R 171851Z MAY 22
MARADMIN 257/22
MSGID/GENADMIN/CG TECOM QUANTICO VA//
SUBJ/FY22 COMBAT MARKSMANSHIP SYMPOSIUM (CMS) POST SYMPOSIUM MESSAGE//
REF/A/MCO 3574.2L/04SEP2014//
REF/B/MCO 3591.2L//
REF/C/MCRP 8-10B.2 RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP//
REF/D/MCRP 8-10B.3 PISTOL MARKSMANSHIP//
REF/E/CMS CHARTER/NOVEMBER 2021//
NARR/REF A IS THE MARINE CORPS ORDER FOR THE MARINE CORPS COMBAT MARKSMANSHIP PROGRAMS (MCCMP). REF B IS THE MARINE CORPS ORDER FOR THE COMPETITION IN ARMS PROGRAM. REF C IS THE MARINE CORPS REFERENCE PUB FOR RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP. REF D IS THE MARINE CORPS REFERENCE PUB FOR PISTOL MARKSMANSHIP. REF E IS THE CMS CHARTER WHICH CAN BE VIEWED AT HTTPS:SLASH SLASH TRNGCMD.MARINES.MIL/UNITS/NORTHEAST/WEAPONS-TRAINING-BATTALION//
POC1/J. COSTA/GUNNER, CWO4/UNIT: WTBN QUANTICO, MPMS/TEL: 703 784-5161/EMAIL: JOHN.COSTA2@USMC.MIL//
POC2/G.J. BENSINGER/GS12/UNIT: WTBN QUANTICO, MPMS/TEL: 703-784-5217/EMAIL: GERY.BENSINGER@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. CG, TECOM serves as the sponsor for the Marine Corps Combat Marksmanship Program (MCCMP). CG, TRNGCMD staffs and distributes products developed by MCCMP proponent. CO, WTBn, Quantico, serves as the marksmanship proponent; responsible for oversight of the MCCMP to include maintaining the MCCMP order, development, maintenance, and update of all master lesson files and other supporting documentation for conducting marksmanship training throughout the Marine Corps.
2. WTBn, Quantico hosted the FY22 CMS from 10-14 January 2022. The CMS provides a forum where authorized decision makers representing the operating forces, supporting establishment, entry-level training continuum, and HQMC meet to identify and discuss issues and offer recommended solutions to improve combat marksmanship. This symposium serves to consolidate combat marksmanship issues and provides senior leadership a true picture of the Marine Corps current state of marksmanship.
3. For FY22, the following working groups (WG) convened: WG1-Weapons, WG2-Range and Facilities, WG3-Institutional Marksmanship Programs, WG4-Competition In Arms Program, WG5-Simulations and Distance Learning, and WG6-Infantry Marksmanship.
4. WGs discussed the items below and then briefed the Executive Steering Committee (ESC) who, with guidance from CG, TRNGCMD and CG, TECOM, approved each item as appropriate for action.
4.a. WG1 discussed a more efficient method to communicate the authorized weapons, optics, and equipment for annual marksmanship qualifications. The WG recommended to the ESC that WTBn Quantico draft a final MARADMIN that cancels previous messages concerning this topic and provides information on where to find authorized weapons configurations. The ESC concurred with the recommendation.
4.b. WG2 provided an update to the CMS concerning MCAS Miramar, MCB Okinawa, and MCAS Cherry Point range facilities and their ability to execute the standard Annual Rifle Qualification (ARQ) course of fire. Miramar is no longer operational due to target system inaccuracy. Okinawa continues to work toward a military construction project that will solve its facility issue. Cherry Point requested support from TECOM Range and Training Area Management to certify a probabilistic Surface Danger Zone that will support the standard ARQ course of fire. Cherry Point and Okinawa will continue to operate under an approved course of fire modification, and "Range and Training Program Division in concert with PMTRASYS are actively addressing Miramar's issues through various means.
4.c. WG3 reviewed ARQ course of fire statistical results from the first quarter of FY22 and found that, overall, Marines’ performance surpassed expectations. CG, TRNGCMD directed WTBn Quantico to develop and test methods of engaging threats while on the move, engaging moving threats, and engaging moving threats while the shooter moves.
4.c.1. WG3 further discussed marksmanship data collection methods. The WG believes there is a requirement to automate data collection in order to analyze shooter performance and overall effectiveness of the marksmanship program. WTBn, Quantico will do a cost comparison of available automated data collection methods and provide the results to the ESC for decision by the FY23 CMS.
4.c.2. The above topic led to a further conversation concerning preparatory training for ARQ. The WG believes that commanders should be able to see how their Marines perform and whether conducting preparatory training influences the results. The WG recommended that a survey be conducted post-qualification. WTBn, Quantico will develop and conduct the survey.
4.d. WG4 had no initiatives requiring higher-level decision this year. The WG lead provided a general information brief regarding the Marine Corps Competition In Arms Program as well as a status update of the Draft MCO 3591.2L.
4.e. WG5 provided the CMS general information about planned Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer upgrades as related to the new ARQ and the status of the Advanced Small Arms Lethality Trainer (ASALT) fielding. The Synthetic Training Integration and Management Branch (STIMB) of TECOM and the Program Manager, Training Systems (PMTRASYS) representatives stated that they would provide a plan of action and milestones (POA&M) for the upgrades to Formal Marksmanship Training Unit (FMTU) facilities through TECOM / Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM). Additionally, TECOM requests MARCORSYSCOM coordinate with installations / MEFs to identify facility requirements and physical locations for ASALT.
4.f. WG6, The Infantry Marksmanship WG, was new for the FY22 CMS and was initiated by the Marksmanship Program Management Director to address marksmanship-related issues specific to the 0300 occupational field. CG, TRNGCMD selected the Advanced Marksmanship Training Program (AMTP) in December 2021 as the marksmanship training method for the Infantry Marine Course (IMC). The first item that the WG discussed was how best to support both Schools of Infantry (SOI) as they implement the AMTP into the IMC. AMTP requires in-depth instructor marksmanship knowledge and capabilities. Therefore, the WG developed a phased-approach to meet the TRNGCMD CG’s intent and allow for anticipated expansion of the program. For Phase 1, CG, TRNGCMD directed WTBn, Quantico to stand up an AMTP train-the-trainer cadre to support both SOI East and West instructors. Phase 2 will consist of drafting updates to the Marine Corps Reference Publications for marksmanship. Phase 3 will see the validation of a final program of instruction for AMTP. Finally, Phase 4 encompasses further implementation of AMTP (possibly within Advanced Infantry Training Battalions and infantry units).
4.f.1. The WG also discussed the need to gather data that would determine retention of skills attained through AMTP for IMC graduates now stationed within the Fleet Marine Force and reserve component. WTBn, Quantico will coordinate with the Office of Naval Research to develop a test that will determine skill retention.
4.f.2. The third topic of the WG introduced modifications to the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle. The MARCORSYSCOM representative informed the WG that the proposed modifications would require further testing and that there are ongoing parallel efforts to upgrade the M27. Due to the holistic nature of these efforts, the WG did not propose recommendations for the M27 modifications. The WG determined that another forum such as the Gunner Symposium may be better-suited to address this topic.
5. WTBn, Quantico will act on the items in section 4 of this message. Where necessary and appropriate, WTBn, Quantico will coordinate with other commands to accomplish these efforts.
6. The CMS met its intent to gain a clear picture of the current state of Marine Corps marksmanship and the steps needed to improve the program. The next iteration of the CMS will occur 17-21 October 2022 for FY23. WTBn, Quantico will draft a calling message for submission of topics for the FY23 CMS during the third quarter of FY22. WTBn, Quantico will socialize CMS action item updates via the WTBn Quantico website, listed above, on a quarterly basis.
7. Contact the POC(s) listed above for any questions or to obtain copies of the references if unable to view on the WTBn, Quantico website.
8. Release authorized by Lieutenant General Kevin M. Iiams, Commanding General, Training and Education Command//