M4 Preliminary Marksmanship Training

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M4 Preliminary Marksmanship Training
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Weapons Maintenance

• Things Youll Need
• A barber's brush or half-inch paint brush
• Clean rags
• Cotton swabs
• Tooth brush
• Barrel rods
• Barrel brush
• Barrel swabs
• M4 approved gun oil(CLP, Break Free, Hoppes Gun
  Cleaner)

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Weapons Maintenance

• Cleaning and Inspection A weapon can fail to
  fire or become sluggish in operation because of
  overly dirty, broken or worn parts.

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Weapons Maintenance

• Clear the rifle in a safe direction and
  disassemble the rifle.
• Clean the barrel, chamber and upper receiver pay
  special attention to the star chamber. Use spray
  solvent to remove debris. Dry the barrel when
  finished and before firing.
• Clean the lower receiver check for foreign
  materials in trigger group
• Clean the bolt carrier insure there is no carbon
  build-up.
• Clean the bolt and insure there is no carbon
  build-up on the end of the bolt.
• Clean the extractor and insure there no carbon
  build-up on the extractor groove.

• Clean the buffer tube, buffer and buffer
  spring.
• Inspect the gas rings for excessive wear
  visually inspect their size by comparing them to
  the rings from another rifle. Insure the slots
  on the three rings are not aligned. If they are
  aligned, gas can bleed off resulting in a failure
  to fully cycle.
• Inspect the ejector to insure the spring works
  properly and no foreign matter is present. Use
  empty shell casing to see if it functions
  properly.
• Inspect the extractor by dragging the extractor
  groove corners across the back of the hand to
  insure edges are sharp. Check extractor groove
  to insure it is not excessively worn.

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Weapons Maintenance

• Clean and check the magazines for damage and
  excessive wear look for cracks or bending in the
  feed lips or bottom plate lips.
• It is useful to have a small tool kit at the
  squad or platoon level will aid in performing
  user-level inspections and cleaning.

• Inspect the extractor spring for height and
  excessive wear. The rubber buffer should be
  present inside the spring.
• Check the buffer spring for size by comparing it
  to the springs in other rifles. If it is too
  short or worn out, replace it.
• Check the feed ramps in the barrel for excessive
  wear.

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Oil and lubrication

• It is important to lubricate the rifle
• WHY?

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Oil and lubrication

• It is important to lubricate the rifle
• WHY?
• Lack of lubrication cause the weapon to perform
  poorly resulting in a rough trigger, failure to
  cycle, excessive build-up of residue and undo
  wear on the rifle parts.

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Oil and lubrication

• It is important not to over-lubricate the rifle.
• WHY?

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Oil and lubrication

• It is important not to over-lubricate the rifle.
• WHY?
• Excess oil collects dirt, can be blown into your
  face during firing, and can cause hydrostatic
  pitting in the barrel when firing.

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Oil and lubrication

• Oil the wear rails on the bolt carrier with a
  small bead of oil, oil the locking lugs on the
  bolt, and install the bolt carrier.
• Lubricate the rear of the trigger with a small
  spot of weapons grade lithium grease (an un-oiled
  trigger can almost double the trigger pull).
• Lubricate the steel of the weapon so it will
  not rust.

• It is important to Prepare Your Rifle for Firing
  by insuring it is lubricated and has a clean /
  dry barrel
• Oil the bolt wear ring, and assemble the bolt and
  carrier.
• Place two drops of oil on the charging handle and
  install.

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Rigging

• Why do we attach items to our rifle? Every item
  attached to the rifle should enhance the rifles
  performance, it is important to know the purpose
  and function of each item.
• Slings Why?

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Rigging

• Weapon lights Generally mounted on the strong
  side of the weapon for shooting around obstacles
  and to avoid the sling carry spare batteries.
• Lasers Mounted on top of the barrel is usually
  the best option and most efficient for zeroing.
• Forward Vertical Grip Mounted as far forward as
  possible. This will better aid in its use to
  support/control the rifle as taught in rifle
  fundamentals.
• Back-up Iron Sights Need to be mounted on every
  rifle they are a back up until they are a primary

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Rigging/Optics

• Optics
• Spare batteries need to be carried (the pistol
  grip or other suitable location).
• Trijicon ACOG eye relief is 1 to 1¼ inch.
• CCOs should be mounted as far rearward as
  possible for the widest field of view.
• Check to insure the CCO is not canted this will
  affect zeroing and adjustments.
• Mark optics and other add-on items with paint
  marks so you can easily spot a loose screw or
  mount.

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Malfunctions

• Cycles of Function
• Firing The trigger is pulled releasing the
  hammer, which hits the firing pin, striking the
  primer and discharging the rifle.
• Unlocking Gas tapped from the barrel through the
  gas tube is redirected to the bolt carrier key.
  This pushes the carrier to the rear, and unlocks
  the bolt from the barrel extension via the cam
  pin moving in the carrier cam surface.
• Extracting The rim of the expended cartridge
  case is grasped by the claw on the extractor on
  one side, while pressure is exerted on the
  opposite side of the case by the ejector. With
  this, the case is pulled from the chamber.
• Ejecting Once the case is extracted and clears
  the barrel extension, the ejector forcefully
  pushes the case, as the extractor continues to
  pull it to the rear. This push-pull of the
  ejector-extractor expels the case from the rifle.
  

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Malfunctions

• Cycles of Function Continue.
• Cocking The bolt and bolt carrier moving to the
  rear, cocks the hammer via the underside of the
  rear of the carrier.
• Feeding The bolt and bolt carrier, after moving
  fully to the rear, comes forward (counter
  recoil), and strips a fresh cartridge from the
  feed lips of the magazine.
• Chambering After stripping a fresh cartridge,
  the bolt and carrier continue forward pushing the
  cartridge up the feed ramps and into the chamber.
• Locking The pressure of the action spring push
  the carrier completely forward, and the cam
  surface engages the cam pin, turning the bolt,
  locking it into the barrel extension, and
  snapping the extractor around the case rim.

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Malfunctions

• What are the most common types of malfunctions?
• Failure to Cycle resulting in any of the
  following malfunctions.
• Failure to Fire resulting in a Squeeze / Click on
  a live round with the bolt forward.
• Failure to Extract resulting in a live round
  jammed behind a spent cartridge that remained
  lodged in the chamber and the bolt partially to
  the rear.
• Failure to Eject resulting in a spent cartridge
  and a live round jammed in the receiver with the
  bolt partially to the rear.

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Malfunctions

• Failure to Eject resulting in a Bolt Override a
  spent cartridge jammed between the charging
  handle and the top of the bolt with the bolt
  partially to the rear. Pressure from the buffer
  spring presses the bolt forward onto the spent
  cartridge, which is pushed into the forward
  portion of the charging handle. If you pull back
  on the charging handle, the bolt carrier group,
  the spent cartridge and the charging handle move
  to the rear as a group. Generally, the bolt will
  not lock to the rear and can only be pulled to
  the rear a short distance.
• Failure to Feed resulting in a Squeeze / Click on
  an empty chamber with the bolt forward.
• Failure to Feed resulting in a Double Feed two
  live rounds jammed in the receiver with the bolt
  partially to the rear.

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Malfunctions

• What are our actions when we detect a
  malfunction?
• Slap the Magazine
• Pull charging handle to the rear
• Observe ejection of round (if weapon fails to
  eject round, immediately seek remedial action.
• Release the charging handle do not ride it
  forward.
• Tap the forward assist assembly to ensure the
  bolt closes.
• Squeeze the trigger and try to fire the rifle

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Load Procedures

• a. Point the carbine muzzle in a safe direction.
• b. Cock the carbine (this also opens the bolt).
• c. Place the selector lever on SAFE.
• d. Open the bolt and check the chamber to ensure
  it is clear.
• e. Insert the magazine, pushing it upward until
  the magazine catch
• f. Tap upward on the bottom of the magazine to
  ensure that it is seated.
• g. Chamber a round.
• h. Place the selector lever on the desired mode
  of fire.
• i. If the weapon is not to be fired immediately,
  place selector lever on SAFE and close the
  ejection port cover.

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Unload Procedures

• 1. Remove the magazine.
• a. Point the rifle muzzle in a safe direction.
• b. Place the selector lever on SAFE (if the
  weapon is not cocked, you cannot place the
  selector lever on SAFE).
• c. Remove the magazine from the rifle.
• 2. Remove ammunition.
• a. Lock the bolt open and return the charging
  handle forward.
• b. Check the receiver and chamber for ammunition.
  Remove any ammunition present.
• c. Press the bottom of the bolt catch, allowing
  the bolt to go forward.
• d. Place the selector lever on SAFE.

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Rifle Marksmanship

• U.S. Army does not advocate any rifle fire other
  than well-aimed, deliberate fire.
• Repeated combat experience has demonstrated that
  a single, well-aimed, rapidly fired shot is by
  far, more effective than numerous rounds, rapidly
  fire in the direction of the enemy.
• As the saying goes, You cannot miss fast
  enough.
• Advanced rifle marksmanship is nothing more than
  mastering the basics of well-aimed, deliberate
  fire.
• If you master your ability (potential) for rapid,
  aimed fire in training, you will be able to fire
  accurately and as fast as you need to in combat.

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Rifle Marksmanship

• The background components of rifle marksmanship
  (or for that matter, any task) are the answers to
  a few reasonably selected questions that define
  the task. For rifle marksmanship, we will use
  the following questions.
•  
• What type of rifle marksmanship are we concern
  with and how does assault rifle marksmanship
  differ from other types?
• What are we trying to accomplish with assault
  rifle fire?
• What are the capabilities of the rifle?
• What is the primary factor that affects the
  strike of the round?
• What are our goals in manipulating the rifle?
• What are the fundamentals of Rifle Marksmanship
  and how do they assist us?

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Rifle Marksmanship

• What are the fundamentals of Rifle Marksmanship
  and how do they assist us?
• Steady Position
• Aiming
• Breath Control
• Trigger Squeeze
• Follow Through this one is added to address
  what concerns or issues?

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Rifle Marksmanship
Steady Position

• Natural Point of Aim
• Square to the Target
• Extended Stock
• Rifle Butt Position
• Non-firing Hand
• Firing Handgrip

• Firing Elbow Placement
• Non-firing Elbow
• Cheek-to-Stock Weld
• Support (Mag on ground)
• Muscle Relaxation

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Rifle Marksmanship

• Aiming
• Sight Alignment Iron sight or optical / reticle
• Focus of the Eye Iron sight or optical /
  reticle
• Sight Picture
• Front Sight

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Rifle Marksmanship

• Breath Control
• Natural Respiratory Pause
• Stop Breathing verses Holding Breathe

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Rifle Marksmanship

• Trigger Squeeze
• Trigger Finger
• Squeeze Dealing with wobble, recoil
  anticipation and jerking the trigger
• Hold Leads into Follow Through
• Reset

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Rifle Marksmanship

• Follow Through
• Evaluate the Shot
• Evaluate the Situation
• Prepare for Follow-on Shots

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Rifle Marksmanship
Maintaining Center Mass Aim (200m Zero)
Crotch Level Aim (300m Zero)
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Aim Center Mass
25 meter zero, target at 100 Meters
200 Meter Zero, target at 100 Meters
7 High
3 High
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Aim Center Mass
25 meter zero, target at 200 Meters
200 Meter Zero, target at 200 Meters
7 High
Center
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Aim Center Mass
25 meter zero, target at 300 Meters
200 Meter Zero, target at 300 Meters
Center
10 Low
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Rifle Marksmanship

• The trigger pullers will close and destroy enemy,
  usually from within 100-200 meters
• Still a need for Long Range Marksman/Squad
  Designated Sniper, for support and SKTs.

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Zero
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Positions
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Positions
Prone
Feet
Mag on ground
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Kneeling

• (a) Kneel on your right knee while facing the
  target, with your left hand on the magazine and
  your right grasping the rifle' s pistol grip.
• (b) Place your left foot about .45 meter (18
  inches) to your left front, with your toes
  pointing in the general direction of the target.
• (c) Keeping your right toe in place, sit on your
  right heel.
• (d) Place your left elbow forward of your left
  knee, resting the flat portion of your upper arm
  on your knee.
• (e) Move the rifle butt into the pocket of your
  right shoulder, pulling the rifle pistol grip
  with your right hand.
• (f) With your left hand on the rifle magazine,
  place your left forefinger in the trigger guard
  of the grenade launcher.
• (g) Pull the rifle firmly into your shoulder.
• (h) Pull your right elbow in close to your body
  to help you apply rearward pressure to the
  weapon.

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Kneeling
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Standing
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Barricade
2 Difference
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Barricade
2 Difference
HUMMV Lift Hook
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Night fire

• Mounting/sight adjustments
• zeroing techniques
• Grouping

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Night Firing

• Safety Aiming lasers can permanently damage or
  blind the human eye. For this reason,
  precautions are taken to insure the laser is
  never pointed at an individual that is not an
  enemy combatant.
• If the laser must be pointed at an individual for
  security reasons (civilian or enemy combatant),
  caution is taken to insure the laser is not
  pointed at the individuals face.
• A laser is never intentionally pointed at the
  face of any individual.
• Treat all lasers as loaded weapons do not point
  lasers at anyone or anything unless you intend to
  engage.
• Ensure the laser is off when not in use and
  consider removing the batteries for longer
  periods of storage.

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AN/PEQ-2

• There are two adjustable lasers on the PEQ2 the
  right side laser is an aiming laser with a Low
  and High setting, the left side laser is a
  variable illuminator with a Low and High setting.
• Locking screw - ensure the screw is tight and
  mark with a paint pen so you can make a quick
  reference to ensure that it has not come lose.

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AN/PEQ-2

• Lens caps or diffusers - These caps protect the
  lens of the laser from dust and other objects.
  There are different lens covers that offer shapes
  for the laser as well.
• Batteries and battery caps - the PEQ2 uses 2 AA
  batteries, maker sure that the caps are tight.
  If the PEQ2 is stored with the batteries in, it
  will reduce the spring tension, this cause the
  laser to turn off after every shot.
• On/Off Push Button - push one time and the laser
  will turn on for approximately 3 seconds and then
  turn off. Push the button 2 times consecutively
  and it will stay on continuous.
• All adjustments are 1½ MOA.

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Modes

• OFF - The AN/PEQ-2A will not operate.
• AIM LO - The aiming beam operates at low power.
  Low power is useful to reduce night vision device
  blooming of the aiming spot on close targets. It
  is also useful for training because the beam
  power meets the criteria of an eye-safe laser.
• DUAL LO - The Aiming beam operates at low power
  and the illuminating beam operates at low power.
  Low power aiming and illuminating is useful to
  reduce the effects of blooming when engaging
  targets at close range.

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Modes

• AIM HI - The aiming beam operates at high power.
  Hi power is useful for aiming or pointing at
  distant targets.
• DUAL LO/HI - The aiming beam operates at low
  power and the illumination beam operates at full
  power. The DUAL mode enables a target to be
  illuminated and fired upon using an aiming beam.
• DUAL HI/HI - The aiming beam operates at high
  power and the illumination beam operates at full
  power.

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Co-Witness

• This technique is a field expedient method of
  zero that can only be done if the weapon with
  optic, is zeroed.
• This method of zero will give point of aim, point
  of impact at the desired zeroed distance.
• If the weapon and optic has a zero at 200m then
  the laser will be point of point of impact at
  200m.
• (Remember the effectiveness of the NVGs and the
  most likely engagement distance in theater)

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Co-Witness

• This process only takes a few seconds with NVGs
  on, look through the optic turning the brightness
  down so it is visible, turn the laser on and
  locate the laser through the optic, move the
  laser up/down and/or left/right until it sits
  directly on top of the red dot of the optic.
• This needs to be done out to distance. All you
  need is a definitive aiming point allowing you to
  hold so the laser can be moved to the optic.

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Co-Witness

• Simply put, you will make your laser point at the
  same thing as your daytime optic.
• Battle buddy system is the best way to do this.

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AN/PVS 14

• Monocular night vision devise that be worn over
  either non-firing or firing eye.
• If worn over non-firing eye, this will provide
  the ability to use the red dot optic in a lighted
  area with out having to flip the 14s up and out
  of the way.
• Worn over the firing eye, this will provide the
  possibility to look through the 14s and the
  optic at the same time to engage targets without
  a laser.

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AN/PVS 14

• The 14s have 2 focus rings one closest to the
  eye is use to set the focus to the strength the
  eye based on the individuals vision.
• The second focus ring is for range or depth of
  visibility.
• To focus the ANPVS 14, it will take some minor
  adjustments to find the clearest field of view.
• The small knob on the front of the PVS14 is the
  gain. This controls the brightness of the tube
  itself.

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M4 Preliminary Marksmanship Training

• Questions
• ?

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M4 Preliminary Marksmanship Training

• Trigger Squeeze drills (Dime/Washer)
• Steady Position Drills
• 50 ready up drills to each side
• Magazine change drills