destroy and Neutralize should.

o Recommend that we mark the D or S value at the bottom of the

target as we do during the ART. This allows the shooter to better

understand where their impacts are actually hitting and make

better adjustments onto targets.

o The long-term solution for scoring is automated targets with the

tablets on the firing line. This will remove the Marines from the

PIT’s and allow the shooter to automatically see their shots

real-time and make the correct adjustments.

Night shot spotters:

o MCRD EDSON did not have the MPMS recommended night shot spotters,

so we improvised and used reflective tape. This is the same

concept we proved during our ARQ’s on MCAGCC and it worked

tremendously with zero issues. The reflection was much brighter

than the given shot spotters when the IR laser grazed it.

PITS:

o Our PIT NCO gave a score card brief before each COF during Pre-

Qual and Qual. This was critical as it ensured that the PIT’s

were tracking on what to expect and helped to some degree control

the chaos, especially for new shooters whom have never shot this

COF.

Target: (MCRD EDSON used the same targets and concurred)

o We identified a flaw in the target that was sent from

Qualification Targets. The target isn’t large enough to cover the

6x6 target carriage. Thus this left the chloroplast board (shot

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up) exposed and the shooters couldn’t identify what shot group

was what. Even if they covered it with pasties, this was not the

answer.

o We remade the targets using ART targets inverted and refaced the

ARQ Short Bay target on it. This did fix the problem, but is a

short term solution.

o MTU created a Short Bay target using the 6x6 frame and kept it in

the PITS to expedite the process of moving from Long to Short

Bay. We did not have these created during the Short Bay portion

until Qualification day and decided not to use them as it was

their Qual. We will use them next ARQ.

The 3 highest shooters of the COF were all competitive shooters on the

MCRD Edson Shooting Team with scores of 47, 46 and 44. The degree of

difficulty of ARQ is very hard and although will create a more “lethal”

Marine, will have a significantly increase of unqualified Marines and

or significant decrease of scores across the Marine Corps.

o Additionally I believe the decrease in scores and increase of

unqualified Marines will have a tremendous effect on promotions.

Yorktown Annual Rifle Qualification (ARQ)

Unit Conducting – MCSF Reg Yorktown, VA

Range breakdown – 4 relays of 18 target points

COF – ARQ Version 2 FY20 / Test 1

Date – Nov 4 - 8 / Start 0800 End 2000

Range Complex – Yorktown, VA MTU

Atmospheric Conditions – Temperature 50-70 degrees F

Wind Speed – Day 1, 0-4 MPH/ Day 2, 2-8 MPH/ Day 3, 0-4 MPH from left to right

(9:30-12:00 o’clock)

Altitude - 55 Feet MSL

Barometric Pressure – 29.86 inHg

Density Altitude – -500 – 500 ft

Weather – Sunny and partly cloudy

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Execution Timeline

Day 1(holds) – 0900 – 2000

Day 2(Qual 1) – 500 yard line – Morning relay 45 mins/ Afternoon relay 45 mins

300 yard line – Morning relay 24 mins / Afternoon relay 20 mins



25 yard line - Morning relay 14 mins / Afternoon relay 23 mins

Day 3(Qual 2) – 500 yard line – Morning relay 45 mins/ Afternoon relay 30 mins




25 yard line - Morning relay 10 mins / Afternoon relay 10 mins

Night fire was between 14 and 18 mins for morning relay and between 12 and 16 mins for afternoon

relays each night.

Debrief points that contributed to the inefficiency of the range

Range staff seemed to be shorthanded, we do not believe that they fully benefitted from a train

the trainer.

Some of the coaching staff lacked the core knowledge needed to facilitate range operations,

such as being overly familiar with weapons, optics and night aiming devices.

The barricades were incorrectly built and had to be modified to allow the shooters the ability to

shoot from the standing and kneeling. A more detailed description of barricade dimensions and

purpose would alleviate this problem.

More positional shooting instruction is needed to better prepare shooters to shoot from a

barricade.

The inability of the shooters to utilize their T/O equipment caused many delays throughout the

qualification. The shooters did not show up prepared and had many issues that could have been

solved through pre firing checks or inspections at any level.

Every shooter needed to spend a significant amount of time zeroing their RCO.

Timeline feedback

Why does a shooter not make the allotted time for each drill throughout the course of fire

Taking too much time to get into a firing position (lack of experience?)

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Accepting a poor position that requires constant adjustments between shots

Overall not applying fundamental body position techniques that allow for consistent

speed while shooting

Data Book feedback

Overall out of the 70 Marines and range staff, not one person could intelligently list any data

that could help guide a shooter to increase his ability to perform. Overall a shooter doesn’t know what

atmospherics and data to record and how to apply that information to be successful.

29 Palms AAR

Fill in the gap/level in front of the 25 yard line on R1 IOT conduct Long/Short Bay on R1. (PWD?)

Purchase ARQ Targets/Shot spotters from “Qualification Targets Inc.”

o We will speak to Grainger and see if they can begin carrying them in stock as they are

the company MPMS orders through. From my understanding they are the only company

authorized to create/carry the ARQ targets.

SOP to charge the shot spotters IOT glow (Every shooter have a flash light).

o Currently there is nothing in writing on how to “charge” the shot spotters IOT make

them glow. Any light source will work. I.e. Flashlight, chemlight, daylight, etc.

Barricades at each 100 and 200 yard lines, mitigating dragging them to each yard line and

increase the life span of each.

Reinforce Barricades w/ 3 backings/braces or 3 tier barricade.

o Currently there is nothing stating how the barricade needs to be constructed, there are

recommendations. The only requirement is it has to allow the shooter the ability to fire

from all 3 positions. (Standing, kneeling, prone).

Tower/PITS need to be in sync with one another. A LOT of wasted time due to not tracking the

COF/drills and communication between each other/familiarity.

Tower/PITS need to use a stop watch to ensure accurate timing.

Day 1 COF: 11 Hours long, 4 relays w/ PIT swap and transition.

Day 2/3 COF: Average time per relay 2.5 hours w/ transition to 3A (short bay).

Short Term: Move short bay portion of ARQ to R2 CPP range. Has 25m and 15m yard lines w/

TGT carriages. It is a more proficient range to conduct short bay as they have the yard

lines/carriages.

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Units will have to look into the Marksmanship Order and train their Marines in lieu of having a

current ARQ coach. Marines need to understand how to properly zero w/ a Collimator and

understand grouping/holds/understanding barrel flex and the effects.

Units need focus on training their Marines on how to properly get into positions, utilizing the

barricade correctly.

Units need to focus on training their Marines on how to properly use their NVG’s and how to

focus their NVG’s along with their PEQ’s/LBS/Co-Witnessing.

Reconfigure ISMIT to accommodate ARQ w/ barricades. Incorporate night fire training w/ PEQ’s

and NVG’s into the ISMIT.

Increase T/E for NVG’s and PEQ’s as all Marines will be required to fire with NVG’s and PEQ’s.

Every MTU Marine carry a Tourniquet.

ARQ requires the Marines to be on the line w/ full gear 8-11 hours on average a day in the

blistering heat.

o Understand the weather effects and mitigating through time during the time of the

year. Possibly starting early or late/running into the night, depending upon the time of

year.

working group 3 institutional marksmanship

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