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(1)   Marksmanship Fundamentals. The four fundamentals are used when firing in the rapid semiautomatic mode. The following differences apply:

(2)   Immediate Action. To maintain an increased rate of suppressive fire, immediate action must be applied quickly. The firer must identify the problem and correct the stoppage immediately. Repeated dry-fire practice, using blanks or dummy rounds, followed by live-fire training and evaluation ensures that soldiers can rapidly apply immediate action while other soldiers initiate fire.

(1)   Dry-Fire Exercises. Repeated dry-fire exercises are the most efficient means available to ensure soldiers can apply modifications to the fundamentals. Multiple dry-fire exercises are needed, emphasizing a rapid shift in position and point of aim, followed by breath control and fast trigger squeeze. Blanks or dummy rounds may be used to train rapid magazine changes and the application of immediate action. The soldier should display knowledge and skill during these dry-fire exercises before attempting live fire.

(2)   Live-Fire Exercises. There are two types of live-fire exercises.

(1)   Closely spaced multiple targets, appearing at the same time at 50 meters or closer, may be engaged effectively with automatic or burst fire. More widely spaced targets appearing at greater distances should be engaged with semiautomatic fire.

(2)   The M16-series rifles and the M4-series should normally be employed in the semiautomatic mode. Depending on the tactical situation, the following conditions would be factors against the use of automatic or burst fire:

• Ammunition is in short supply or resupply may be difficult.
• Single targets are being engaged.
• Widely spaced multiple targets are being engaged.
• The distance to the target is beyond 50 meters.
• The effect of bullets on the target cannot be observed.
• Artificial support is not available.
• Targets may be effectively engaged using semiautomatic fire.

(3)   In some combat situations, the use of automatic or burst fire can improve survivability and enhance mission accomplishment. Clearing buildings, final assaults, FPF, and ambushes may require limited use of automatic or burst fire. Depending on the tactical situation, the following conditions may favor the use of automatic or burst fire:

• Enough available ammunition. Problems are not anticipated with resupply.
• Closely spaced multiple targets appear at 50 meters or less.
• Maximum fire is immediately required at an area target.
• Tracers or some other means can be used to observe the effect of bullets on the target.
• Leaders can maintain adequate control over weapons firing on automatic.
• Good artificial support is available.
• The initial sound of gunfire disperses closely spaced targets.

(4)   Trainers must ensure soldiers understand the capabilities and limitations of automatic or burst fire. They must know when it should and should not be used.

(1)   Immediate Action. To maintain automatic or burst fire, immediate action must be applied quickly. The firer must identify the problem and correct it immediately. Repeated dry-fire practice, using blanks or dummy rounds, followed by live-fire training and evaluation, ensures soldiers can rapidly apply immediate action.

(2)   Marksmanship Fundamentals. The four fundamentals are used when firing in the automatic mode. The following differences apply:

(1)   Applying Fundamentals. As the stress of combat increases, some soldiers may fail to apply the fundamentals of marksmanship. This factor contributes to soldiers firing less accurately and without obtaining the intended results. While some modifications are appropriate, the basic fundamentals should be applied and emphasized regardless of the rate of fire or combat stress. Strategies to enhance marksmanship skills during combat stress include shooting prone as opposed to standing, and providing a high carbohydrate and or moderate sodium diet. Factors that contribute to combat stress are:

(2)   Making Rapid Magazine Changes. One of the keys to sustained suppressive fire is reloading the rifle rapidly. Rapid magazine changes must be correctly taught and practiced during dry-fire and live-fire exercises until the soldier becomes proficient. Small-unit training exercises must be conducted so soldiers who are providing suppressive fire practice magazine changes that are staggered. Firing is, therefore, controlled and coordinated so that a continuous volume of accurate suppressive fire is delivered to the target area.

(3)   Conserving Ammunition. Automatic or burst fire should be used sparingly and only to gain initial fire superiority. Depending on the tactical situation, the rate of fire should be adjusted so that a minimum number of rounds are expended. Accurate fire conserves ammunition, while preventing the enemy from placing effective fire on friendly positions.

(1)   Aimed. When presented with a target, the soldier brings the rifle up to his shoulder and quickly fires a single shot. His firing eye looks through or just over the rear sight aperture. He uses the front sight post to aim at the target (Figure 7-15). Using this technique, a target at 25 meters or less may be accurately engaged in one second or less.

(2)   Pointed. When presented with a target, the soldier keeps the rifle at his side and quickly fires a single shot or burst. He keeps both eyes open and uses his instinct and peripheral vision to line up the rifle with the target (Figure 7-16). Using this technique, a target at 15 meters or less may be engaged in less than one second.

(1)   Steady Position. The quickness of shot delivery prevents the soldier from assuming a stable firing position. He must fire from his present position when the target appears. If the soldier is moving, he must stop. Adjustments for stability and support cannot be made before the round is fired.

(2)   Aiming. This fundamental must be highly modified because the soldier may not have time to look through the rear sight, find the front sight, and align it with the target.

(3)   Breath Control. This fundamental has little application to the first shot of quick fire. The round must be fired before a conscious decision can be made about breathing. If subsequent shots are necessary, breathing must not interfere with the necessity of firing quickly. When possible, use short, shallow breaths.

(4)   Trigger Squeeze. Initial pressure is applied as weapon alignment is moved toward the target. Trigger squeeze is exerted so when weapon-target alignment is achieved, the round is fired at once. The soldier requires much training and practice to perfect this rapid squeezing of the trigger.

(1)   Vision is limited to what can be seen through the mask lenses or faceplate. Peripheral vision is severely restricted. The lenses or faceplate may be scratched or partly fogged, further restricting vision.

(2)   Scanning movement may be restricted by the hood or mask. Any of these factors could adversely affect the soldier’s ability to quickly and accurately detect targets. Additional skill practice should be conducted.

(1)   Steady Position. Due to the added bulk of the over garment, firing positions may need adjustment for stability and comfort. Dry and live firing while standing, crouching, or squatting may be necessary to reduce bodily contact with contaminated ground or foliage. A consistent spot or stock weld is difficult to maintain due to the shape of the protective mask. This requires the firer to hold his head in an awkward position to place the eye behind the sight.

(2)   Aiming. Wearing a protective mask may force firers to rotate (cant) the rifle to see through the rear aperture. The weapon should be rotated the least amount possible to see through and line up the sights. The center tip of the front sight post should be placed on the ideal aiming point. This ideal aiming procedure (Figure 7-18) should be the initial procedure taught and practiced.

(3)   Breath Control. Breathing is restricted and more difficult while wearing the protective mask. Physical exertion can produce labored breathing and make settling down into a normal breathing rhythm much more difficult. More physical effort is needed to move around when encumbered by MOPP equipment, which can increase the breath rate. All these factors make holding and controlling the breath to produce a well-aimed shot more energy and time consuming. Emphasis must be placed on rapid target engagement during the limited amount of time a firer can control his breath.

(4)   Trigger Squeeze. Grasping the pistol grip and squeezing the trigger with the index finger is altered when the firer is wearing MOPP gloves. The action of the trigger finger is restricted, and the fit of the glove may require the release of the swing-down trigger guard. Because the trigger feels different, control differs from that used in barehanded firing. This difference cannot be accurately predicted. Dry-fire training using dime-washer exercises is necessary to ensure the firer knows the changes he will encounter during live fire.

(1)   Each soldier will be issued 20 rounds of ammunition.

(2)   The soldier engages targets from 50 to 300 meters from the foxhole supported firing position using Table II of the Record Fire Qualification firing table (DA Form 3595-R).

(3)   Each soldier must achieve 11 hits out of 20 target exposures.

(1)   The soldier will be issued six magazines. The first and second magazine will have 5 rounds each, the third magazine and fourth will have 10 rounds each, and the fifth and sixth magazine will have 5 rounds each.

(2)   The soldier engages the 75-meter (100-yard) target with one 5-round magazine from the prone supported position. He then engages the 75-meter target from the prone unsupported position with the second 5-round magazine.

(3)   The soldier engages the 175-meter (200-yard) target with one 10-round magazine from the prone supported firing position and then engages the 175-meter target from the prone unsupported firing position with the second 10-round magazine.

(4)   The soldier engages the 300-meter target with one five-round magazine from the prone supported firing position and again engages the 300-meter target from the prone unsupported firing position using the last 5-round magazine.

(5)   The soldier must obtain 8 hits out of 10 shots on the 75-meter target; 14 hits out of 20 shots on the 175-meter target; and 5 hits out of 10 shots on the 300-meter target.

(1)   Steady Position. When the firer is firing unassisted, changes in his head position and or stock weld will be necessary, especially when using weapon-target alignment techniques. His head is positioned high so that he is aligning his weapon on the target and looking just over the iron sights. His cheek should remain in contact with the stock. Repeated dry-fire practice, followed by live-fire training, is necessary to learn and refine these modifications and still achieve the steadiest position.

(2)   Aiming. Modifications to the aiming process vary. When firing unassisted, the firer’s off-center vision is used instead of pinpoint focus. Both eyes are open to gather the maximum available light, and are focused down range.

(4)   Trigger Squeeze. This fundamental is not affected by unassisted night fire conditions. The objective is to not disrupt alignment of the weapon with the target.

(2)   The soldier engages the F-type silhouette target at 50 meters while in the foxhole supported firing position. The soldier uses one magazine of 15 rounds (10 rounds ball; 5 rounds tracer). The soldier will detect and engage 15 target exposures at 50 meters.

(3)   The F-type silhouette target is engaged at 50 meters from the prone unsupported position. The soldier uses a second magazine of 15 rounds (10 rounds ball; 5 rounds tracer). The soldier will detect and engage 15 target exposures at 50 meters.

(4)   Each soldier must achieve 7 hits out of 30 target exposures.

(5)   When the automated range is used, the soldier’s performance is recorded in the tower. If automatic scoring is not available, a coach can observe and score the number of target hits the firer achieves using NVDs.

(1)   Each soldier will be issued two 15-round magazines with the appropriate tracer and ball combination.

(2)   During night, each soldier will detect and or engage 20 E-type silhouette target exposures from 50 to 250 meters with one magazine of 15 rounds (10 rounds ball; 5 rounds tracer) while in the foxhole supported firing position.

(3)   During night, each soldier will detect and or engage 20 E-type silhouette target exposures from 50 to 250 meters with the second magazine of 15 rounds (10 rounds ball; 5 rounds tracer) while in the prone unsupported firing position.

(5)   It is important for the soldier to understand that all of the exposed targets do not have to be engaged by fire. The soldier may hone his target detection skills on the distant targets and engage them only when he is confident of achieving a hit. This allows the soldier to understand his limitations, his skill level, and skills that he needs to work on to improve his nighttime marksmanship ability. (Refer to Appendix F for more information on the night record fire table.)

(1)   Steady Position. When firing from a firing position, the firer should be in the standard supported position and flexible enough to track any target in his sector. When a target is moving directly at the firer, directly away, or at a slight angle, the target is engaged without changing the firing position. When targets have lateral movement, only minor changes are needed to allow effective target engagement. Most moving targets are missed in the horizontal plane (firing in front of or behind the target) and not in the vertical plane (firing too low or too high). A smooth track is needed on the target, even if the support arm must be lifted. Other adjustments include the following:

(2)   Aiming. The trailing edge of the front sight post is at target center.

(3)   Breath Control. Breathing is locked at the moment of trigger squeeze.

(4)   Trigger Squeeze. Rearward pressure on the handguard and pistol grip is applied to hold the rifle steady while pressure is applied to the trigger. The trigger is squeezed fast (almost a controlled jerk). Heavy pressure is applied on the trigger (at least half the pressure it takes to make the rifle fire) before squeezing.

(1)   To hit a target moving laterally, the firer places the trailing edge of the front sight post at target center. (The sight-target relationship is shown in Figure 7-29.) The single-lead rule automatically increases the lead as the range to the target increases. (Figure 7-30, shows how this works, with the front sight post covering about 1.6 inches at 15 meters and about 16 inches at 150 meters.) Since the center of the front sight post is the actual aiming point, placing the trailing edge of the front sight post at target center provides a .8-inch lead on a 15-meter target and an 8-inch lead on a target at 150 meters.

(2)   This rule provides a dead-center hit on a 15-meter target moving at 7 miles per hour at a 25-degree angle because the target moves .8 inches between the time the rifle is fired and the bullet arrives at the target. A 150-meter target moving at 7 miles per hour at a 25-degree angle moves 8 inches between the time the weapon is fired and the bullet arrives. This rule provides for hits on the majority of high priority combat targets.

(2)   Since the target lead is half the perceived width of the front sight post, at 100 meters the standard sight provides 5.4 inches of lead for the M16A1/2/3/4 and M4 front sights (Table 7-1).

(1)   The rule provides for many speed-angle combinations that place the bullet within 2 inches of target center (Table 7-1). Since the soldier is expected to fire a 12-inch group on moving targets at 100 meters, the rule provides for hits on the majority of targets. Even the worst case (a 90-degree target moving at 8 miles per hour) would result in the shot-group center being located 9.8 inches behind target center. If bullets were evenly distributed in a 12-inch group, this would result in hitting the target 40 percent of the time.

(2)   Soldiers should be taught to increase their lead if they miss the targets, which increases their probability of hitting all targets. The amount of additional lead required should be developed through experience with only general guidance provided. For example, if there is much lateral movement of the target and the soldier feels, by applying the lead rule and firing fundamentals, he has missed the target, he should increase his lead.

(3)   The training program must be simple and provide soldiers with only relevant information to improve their performance in combat. All soldiers should understand and apply the single-lead rule in the absence of more information. Soldiers should understand that moving targets coming toward them or on a slight angle (0 to 15 degrees) should be engaged as stationary targets. Information should be presented and practice allowed on applying additional lead to targets for soldiers who demonstrate this aptitude.

(1)   A walking enemy soldier at 250 meters is hit dead center when he is moving at 40 degrees. Hits can be obtained if he is moving on any angle between 15 and 75 degrees. When he is running, a center hit is obtained when the target is on an angle of 18 degrees; misses occur when he exceeds an angle of 30 to 35 degrees.

(2)   The information provided in Figure 7-31 and Table 7-1 is designed to enhance instructor understanding so proper concepts are presented during instruction. For example, a target at 100 meters moving at 6 miles per hour receives a center hit when moving at 29 degrees. When moving at an angle less than 29 degrees, the bullet strikes somewhat in front of target center. When moving at an angle of more than 29 degrees, the bullet strikes somewhat behind target center.

(1)   Firing Stance. The feet are kept approximately shoulder-width apart. Toes are pointed straight to the front (direction of movement). The firing side foot is slightly staggered to the rear of the nonfiring side foot. Knees are slightly bent and the upper body is leaned slightly forward. Shoulders are square and pulled back, not rolled over or slouched. The head is up and both eyes are open. When engaging targets, the gunner holds the weapon with the butt of the weapon firmly against his shoulder and the firing side elbow close against the body (Figures 7-34 and 7-35).

(2)   High Ready Position (Figure 7-34). The butt of the weapon is held under the armpit, with the barrel pointed slightly up so that the top of the front sight post is just below the line of sight but still within the gunner’s peripheral vision. The nonfiring hand grasps the handguards toward the front sling swivel, the trigger finger is outside of the trigger well, and the thumb of the firing hand is on the selector lever. To engage a target from the high ready, the gunner pushes the weapon forward as if to bayonet the target and brings the butt stock firmly against the shoulder as it slides up the body. This technique is best suited for the lineup outside of a building, room, or bunker entrance.

(3)   Low Ready Position (Figure 7-35). The butt of the weapon is placed firmly in the pocket of the shoulder with the barrel pointed down at a 45-degree angle. The nonfiring hand grasps the handguards toward the front sling swivel, the trigger finger is outside of the trigger well, and the thumb of the firing hand is on the selector lever. To engage a target from the low ready, the gunner brings the weapon up until the proper sight picture is achieved. This technique is best suited for movement inside of buildings.

(4)   Movement Techniques. Soldiers must practice moving with their weapons up until they no longer look at the ground but concentrate on their sectors of responsibility. Soldiers must avoid stumbling over their own feet. The low ready method is the best method to use when moving or turning. To execute a left turn the soldier places his firing foot forward, shifts all his weight to the firing foot, and pivots, bringing the non-firing foot forward to complete the turn. To turn to the right the firing foot is to the rear, the weight is evenly distributed between the feet, and the body pivots on both feet. To turn to the rear, the firing foot is forward, the weight is placed on the firing foot and the body pivots similar to the drill movement “rear march.”

(5)   Kneeling Position. Although short-range engagements generally take place from the standing position a soldier may be required to engage targets from the kneeling position. The kneeling position is generally used when correcting a weapons malfunction.

(1)   Slow Aimed Fire. This technique is the slowest but most accurate. It consists of taking a steady position, properly aligning the sight picture, and squeezing off rounds. This technique should only be used to engage targets in excess of 25 meters when good cover and concealment is available or when the need for accuracy overrides the need for speed.

(2)   Rapid Aimed Fire. This technique utilizes an imperfect sight picture. When using this technique the soldier focuses on the target and raises his weapon until the target is obscured by the front sight post assembly. Elevation is less critical than windage when using this technique. This aiming technique is extremely effective on targets from 0 to 15 meters and at a rapid rate of fire.

(3)   Aimed Quick Kill. The aimed quick kill technique is the quickest and most accurate method of engaging targets up to 12 meters. Experienced soldiers may use the technique at greater ranges, as they become familiar with it. When using this technique, the soldier aims over the rear sight, down the length of the carry handle, and places the top 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch of the front sight post assembly on the target.

(4)   Instinctive Fire. This is the least accurate technique and should only be used in emergencies. It relies on instinct, experience, and muscle memory. The firer concentrates on the target and points the weapon in the general direction of the target. While gripping the handguards with the nonfiring hand he extends the index finger to the front, automatically aiming the weapon on a line towards the target.

(1)   Lethal Shot Placement. The lethal zone of the target is center mass between the waist and the chest. Shots in this area maximize the hydrostatic shock of the round (Figure 7-36). Due to the nature of SRC, soldiers must continue to engage targets until they go down.

(2)   Incapacitating Shot Placement (Figure 7-37). The only shot placement that guarantees immediate and total incapacitation is one roughly centered in the face, below the middle of the forehead and the upper lip, and from the eyes in. Shots to the side of the head should be centered between the crown of the skull and the middle of the ear opening, from the center of the cheekbones to the middle of the back of the head.

(1)   Controlled Pair. A controlled pair is two rounds fired in rapid succession. The soldier fires the first round and allows the weapon to move in its natural arc without fighting the recoil. The firer rapidly brings the weapon back on target and fires a second round. Soldiers must practice the “controlled pair” until it becomes instinctive. Controlled pairs should be fired at single targets until they go down. When multiple targets are present the soldier must fire a controlled pair at each target, then reengage any targets left standing. Rapid, aimed, semiautomatic fire is the most accurate method of engaging targets during SRC.

(2)   Automatic Fire. Automatic weapons fire may be necessary to maximize violence of action or gain fire superiority when gaining a foothold in a room, building, or trench. When properly trained, soldiers should be able to fire six rounds (two three-round bursts) in the same time it takes to fire a controlled pair. The accuracy of engaging targets can be equal to that of semiautomatic fire at 10 meters with practice. The key to firing a weapon on burst or automatic is to squeeze the trigger, not jerk it.

(3)   Failure Drill. To make sure a target is completely neutralized, soldiers should be trained to execute the failure drill. A controlled pair is fired at the lethal zone of the target, then a single shot to the incapacitating zone. This type of target engagement is particularly useful when engaging targets wearing body armor.

(1)   Each soldier will identify and engage the proper targets at ranges from 5 to 25 meters from the stationary position, while turning and walking. Soldiers must score a GO on the familiarization firing tables (Table 7-3 and Table 7-4) before attempting to qualify.

(2)   All tables are fired at night, with and without protective mask, and using automatic fire for familiarization. The tables are also fired using night vision devices. The standard for protective mask firing is 60 percent day and 50 percent night. Unit commanders should conduct training continually to first establish and then sustain levels of proficiency in reflexive firing.

(1)   Alternative methods include using multiple E-type silhouettes with different painted shapes (squares, triangles, and circles). The instructor calls out a shape for the firers to identify. On the command “READY, UP,” or at a whistle blast, the shooters quickly scan all three targets searching for the shape and engage using the controlled pair technique. This is repeated until one shape is mastered. Subsequently, a sequence of shapes are announced, and the firers engage accordingly.

(2)   Another variation is to paint a series of 3-inch circles on the E-type silhouettes. The instructors call out which circle to engage (for example, top left) and firers react accordingly. Marksmanship is emphasized using this technique.

(4)   A good technique for teaching soldiers target discrimination is to have them focus on the target’s hands. If a target is a threat, the first and most obvious indicator is a weapon in the target’s hands. This is also the center of the uniform, which soldiers should focus on. The soldier must mentally take a “flash picture” of the entire target because an armed target could possibly be a fellow soldier or other friendly, which is why soldiers train on uniforms (green or brown silhouettes). This level of target discrimination should not be trained until soldiers are thoroughly proficient in basic SRC and SRM tasks.

(1)   Instructors should vary commands and targets so that the soldier does not fall into a pattern. Intermixing “no fire” commands will add to realism.

(2)   A soldier will be scored as a “NO GO” if he fails to engage a target or engages a target other than the one called for by the instructor. Soldiers will complete a blank fire validation on this task before live firing. Soldiers will also receive a “NO GO” if at any time their weapon is pointed at another soldier or they fail to keep their weapon on safe before acquiring and engaging the targets. The first priority is always the safety of the soldier.

(3)   All soldiers must receive a “GO” on this task before SRM qualification. Targets must be scored and marked after each firing distance.

(1)   Foxhole Supported. The soldier must be able to successfully assume a proper supported position while firing from a foxhole. The trainer must ensure that the soldier has a good steady position. To accomplish this, the trainer must do the following:

(2)   Prone Unsupported. The trainer will have the soldier assume a good unsupported firing position, then check the same characteristics as with the supported firing position with the exception of the elbows, the nonfiring hand and the legs.

(3)   Follow-Through. Applying the fundamentals increases the chances of a well-aimed shot being fired. When mastered, additional skills can help to increase the accuracy of that well-aimed shot. One of these skills is follow-through.

(1)   Borelight Exercise. If the borelight is not available, the target-box exercise will be used. The borelight dry-fire exercise will provide continuous evaluation of the soldier throughout the integrated act of firing.

(2)   Target-Box Exercise. The target-box exercise checks the consistency of aiming and placement of three-round shot groups in a dry-fire environment. To conduct the exercise, the target man places the silhouette anywhere on a plain sheet of paper and moves the silhouette target as directed by the soldier. The two positions must have already been established so that the rifle is pointed at some place on the paper. Twenty-five meters separate the positions. When the soldier establishes proper aiming, he squeezes the trigger to signal to the target man that the shot was fired. The target man then marks through the silhouette with a pen or pencil at the center of mass of the target. The target man then moves the silhouette to another spot on the paper and tells the firer to repeat the process twice more to obtain a shot group. (A simulated shot group covered within a 1/2-centimeter circle indicates consistent aiming.) Since no rifle or ammunition variability is involved, and since there is no requirement to place the shot group in a certain location, a 1/2-centimeter standard may be compared to obtaining a 4-centimeter shot group on the 25-meter live-fire zero range.

(3)   Dime/Washer Drill. The use of the dime/washer drill is a very effective way of measuring the soldier’s trigger squeeze. Have the soldier take aim and squeeze the trigger. If the dime or washer remains in place then he has successfully squeezed the trigger. (The soldier must successfully obtain five out of five consecutive shot groups within 1 centimeter and without allowing the dime or washer to drop.) The trainer will make his own evaluation of the soldier’s performance and give the soldier a “GO” or “NO-GO.” If the soldier receives a “NO-GO,” the trainer recommends re-training, re-testing, or possible removal from the course.

(1)   Range Estimation Training. The SDM can use several different methods to determine range to the target to include the 100-meter unit-of-measure method, range card method, front sight post method, appearance of objects method, and the combination method.

(2)   Factors Affecting Range Estimation. Three factors affect range estimation: nature of the target, nature of the terrain, and light conditions.

• • Nature of the Target. An object of regular outline, such as a house, appears closer than one of irregular outline, such as a clump of trees. A target that contrasts with its background appears to be closer than it actually is. A partly exposed target appears more distant than it actually is.

• • Nature of the Terrain. As the observer’s eye follows the contour of the terrain, he tends to overestimate distant targets. Observing over smooth terrain, such as sand, water, or snow, causes the observer to underestimate distant targets. Looking downhill, the target appears farther away. Looking uphill, the target appears closer.

• Light Conditions. The more clearly a target can be seen, the closer it appears. When the sun is behind the observer, the target appears to be closer. When the sun is behind the target, the target is more difficult to see and appears to be farther away.

(3)   Elevation Knob Training. Elevation knob training is nothing more than being able to adjust the rear elevation knob to adjust for various ranges that the SDM will have to engage. The rear elevation knob adjusts the point of aim from 300 to 800 meters on the M16A2, and 300 to 600 meters on the M16A4 and M4. The soldier must take his weapon and determine how many adjustments (clicks) there are between the different range settings on his rear elevation adjustment knob (Tables 7-7 and 7-8). With this knowledge he can better determine his range settings for the different distances between the 100-meter adjustments.

(1)   Elevation. The SDM uses hold-off to hit a target at ranges other than the range for which the rifle is presently adjusted. When a soldier aims directly at a target at ranges greater than the set range, his bullet will hit below the point of aim. At lesser ranges, his bullet will hit higher than the point of aim. If the SDM understands this and knows about trajectory and bullet drop, he will be able to hit the target at ranges other than that for which the rifle was adjusted. For example, the SDM adjusts the rifle for a target located 500 meters downrange and another target appears at a range of 600 meters. The hold-off would be 25 inches; that is, the SDM should hold off 25 inches above the center of visible mass in order to hit the center of mass of that particular target. If another target were to appear at 400 meters, the SDM would aim 14 inches below the center of visible mass in order to hit the center of mass.

(2)   Windage. When firing during windy conditions and there is no time to make sight adjustments, the SDM must use hold- off to adjust for windage (Figure 7-40). When holding off, the SDM aims into the wind. If the wind is moving from the right to left, his point of aim is to the right. If the wind is moving from left to right, his point of aim is to the left. Constant practice in wind estimation can bring about proficiency in making sight adjustments or learning to apply hold-off correctly. If the SDM misses the target and the point of impact of the round is observed, he notes the lateral distance of his error and re-fires, holding off that distance in the opposite direction. Table 7-10, shows calculated adjusted aiming points based on wind speed.