SAN DIEGO -- The Marine Corps is not only taking advantage of advancing technology on big ticket equipment such as tanks, aircraft and amphibious vehicles, but it is also taking advantage on personal equipment as well by transitioning the M16-A4 service rifle from iron sights to a rifle combat optic scope.
Traditionally, every Marine was trained using iron sights. These are the metal alignments used to assist shooters when they aim in at their targets. Successful marksman use proper rear and front sight alignment to ensure their rounds hit the target. The rear sight is mounted perpendicular to the line of the front sight and is used to adjust windage and elevation. During recruit training, recruits are taught how to maneuver these sights to make an accurate shot.
Using the new RCO increases the percentage that rounds hit their intended targets. Recruits at the depots are taking advantage of this new rifle combat optic, which magnifies the target during sighting in.
These scopes attach to the rifle where the rear sight aperture was located. Instead of using the front sight post to aim at the target, shooters learn to use a red chevron that appears in the RCO scope.
When deployed, every Marine is issued a service rifle with the new sights.
“Recruits learn the basics on how to operate the rifle while at recruit training,” said Sgt. Justin Riungel, primary marksman instructor, Edson Range, Weapons and Field Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Every year Marines are required to qualify on the M16-A4 service rifle. While many recruits were able to shoot expert, the highest qualification, they are more likely to achieve it with the improved sights.
“Once the recruits reach the Fleet Marine Force, they are able to enhance their skills with the rifle,” said Riungel, a 25-year-old Scio, Ohio, native.
Although the target seems larger with the RCO, the fundamentals of shooting remain the same and are paramount to effectively firing the weapon.
“The fundamentals for shooting the rifle are the same with the RCO or without it,” said Riungel. “These recruits are the future of our Corps, and it’s vital that we make sure they are properly trained with the rifle.”
While most Marines have different military occupational specialties, which do not require firing the rifle, they are still expected as Marines to be a basic rifleman