Marksmanship

Question 1

What Army publication covers marksmanship for the rifle and carbine?

Answer 1

TC 3-22.9

Question 2

When we talk about standard rifles and carbines in the Army, What weapons are we talking about?

Answer 2

M16 series (rifles and the M4 series carbines (para 2-1)

Question 3

Each soldier is responsible for placing accurate and effective fires on threat targets with their weapons. Name the three “Employment Skills discussed in in TC 3-22.9 and explain the difference.

Answer 3

(TC 3-22.9, Figure 1-1)

1. Accuracy- the ability to hit a desired target.
2. Precision- the ability to place a shot group at the desired point of impact.
3. Consistency- the ability to routinely achieve accurate and precise shots.

Question 4

The safe handling of weapons is built on what three components?

Answer 4

1. The Soldier- the soldier is the primary safety mechanism for all weapons under his/her control.
2. The weapon- the soldier must know the principles of operation, including all mechanical safeties.
3. The environment- the soldier must be aware of muzzle discipline, the nature of the target, and what is behind it.

Question 5

In order to safely and effectively handle weapons, Soldiers must be cognitively aware of what three distinct weapons handling measures?

Answer 5

(TC 3-22.9, para 1-3)

1. The rules of firearms safety
2. Weapons Safety Status (WSS)
3. Weapons Control Status (WCS)

Question 6

The weapons handling measures (rules of firearms safety, WSS, WCS) are designed to provide multiple fail safes through redundancy, so that a maximum level of safety is achieved in operational environments (training & Combat). As long as Soldiers abide by these measures, what would have to happen in order for negligent discharge to occur?

Answer 6

A soldier would have to violate two of the rules of firearms safety or violate a weapon safety status.

(TC 3-22.9, para 1-5)

Question 7

The “rules of firearms safety” apply to any weapon a soldier may employ. What are the four rules of Firearms Safety?

Answer 7

(TC 3-22.9, para 1-6 thru 1-14)

Rule#1. Treat every weapon as if it is loaded.
Rule#2. Never point the weapon at anything you don’t intend to destroy.
Rule#3. Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until ready to fire.
Rule#4. Ensure positive identification of the target and its surroundings.

Question 8

What is the most important safety feature on any weapon?

Answer 8

The soldier and/or operator.

TC 3-22.9, para 1-11

Question 9

If a weapon does not have a traditional mechanical SAFE, what becomes the primary safety?

Answer 9

The trigger finger.

TC 3-22.9,para 1-12

Question 10

Is a soldier responsible for what lies beyond a target?

Answer 10

Yes, the soldier is responsible for all bullets fired from their weapon, including the projectile’s final destination.
(TC 3-22.9, para 1-13)

Question 11

What is meant by Weapon Safety Status (WSS) and how is it coded?

Answer 11

(TC 3-22.9, para 1-15)

The readiness of a soldier’s weapon; common colors are used to represent the level of readiness for a given weapon.

Question 12

Explain three different colors of WSS and what they mean.

Answer 12

(TC 3-22.9, para 1-18 thru 1-20)

1. Green- magazine is removed, chamber is empty, bolt is locked open or forward, selector on safe.
2. Amber- magazine inserted, chamber empty, bolt forward, ejection port cover closed, selector on safe.
3. Red- magazine inserted, round in chamber, bolt forward and locked, ejection port closed, selector on safe.

Question 13

Weapons Control Status (WCS) defines when a firer is authorized to engage a threat target. Describe the three levels of WCS.

Answer 13

(TC 3-22.9, Table 1-2)

1. Weapons Hold- Engage only if engaged or ordered to engage.
2. Weapons Tight- Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
3. Weapon Free- Engage targets not positively identified as friendly.

Question 14

The Army strives to provide Soldiers with the skills and tools necessary to create an “overmatch” situation on the battlefield. What is meant by the overmatch?

Answer 14

(TC 3-22.9, para 1-25)

Overmatch is an “unfair advantage” in favor of the soldier and is based on the Soldier’s training, the fielding of equipment that leaverages technology, and the application of proper force.

Question 15

Describe the M16/M4 series weapons.

Answer 15

(TC 3-22.9, para 2-1)

They are light-weight, 5.56 mm, magazine-fed, gas operated, air cooled, shoulder fired rifles or carbines that are capable of firing in a variety of modes, depending on the model.

Question 16

The M16 and M4 series weapon consist of what two major components?

Answer 16

(TC 3-22.9, para 2-3)

The upper receiver and the lower receiver!!!

Question 17

What part of the upper receiver is designed to reduce the signature of the weapon during firing and to reduce barrel movement off-target during firing?

Answer 17

(TC 3-22.9, para 2-4)

The “flash hider” or “compensator”.

Question 18

An ARS is mounted to the upper receiver. What is an ARS?

Answer 18

(TC 3-22.9, para 2-4&4-1)

Adapter Rail System- it is used to alllow the attachment of weapons, aiming devices, and accessories.

Question 19

What are some of the primary differences between the M-16 and M4 series weapons?

Answer 19

• The M16A2 fires in the SEMI and 3 round burst modes and has a 20” barrel.
• The M16A3 is just like the M16A2 but it fires in the SEMI and AUTO modes.
• The M16A4 is just like the M16A2 except that it has an M5 Adapter Rail System (ARS) and a detachable carrying handle.
• The M4 is similar to the M16 in design but has a shorter barrel (14.5”) and shorter handguards, a detachable carrying handle, and a collapsible (four-position) buttstock. Like the M16A2, it can be fired in the SEMI and BURST modes.
• The M4A1 is just like the M4 but is fully automatic.

Question 20

What is mean by the term “cycle of functioning” of a weapon?

Answer 20

(TC 3-22.9, para 2-8)

It is the mechanical process a weapon follows during operation.