Posted on May 11, 2015
marines-in-hawaii-see-drop-in-rifle-qualification-failures
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Marines in Hawaii see huge drop in rifle-qual failures
From: Marine Corps Times
Marines in Hawaii are using rubberized shooting mats on the rifle range, a comfort upgrade officials credit with dramatically reducing failures during annual marksmanship qualifications.
The Puuloa Range at Marine Corps Base Hawaii was notorious for its unpleasant, uneven surface, lack of grass and blood-red dirt that threw shots and stained Marines' uniforms. Marines who trained there were at a "clear disadvantage," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jordan Kramp, the range officer in charge.
"The condition of firing lines prohibited their ability to acquire foundational shooting positions," Kramp said. "Hardened, overly matted-down surfaces prevented Marines from acquiring proper positions for firing, [resulting in] both firing and support elbows sliding out during specific stages of fire."
The new mats were installed in January at the Puuloa Range's 200-, 300- and 500-yard firing lines. Early results suggest there could be about a 90 percent reduction in the number of Marines who fail their first qualification.
"They were so comfortable especially in the prone," said Cpl. Brittney Vella, a combat correspondent assigned to the base's Headquarters Battalion. "If you had rocks on your elbows it was difficult to have a stable base, so the mats helped us be stable and you felt like you connected with the ground a lot better."
Vella shot a 280, lower than the 295 she registered two years ago while attending boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, the last time she had to qualify. The recruit depot has a combination of natural and artificial surfaces, she explained. But compared to Hawaii before the installation of mats, Vella added, those surfaces were much more even. And without the mats, she's convinced she would have performed worse.
She attributed her lower score in part to a new and more challenging course of fire. As of this year, table 2 now emphasizes more combat-centric skills including shoot/no-shoot scenarios, photo-realistic targets, shot placement, and firing from long to short ranges as if closing with the enemy. Her group was the first to shoot the new course of fire which includes faster combat reloads that Marines are still getting used to, she said.
Several Marines who shot at Puuloa before and after the mats were installed improved markedly, Vella said. Some went from failing to qualify to qualifying with a respectable score. A recent news release highlighted the case of Pfc. Alexis Gooding, another member of the base's Headquarters Battalion. She failed her first rifle qual, scoring 86 out of 250. After the mats were installed, she shot expert because "I felt a lot more comfortable, and I could keep my hold."
Gooding scored a 325.
At first glance, the extra comfort may seem at odds with the service's steady march toward growing the amount of combat marksmanship training Marines receive. Officials want troops to train as they fight — and on the battlefield, it's likely Marines will be forced to shoot from uncomfortable or awkward positions while on the move.
In fact, proficiency in combat marksmanship must be built upon several fundamentals, including sight alignment, sight picture and trigger control. Those skills can be hard to master when the shooter is distracted because he or she is uncomfortable.
"A Marine who has a solid foundation of the fundamentals first will better be able to apply those skills in adverse conditions," said 1st Lt. Matt Rojo, a spokesman for Weapons Training Battalion in Quantico, Virginia, where the service's foremost weapons experts continually study the science of marksmanship.
Kramp, for one, sees a potential benefit in rolling out the mats across the entire Marine Corps, saying that doing so could help "standardize training across the entire marksmanship spectrum, to include more comparable data collection and comparison amongst range sites that conduct like training."
Rojo said there are no plans to do so, as each facility has a unique environment. "The solution, he said, "may not be the same on every range."
Indeed, some ranges have comfortable level grass, or a consistent artificial surface like concrete. And as Kramp notes, these mats are not the only means to help improve scores. Commands see gains when they allow for a solid "grass week," a little extra time for Marines to get reacquainted with ranges before they shoot for score. He also advocates for unit's to take advantage of indoor simulators, which the service is overhauling to enhance realism and integration between multiple shooters. On-site combat marksmanship coaches and trainers also are beneficial, he said.
Officials have not conducted a financial analysis to determine if the shooting mats used in Hawaii, which cost $200,000 to install, have reduced overall range costs. But the need for fewer re-qualifications will reduce the amount of ammunition and range time Marines need, both of which are expensive.
Leaders at Quantico said after their last marksmanship symposium that they are pursuing initiatives to reduce unnecessary range time as a cost cutting measure. That includes efforts to improve and increase virtual marksmanship training with more realistic next-generation simulators so that when Marines arrive at the range, their fundamentals are already solid and need only be honed.
Another long-term possibility is providing Marines with digital log books so they have an exact record of their range time, allowing them to focus during subsequent range sessions on those skills needing the most improvement.
The new rubberized mats seem to complement those efforts.
At the very least, they are getting positive reviews from individual Marines and possibly helping to save careers. As re-enlistment has become more competitive in recent years, marksmanship scores are closely scrutinized while deciding who is allowed to stay in the service.
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/2015/05/10/marines-in-hawaii-see-drop-in-rifle-qualification-failures/70939222/
From: Marine Corps Times
Marines in Hawaii are using rubberized shooting mats on the rifle range, a comfort upgrade officials credit with dramatically reducing failures during annual marksmanship qualifications.
The Puuloa Range at Marine Corps Base Hawaii was notorious for its unpleasant, uneven surface, lack of grass and blood-red dirt that threw shots and stained Marines' uniforms. Marines who trained there were at a "clear disadvantage," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jordan Kramp, the range officer in charge.
"The condition of firing lines prohibited their ability to acquire foundational shooting positions," Kramp said. "Hardened, overly matted-down surfaces prevented Marines from acquiring proper positions for firing, [resulting in] both firing and support elbows sliding out during specific stages of fire."
The new mats were installed in January at the Puuloa Range's 200-, 300- and 500-yard firing lines. Early results suggest there could be about a 90 percent reduction in the number of Marines who fail their first qualification.
"They were so comfortable especially in the prone," said Cpl. Brittney Vella, a combat correspondent assigned to the base's Headquarters Battalion. "If you had rocks on your elbows it was difficult to have a stable base, so the mats helped us be stable and you felt like you connected with the ground a lot better."
Vella shot a 280, lower than the 295 she registered two years ago while attending boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, the last time she had to qualify. The recruit depot has a combination of natural and artificial surfaces, she explained. But compared to Hawaii before the installation of mats, Vella added, those surfaces were much more even. And without the mats, she's convinced she would have performed worse.
She attributed her lower score in part to a new and more challenging course of fire. As of this year, table 2 now emphasizes more combat-centric skills including shoot/no-shoot scenarios, photo-realistic targets, shot placement, and firing from long to short ranges as if closing with the enemy. Her group was the first to shoot the new course of fire which includes faster combat reloads that Marines are still getting used to, she said.
Several Marines who shot at Puuloa before and after the mats were installed improved markedly, Vella said. Some went from failing to qualify to qualifying with a respectable score. A recent news release highlighted the case of Pfc. Alexis Gooding, another member of the base's Headquarters Battalion. She failed her first rifle qual, scoring 86 out of 250. After the mats were installed, she shot expert because "I felt a lot more comfortable, and I could keep my hold."
Gooding scored a 325.
At first glance, the extra comfort may seem at odds with the service's steady march toward growing the amount of combat marksmanship training Marines receive. Officials want troops to train as they fight — and on the battlefield, it's likely Marines will be forced to shoot from uncomfortable or awkward positions while on the move.
In fact, proficiency in combat marksmanship must be built upon several fundamentals, including sight alignment, sight picture and trigger control. Those skills can be hard to master when the shooter is distracted because he or she is uncomfortable.
"A Marine who has a solid foundation of the fundamentals first will better be able to apply those skills in adverse conditions," said 1st Lt. Matt Rojo, a spokesman for Weapons Training Battalion in Quantico, Virginia, where the service's foremost weapons experts continually study the science of marksmanship.
Kramp, for one, sees a potential benefit in rolling out the mats across the entire Marine Corps, saying that doing so could help "standardize training across the entire marksmanship spectrum, to include more comparable data collection and comparison amongst range sites that conduct like training."
Rojo said there are no plans to do so, as each facility has a unique environment. "The solution, he said, "may not be the same on every range."
Indeed, some ranges have comfortable level grass, or a consistent artificial surface like concrete. And as Kramp notes, these mats are not the only means to help improve scores. Commands see gains when they allow for a solid "grass week," a little extra time for Marines to get reacquainted with ranges before they shoot for score. He also advocates for unit's to take advantage of indoor simulators, which the service is overhauling to enhance realism and integration between multiple shooters. On-site combat marksmanship coaches and trainers also are beneficial, he said.
Officials have not conducted a financial analysis to determine if the shooting mats used in Hawaii, which cost $200,000 to install, have reduced overall range costs. But the need for fewer re-qualifications will reduce the amount of ammunition and range time Marines need, both of which are expensive.
Leaders at Quantico said after their last marksmanship symposium that they are pursuing initiatives to reduce unnecessary range time as a cost cutting measure. That includes efforts to improve and increase virtual marksmanship training with more realistic next-generation simulators so that when Marines arrive at the range, their fundamentals are already solid and need only be honed.
Another long-term possibility is providing Marines with digital log books so they have an exact record of their range time, allowing them to focus during subsequent range sessions on those skills needing the most improvement.
The new rubberized mats seem to complement those efforts.
At the very least, they are getting positive reviews from individual Marines and possibly helping to save careers. As re-enlistment has become more competitive in recent years, marksmanship scores are closely scrutinized while deciding who is allowed to stay in the service.
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/2015/05/10/marines-in-hawaii-see-drop-in-rifle-qualification-failures/70939222/
Marine Corps
Shooting (Sport)
Marksmanship
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 16
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This is good news. Table 1 is about the basics and fundamentals. There is a time to train as you fight, in flak and Kevlar and hot and dirty and uncomfortable. That time is after you know what 'right' looks like. You get that with comfy cammies, loop slings, known distances, minimal wind and yes, shooting mats. Crawl, walk run.
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Knowledge is POWER:
Marine Corps Combat Marksmanship Program (both rifle/pistol) courses of fire has changed since beginning 2013. With the exception of Table 1 Rifle; the old course of fire Tables 2, 3a, b, c, d and 4 a, b, c, d, has been modified to reflect NEW sequencing of Table 2 revised, 3, 4, 5, 6. Entry and Sustainment Level Pistol (ELP, SLP) has changed to Combat Pistol Program (CPP). for more info click https://www.facebook.com/events/ [login to see] 49724/
Regardless what i think about rubberized mats, here are the facts & WHY degrading or "beautifying" like-natural conditions to firing lines 200, 300, 500 yards is not feasible and cost ineffective for this area:
1. Due to fine red dirt (indigent to area), DEGRADING will create "muddier" condition with even the lightest rain. Degrade deep enough and there exist boulders size of SMART cars beneath... whole different ball of wax. Depending how often, depth of degrading requires Environmental Protection Agency survey, study, report (costing millions); area where this range resides is part of National Historical Registry.
2. Impossible to allow grass grow or natural vegetation due to high throughput of personnel: up to 300 shooters per week; every other week annually. There is no other ranges equipped on the islands of Hawaii to support the throughput and still meet marksmanship training standards across 17 tenant commands.
3. After comparing data from MC ranges with some level of artificial firing lines versus ranges that conduct like-training: those that shot on artificially modified firing lines reported higher Table 1 scores versus those firing on natural terrain. Therefore, those that shot aboard Puuloa Range were IN FACT at a disadvantage. There are over a dozen firing ranges (maybe more) in MC conducting like-training with artificially modified firing line (rubber, turf, asphalt, mat etc).
Being that shooters DO rely on Table 1 & 2 score for cutting score (40% weight), why not put the individual in the best position to maximize his/her performance on the firing line?
4. Crawl-Walk-Run: MC excels in its ability to train to standards. Standards designed to compliment progressive-based training continuum that results in meeting training standards, knowledge retention, and most importantly, ability to TEACH others what you've learned (Train-the-Trainer). Rifle Table 1 is NOT combat driven-it is FUNDAMENTAL driven. Table 1 is designed for you to Excel in the basics, establish a baseline of what it takes to succeed in fundamental marksmanship by standardizing as much VARIABLES as possible so you may focus sorely on mastering, honing, and excelling in the basics. Follow on tables of fire 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 geared toward providing effective fires on target while wearing gear, shooting from unorthodox positions, transition drills, engaging moving targets, shooting unknown distance, shooting with night sights, shooting & moving, multiple targets. In all these skill-sets, in order to succeed depends heavily on the level of skill-sets mastered or non-mastered during Table 1 FUNDAMENTAL marksmanship phase. Table 1 is CRAWL, Table 2-WALK, Table 3-6 RUN etc.
These modification to firing line does not appear to be counter productive to fundamental marksmanship training... it appears it may even enhance the reliability, survivability and LETHALITY on the battlefield. Does it really matter what firing platform an individual is providing fires from? A shooter can hang upside down from a branch, long has he/she can provide effective fires on target...at WILL is what matters. Thanks for Reading.
Marine Corps Combat Marksmanship Program (both rifle/pistol) courses of fire has changed since beginning 2013. With the exception of Table 1 Rifle; the old course of fire Tables 2, 3a, b, c, d and 4 a, b, c, d, has been modified to reflect NEW sequencing of Table 2 revised, 3, 4, 5, 6. Entry and Sustainment Level Pistol (ELP, SLP) has changed to Combat Pistol Program (CPP). for more info click https://www.facebook.com/events/ [login to see] 49724/
Regardless what i think about rubberized mats, here are the facts & WHY degrading or "beautifying" like-natural conditions to firing lines 200, 300, 500 yards is not feasible and cost ineffective for this area:
1. Due to fine red dirt (indigent to area), DEGRADING will create "muddier" condition with even the lightest rain. Degrade deep enough and there exist boulders size of SMART cars beneath... whole different ball of wax. Depending how often, depth of degrading requires Environmental Protection Agency survey, study, report (costing millions); area where this range resides is part of National Historical Registry.
2. Impossible to allow grass grow or natural vegetation due to high throughput of personnel: up to 300 shooters per week; every other week annually. There is no other ranges equipped on the islands of Hawaii to support the throughput and still meet marksmanship training standards across 17 tenant commands.
3. After comparing data from MC ranges with some level of artificial firing lines versus ranges that conduct like-training: those that shot on artificially modified firing lines reported higher Table 1 scores versus those firing on natural terrain. Therefore, those that shot aboard Puuloa Range were IN FACT at a disadvantage. There are over a dozen firing ranges (maybe more) in MC conducting like-training with artificially modified firing line (rubber, turf, asphalt, mat etc).
Being that shooters DO rely on Table 1 & 2 score for cutting score (40% weight), why not put the individual in the best position to maximize his/her performance on the firing line?
4. Crawl-Walk-Run: MC excels in its ability to train to standards. Standards designed to compliment progressive-based training continuum that results in meeting training standards, knowledge retention, and most importantly, ability to TEACH others what you've learned (Train-the-Trainer). Rifle Table 1 is NOT combat driven-it is FUNDAMENTAL driven. Table 1 is designed for you to Excel in the basics, establish a baseline of what it takes to succeed in fundamental marksmanship by standardizing as much VARIABLES as possible so you may focus sorely on mastering, honing, and excelling in the basics. Follow on tables of fire 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 geared toward providing effective fires on target while wearing gear, shooting from unorthodox positions, transition drills, engaging moving targets, shooting unknown distance, shooting with night sights, shooting & moving, multiple targets. In all these skill-sets, in order to succeed depends heavily on the level of skill-sets mastered or non-mastered during Table 1 FUNDAMENTAL marksmanship phase. Table 1 is CRAWL, Table 2-WALK, Table 3-6 RUN etc.
These modification to firing line does not appear to be counter productive to fundamental marksmanship training... it appears it may even enhance the reliability, survivability and LETHALITY on the battlefield. Does it really matter what firing platform an individual is providing fires from? A shooter can hang upside down from a branch, long has he/she can provide effective fires on target...at WILL is what matters. Thanks for Reading.
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Cpl Jeff N.
CWO2 (Join to see). Thanks for the detailed post with a lot of good information in it. Back in the day we only qualed on Table 1. There was no table 2 and beyond. I understand that table 1 and 2 are combined for weapon qualification now (My son explained the current process as he has gone through it a few times now while in the MC).
Tables 3+ are more training and development oriented (not part of rifle qual score but very good training). There should be a standard for rifle ranges in my opinion so all are on equal footing as rifle qual is prety important in cutting scores etc.
I always felt that the natural conditions you encountered on the range (weather, wind, the range itself) were all variables you needed to be able to adapt to and use your skill with your weapon to overcome not variables we needed to solve for or overcome by changing them. You could make an argument that we should cover the firing line (or enclose it) to take the weather variable out or put it indoors to take all variables out (I know, not a practical/realistic solution).
I can remembering hearing more than once, you get the conditions you get on qual day, adapt and perform or learn to live with it. There was, of course, weather conditions that woudl shut down the range. Twice I shot in conditions I would have considered poor (raining, cold and windy). I managed to execute thanks to a lot of good marksmanship training from shooting instructors, good basic fundamentals taught etc.
Tables 3+ are more training and development oriented (not part of rifle qual score but very good training). There should be a standard for rifle ranges in my opinion so all are on equal footing as rifle qual is prety important in cutting scores etc.
I always felt that the natural conditions you encountered on the range (weather, wind, the range itself) were all variables you needed to be able to adapt to and use your skill with your weapon to overcome not variables we needed to solve for or overcome by changing them. You could make an argument that we should cover the firing line (or enclose it) to take the weather variable out or put it indoors to take all variables out (I know, not a practical/realistic solution).
I can remembering hearing more than once, you get the conditions you get on qual day, adapt and perform or learn to live with it. There was, of course, weather conditions that woudl shut down the range. Twice I shot in conditions I would have considered poor (raining, cold and windy). I managed to execute thanks to a lot of good marksmanship training from shooting instructors, good basic fundamentals taught etc.
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CWO2 (Join to see)
Point well made & taken! I will be honest, has the general population MC demeanor/ gung-ho, go getter atitude changed from what it was 20yrs ago to today... ABSOLUTELY. in light of "restructuring"-fancy word for laying folks off, operating under budget forces subpar training among other things. What it really came down to is consolidate two ranges that previously privided rifle training, reinforce firing line to ensure it can sustain throughput. To be honest without ample reinforcement firing lines succomb to "pitting" caused by excessive shooter traffic. Concrete/asphalt cost double rubber mats, higher maintenance cost & required EPA approval. Bottom line something needed to be done, given available funding, long term maintenance plan, and meeting training standards.... Rubberized mats was best option given the situation.
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Like golf, if one course is fundamentally more difficult than another, you need to be aware of it, and adjust accordingly. We account for high altitudes for out PFT's. We adjust the firing line if we have data that shows they are adversely affecting the actual test.
We're not "lowering the standard." We're normalizing the courses so they are comparable. The last thing we want is someone to say a X at Hawaii is equal to an X+20 at Camp Pendleton.
We're not "lowering the standard." We're normalizing the courses so they are comparable. The last thing we want is someone to say a X at Hawaii is equal to an X+20 at Camp Pendleton.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Cpl Jeff N. Windage & weather are normal expected variables which Marines are trained for with Rifle Qualification. Major Range deviations are not. When the wind or weather exceed certain perimeters, they shut the range down, as it is not conducive to good training. Just like having a range that deviates significantly from all the other ranges is not conducive to good training.
We actually allow quite a bit of time for high altitude PFT (1.5 minutes) in addition to the acclimation time.
As for whether all bases get them, or just Hawaii. I don't know, however this is a Fleet Base, not an initial training one, so I'm leaning towards the USMC making a correction of an identified problem. "Why are scores dropping when people go to HI?" Research showed X. Try Y. Y fixed X. If X doesn't exist elsewhere, why invest in it?
As for regrating them, this may have been the most cost effective, and/or simplest solution.
We actually allow quite a bit of time for high altitude PFT (1.5 minutes) in addition to the acclimation time.
As for whether all bases get them, or just Hawaii. I don't know, however this is a Fleet Base, not an initial training one, so I'm leaning towards the USMC making a correction of an identified problem. "Why are scores dropping when people go to HI?" Research showed X. Try Y. Y fixed X. If X doesn't exist elsewhere, why invest in it?
As for regrating them, this may have been the most cost effective, and/or simplest solution.
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Cpl Joyce Milo McKinley
Cpl Jeff N. - I qualified at Kaneohe, 1987, and we didn't get a mat. If you can't qualify, you shouldn't be allowed a comfortable 'mat' as you aren't going to be able to bring it with you on deployments. SMH
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