San Diego -- The Marine Corps has a great history of battles fought. Marksmanship training contributed to the ability for Marines to be extremely effective against the enemy, which helped with accomplishing these great feats. During recruit training, recruits undergo numerous classes and practice sessions before they start applying these techniques on the shooting range.
Recruits of Company I, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, learned the proper shooting techniques and positions during Grass Week at Edson Range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. June 25.
The purpose of Grass Week is to teach recruits the basics of firing their M16-A4 service rifle to successfully qualify on the shooting range. It’s a requirement recruits must complete and show proficiency in to graduate recruit training.
“We have the recruits go through this training to build a basic shooting position foundation and muscle memory because if they don’t learn the basics they won’t have a stable position to shoot,” said Staff Sgt. Jason L. Fair, senior drill instructor, Platoon 3213, Co. I, 3rd RTBn. “For some of the recruits this is the first time they have ever handled a weapon so we want to ensure they are comfortable and confident when they have to do it on their own next week.”
Recruits learn during the week that firing from a proper shooting position is not as easy or comfortable as it may seem. This is why a full week is dedicated to training the recruits to ensure the proper techniques are instilled in them.
“I have seen and heard recruits talk about the difficulty getting their bodies adjusted and comfortable in the different positions,” said Recruit Mitchell D. Krasnican, Plt. 3213, Co. I, 3rd RTBn. “We’ve been taught to hold our bodies and hands a certain way but some try and do it their own way, which the primary marksmanship instructors keep correcting them on.”
Primary marksmanship instructors and drill instructors stress the importance of practicing and executing the proper techniques recruits are taught during the week. Becoming an expert shooter will not only help them in combat but also in the Marine Corps Fleet Marine Force.
“In the Fleet Marine Force, having a better rifle range score will help their overall composite score, which helps with their promotions,” said Fair, a six years straight high expert shooter. “In combat it will help them be effective in their unit and be able to not only defend themselves but the Marines to their left and right.”
Each phase of training recruits are taught a core element of the Marine Corps. Recruits started out learning discipline through drill and physical training. During grass week, recruits are challenged with becoming the best shooter that they can. Throughout history, the Corps has upheld the traditions of marksmanship at its highest level. The reason behind it is simple.
“Every Marine is a rifleman, it’s the backbone of the Marine Corps,” said Krasnican. “Everyone needs to be comfortable with a weapon whether you’re a cook or an infantryman.”