Military

a.   Accurate Initial Burst. Obtaining an accurate initial burst of fire on the target is essential to good marksmanship. This requires the gunner to estimate range to the target, set the sights, and apply the fundamentals of marksmanship while engaging targets.

b.   Adjustment of Fire. The gunner must observe the strike of the rounds when the initial burst is fired. If not on target, he manipulates the T&E mechanism until the rounds do strike the target. The assistant gunner must be proficient in observing the strike of rounds and in observing and using tracers so the gunner can rapidly relay the machine gun on the target for engagement.

c.   Speed. Speed is also essential to good marksmanship; it is attained by practice in both dry-fire and live-fire exercises. It is an acquired skill gained through extensive training that combines other skills when delivering fire. Speed should not be stressed to the detriment of accuracy.

a.   Preliminary Gunnery. In this phase, the gunner learns and demonstrates proficiency on individual skills that prepare him to fire live ammunition. This includes mastering mechanical training, the four fundamentals of marksmanship, T&E manipulation, sight adjustments, crew drill, and fire commands.

b.   Basic Gunnery. In this phase, the gunner applies the fundamentals in live-fire exercises during day and night conditions. This includes zeroing, 10-meter firing with crew drill, field zeroing, and transition firing with crew drill.

c.   Advanced Gunnery. In this phase, gunners are trained on combat techniques of fire, techniques of employment, and live-fire exercise during NBC conditions.

a.   Leaders implement training strategies for machine gun marksmanship in TRADOC institutions (IET, NCOES, IOBC, and IOAC) and in units. The overall training strategy is multifaceted and is inclusive of the specific strategies used in institution and unit programs. Also included are the supporting strategies that use resources such as publications, ranges, ammunition, training aids, devices, simulators, and simulations. These strategies focus on developing critical soldier skills and leader skills that are required for the intended outcome.

b.   The training strategies contain two components: initial training and sustainment training. Both may include individual and collective skills. Initial training is critical because a task that is taught correctly and learned well is retained longer. When an interim of nonuse occurs, well-trained skills are more quickly regained and sustained. The more difficult and complex the task, the harder it is to sustain the skill. Personnel turnover plays a major factor in the decay of collective skills, since the loss of critical team members requires retraining to regain proficiency. Retraining becomes necessary when a long period elapses between initial and sustainment training sessions or when the training doctrine is altered.

c.   The training strategy for machine gun marksmanship begins in the institutions and continues in the unit. Figure 4-1, illustrates an example of this overall process, which provides a concept of the flow of unit sustainment training. Combat arms IET provides field units with soldiers who are familiar with standards in basic marksmanship tasks. The soldiers graduating from these courses have been trained to maintain their machine guns and to hit a variety of targets. They have learned range determination, target detection, application of marksmanship fundamentals, and other skills needed to engage a target.

d.   Additional skills trained in the institution include techniques for employment, classes of fire, and fire commands. These skills must then be reinforced in the unit. Related soldier skills of camouflage, cover and concealment, maneuver, and preparation and selection of a fighting position are addressed in STP 21-24-SMCT, which must be integrated into tactical training.

e.   Training continues in units on the basic skills taught in combat arms IET. Additional skills, such as suppressive fire and supporting fire, are trained and then integrated into collective training exercises, which include squad and platoon live-fire exercises. (A unit machine gun marksmanship training program is explained in Appendix B.) The strategy for sustaining the basic marksmanship skills that is taught in combat arms IET involves periodic preliminary gunnery, followed by 10-meter, transition firing, and qualification range firing. However, a unit must establish a year-round program to sustain skills. Key elements include training the trainers and refresher training of nonfiring skills.

f.   In the unit, individual proficiency and leader proficiency of marksmanship tasks are integrated into collective training that includes squad, section, and platoon drills and STXs. The collective tasks in these exercises, and how they are planned and conducted, are in ARTEP 7-8-MTP and ARTEP 7-8-DRILL. Collective tasks are evaluated to standard and discussed during leader and trainer after-action reviews. Objective evaluations of both individual and unit proficiency provide readiness indicators and future training requirements.

g.   A critical step in the Army's overall marksmanship training strategy is to train the trainers and leaders first. Leader courses include limited machine gun training, but unit publications will help develop officer and NCO proficiency necessary to plan and conduct gunnery training and to evaluate the effectiveness of their programs. Proponent schools provide training support materials to include field manuals, training aids, devices, simulators, and programs that are doctrinal foundations and guidance for training the force.

h.   Once the soldier understands the weapon, knows how to zero, and has demonstrated proficiency at 10-meter and transition ranges, he should be exposed to more difficult ranges and scenarios.

i.   IET culminates in the soldier's proficiency assessment, which is conducted on the 10-meter and transition and record fire ranges. Unit training culminates in a collective, live-fire, tactical exercise that provides an overview of unit proficiency and training effectiveness.

a.   Most engagements will be within 300 meters; however, the gunner must still engage targets out to the maximum range of the machine gun.

b.   Enemy personnel are seldom visible except when assaulting.

c.   Most combat fire must be directed at an area where the enemy has been detected or where he is suspected of being but cannot be seen. Area targets consist of objects or outlines of men irregularly spaced along covered and concealed areas (ground folds, hedges, borders of woods).

d.   Most combat targets can be detected by smoke, flash, dust, noise, or movement, but the targets are only visible for a moment.

e.   Some combat targets can be engaged by using reference points, predetermined fire, or range card data.

f.   The nature of the target and irregularities of terrain and vegetation may require a gunner to move from one position to another to place effective fire on the target. The most stable position for the gunner is the prone tripod-supported position.

g.   Most combat targets have a low contrast outline and are obscured. Therefore, choosing an aiming point in elevation is difficult.

h.   Time-stressed fire in combat can be divided into three types: a single, fleeting target that must be engaged quickly; distributed targets that must be engaged within the time they remain available; and a surprise target that must be engaged at once with instinctive, accurate fire.

a.   Steady Position. In automatic fire, position is the most important aspect of marksmanship. If the gunner has a good zero, correctly aims his weapon, and properly applies a steady hold in firing a burst of automatic fire, the first round of that burst hits the target at the point of aim. However, this procedure is not necessarily true of the second and third rounds. The first round hits the aiming point the same as when a round is fired singularly. The recoil from the first and subsequent rounds progressively disturb the lay of the weapon with each round of the burst. The relationship between the point of impact of the first and subsequent rounds of the burst depends on the stability of the gunner's position. His body, directly behind the weapon, serves as the foundation, and his grip serves as a lock to hold the weapon against the foundation. The better the body alignment and the steadier the grip, the less dispersed the rounds of a burst of automatic fire will be.

b.   Aim. To aim the machine gun, the gunner must align the sights, focus his eye, obtain a correct sight picture, control his breathing, and maintain trigger control.

c.   Breath Control. When firing in bipod-mounted mode, two types of breath control are used. When firing single shots, as in zeroing, the gunner stops breathing after most of the air has been exhaled during the normal breathing cycle. He fires before he feels any discomfort. During automatic fire, ideally, the gunner exhales and stops his breath when pressing the trigger. He does not have time to take deep breaths between bursts. He must hold his breath before each burst or adapt his breathing by taking quick shallow breaths or taking deeper breaths between several bursts.

d.   Trigger Control. Pressing the trigger straight to the rear and releasing it helps control the number of rounds in each burst and prevents disturbing the lay of the weapon. For this the gunner must learn how to manipulate the trigger so, that he may get the desired burst he wishes to obtain.

a.   Prone Position, Bipod-Supported.

b.   Fighting Position, Bipod-Supported. This is an excellent position that provides a stable firing platform. The depth of the fighting position and the support should be adjusted for the height and arm length of the gunner. This allows for a steadier position.

c.   Prone Position, Tripod-Supported. The gunner assumes a prone position to the rear of the weapon (place the shoulder rest on your firing shoulder for the M249 and M60 only). An imaginary line drawn through the weapon should bisect the right shoulder and buttock and continue through the heel of his foot. When using the tripod, the assistant gunner assumes a prone position along the left side of the gunner to load ammunition and observe.

d.   Fighting Position, Tripod-Supported. (Figure 4-6.) The gunner places his right (firing side) foot sideways against the rear of the fighting position and leans forward until his chest is squarely against the wall.

a.   Bipod.

b.   Tripod.

a.   Bipod

b.   Tripod.

a.   Leads. To hit a moving target, the machine gun must be aimed ahead of the target far enough to cause the bullet and target to arrive at the same time at the same point. This distance is measured in target lengths. One target length as seen by the gunner is one lead. Leads are measured from the center of mass. Table 4-1 gives the amount of lead needed to hit a target moving at right angles, to the gunner, and at speeds and ranges indicated. The gunner makes adjustments as conditions change. If target speed is 7 1/2 mph, the amount of lead is half that shown on the table; at 30 mph, double that shown. The angle at which the target moves also changes the lead. If the target is moving on an oblique angle, only half the lead is required. For a target moving directly at the gunner, the aiming point is below the center base of the target depending on range and slope of the ground. For a target moving directly away from a gunner, the aiming point is above the center base of the target (Figure 4-7). Too much lead is better than too little because the target moves into the beaten zone, and observation of the strike of the rounds is easier in relation to the target.

b.   Tracking Techniques. The gunner aims at a point ahead of the target equal to the estimated number of leads, maintains this lead by tracking the target (manipulates the weapon at the same angular speed as that of the target), and then fires. Tracking allows the gunner in position for a second burst if the first one misses.

c.   Trapping Techniques. The gunner establishes an aiming point forward of the target and along the target path. He pulls the trigger as the target reaches the appropriate point in regard to lead.

d.   Position and Aim.

e.   Bipod Techniques. For targets moving to or from a gunner using a bipod, the same procedures are used. From a prone position, the gunner may be required to adjust his position quickly depending on range, angle, and speed of the target.

a.   Tripod.

b.   Bipod.

a.   Sight Corrections Method. A gunner must observe and adjust fire rapidly to be effective. He observes bursts of fire by noting the strike of the rounds in the target area and the tracers in flight. The technique to adjust fire depends on time, range, and amount of adjustment. These factors assist the gunner in determining whether or not to make sight corrections or adjust position and point of aim. When the initial burst is not correctly placed, the gunner may change the elevation and windage on the sights and fire another burst on the target. This method is time-consuming, even for the well-trained soldier.

b.   Adjusted Aiming Point Method. In this method of fire adjustment, the gunner uses his sight but does not make sight corrections. This method is quick. If the gunner misses the target with his initial burst, he must rapidly select a new aiming point the same distance from the target as the center of impact of the initial burst, but in the opposite direction. For example, if the initial burst is 20 meters beyond and 10 meters to the right of the target, the gunner rapidly selects an aiming point about 20 meters short and 10 meters to the left of the target, lays on that aiming point, and fires (Figure 4-8).

a.   Clock System. Winds that blow from the left (9 o'clock) or right (3 o'clock) are called full-value winds, because they have the most effect on the round. Winds that blow at an angle from the front or rear area are called half-value winds, because they have about one-half the effect on the round as full-value winds. Winds that blow straight into the gunner's face or winds that blow straight into the target are termed no-value winds, because their effect on the round is too small to be a concern. Effects of the wind increase as the range increases. (Figure 4-10) shows the effects of a 10-mph wind at varying ranges. A 20-mph wind doubles the effect. Winds at other than right angles have less effect. As indicated in Figure 4-10, wind has almost no effect up to 300 meters.

b.   Wind Measurement. Wind is highly variable and sometimes quite different at the firing position than at the target position. Even though the wind is blowing hard at the firing position, trees, brush, or terrain could protect the path of the round. The wind can vary by several miles per hour between the time a measurement is taken and when the round is fired. Therefore, training time should not be wasted trying to teach gunners an exact way to measure wind speed. They should know that even though wind can affect trajectory, it can be overcome by adjusting fire. A wind gauge can be used for precise measurement of wind velocity. When a gauge is not available, velocity is estimated by one of the following methods.

a.   Alert. The alert is given as "Fire mission." Upon hearing the alert, the gunner loads his weapon and places the safety on "F".

b.   Direction. Direction is given as FRONT since the targets appear to the gunner's front on the basic range.

c.   Description. Description is given as PASTER NUMBER (pasters 1 through 8 as appropriate), at which time the gunner lays his weapon on the announced paster.

d.   Range. The elevation on the rear sight assembly is always used on the basic range. This is announced as FIVE HUNDRED or SEVEN HUNDRED, at which time the gunner must ensure that his rear sight assembly has the correct elevation setting.

e.   Method of Fire. Firing on the basic range is at a point target, so the method of fire is announced as FIXED. The gunner fires either single rounds or bursts at a rate slower than the sustained rate; therefore, the rate-of-fire element is omitted.

f.   Command to Open Fire. This is announced as AT MY COMMAND. When the gunner is ready, he announces "Up." When all gunners are ready to fire, the command FIRE is given.

a.   Ammunition. These exercises may be conducted using blank or dummy ammunition and should be conducted using fire commands when appropriate. If the blank firing attachment is used, safety restrictions for its use must be enforced. While the gunner performs the tasks, the assistant gunner—

b.   Loading and Unloading Exercises. The procedures for loading and unloading are prescribed in Chapter's 1, 2 and 3. They should be reinforced using dummy ammunition. This training instills confidence and proficiency in the operation of the weapon. It also provides training in clearing the weapon.

c.   Immediate Action and Remedial Action Exercise. This exercise is conducted using linked dummy rounds and the basic machine gun target. The instructor should use salvage links to link the dummy rounds together. The gunner—

d.   Operational Exercise. The gunner aims and simulates firing each dummy round at the aiming paster on the basic machine gun target.

e.   Sight Setting and Sight Change Exercises. These exercises are designed to train the gunner in the operation and adjustment of the rear sight, and making corrections in elevation and windage on the machine gun.

f.   Practice. Before the dry-fire proficiency examination, soldiers should practice the tasks until they become proficient.

g.   Traversing and Searching Exercise. After the gunner knows the principles of sighting and aiming and can assume a satisfactory firing position, he learns how to make minor and major body position changes to obtain an accurate initial lay. He practices shifting the direction of the weapon to successive points by moving his body. The basic machine gun target is placed 10 meters from the weapon for this exercise.

h.   T&E Manipulation Exercise. After the gunner understands the principles of sighting and aiming and can assume a satisfactory firing position, he is instructed in manipulating the tripod-mounted machine gun to obtain an accurate initial lay. He is taught to shift the direction of the weapon to successive points with proficiency. The basic machine gun target is placed 10 meters from the weapon for this exercise.

i.   Dry-Fire Proficiency (Performance) Examination. A gunner must demonstrate skill in all the tasks of the dry-fire proficiency examination before he is allowed to progress to 10-meter live firing. This examination emphasizes learning by doing. Proficiency is tested on a pass or fail basis. (The proficiency test is in Appendix B.)

j.   Remedial Training. Remedial training must be given to soldiers who fail the performance objectives. Gunners who have passed the proficiency test may be used to assist in the training of soldiers having difficulty. Following retraining, the soldiers are retested in those tasks.

a.   Point Targets. Point targets on the basic machine gun target are pasters 1 through 4 of sections A, B, C, and D. Firing at point targets exposes the gunner to zeroing techniques and controlled-burst fire techniques. Targets 1 through 4 can also be used for qualification.

b.   Area Targets. Area targets on the basic machine gun target consist of pasters 5 through 6, and 7 through 8 of sections A, B, C, and D. Target group 5 through 6 provides the gunner with targets in depth and allows him to use a series of aiming points to disburse fire across the target by using the T&E mechanism. Target group 7 through 8 provides the gunner with linear targets with depth. This series of targets uses a series of aiming points to disburse fire across the target and in depth by using the T&E mechanism.

c.   Grid Square Overlay. This device assists the gunner in zeroing his weapon at 10 meters, while using the basic machine gun target (Figure 4-14). The grid square overlay is used the same as an M16 25-meter zero target, except the material can be made of plastic or view graph transparency. Each square is equal to 1 cm.

a.   To instill realism and relate the crew drill to actual situations, the unit leader should vary his method of instruction. Possible approaches to this method of instruction include the following:

b.   The crew drill, as discussed here, involves the leader and one machine gun crew. The machine gun crew consists of three members (a gunner, assistant gunner, and an ammunition bearer). There are two complete machine gun crews in the light headquarters section of infantry, air assault infantry platoons, and airborne infantry platoons.

c.   All commands are given by a leader. This leader may be a team leader, squad leader, or someone placed in charge of the crew. The gunner and assistant gunner repeat all commands. After the machine gun is mounted, the assistant gunner transmits all signals from the leader to the gunner and from the gunner to the leader.

a.   Day Time Equipment.

b.   Night Time Equipment.

a.   Command. After the crew is formed for crew drill, the leader commands INSPECT EQUIPMENT BEFORE FIRING, BIPOD. At the command, each crew member inspects his equipment as explained below.

b.   Report. When crew members have completed their inspection of the equipment, they call out their report, without command, starting from the rear.

a.   At the command ACTION, the gunner stands, grasps the carrying handle with his left hand, grasps the top of the stock with his right hand, raises the machine gun to a carrying position (muzzle to the front) and moves to the selected position.

b.   Upon arrival at the position, the gunner places the machine gun on the ground. He then assumes a prone position to the rear of the machine gun, positions the carrying handle so that it will not interfere during aiming and firing, aligns the machine gun in the direction of fire, and set the rear sight. He places the safety on "F", pulls the bolt to the rear, places the safety on "S", and returns the cocking handle to the forward position. He then raises the feed cover, places the first round of ammunition in the cartridge feed tray groove, and closes the feed cover ensuring that the round does not slip out of the cartridge feed tray groove. He then places the machine gun to his shoulder and puts the safety on "F".

c.   The assistant gunner times his movements so that he arrives at the position as the gunner is assuming the prone position. He lies prone on his left hip, feet to the rear, and on the left side of the gunner. He places the spare barrel case parallel to the gun with the zippered side towards the machine gun. He opens the case and removes the spare barrel. He places the spare barrel on the case, muzzle to the front and even with the muzzle of the machine gun. (Figure 4-19.)

d.   The ammunition bearer times his movements so that he arrives at the position as the assistant gunner is assuming the prone position. He places the folded tripod one step to the left of the muzzle of the machine gun and on line with the machine gun. He unslings his bandoleers and places them next to the folded tripod legs. He then lies prone 10 meters to the left and on line with the position, provides security, and prepares to fire into the target area with his rifle.

e.   When ready to fire, the gunner puts the safety lever on "F" and reports UP. The assistant gunner signals READY to the leader.

a.   The gunner ensures that the bolt is to the rear, puts the safety on "S", and puts the stock on the ground. Next, he moves his left hand to the top of the stock to ensure the weapon stays parallel to the ground. He puts his right hand under the handguard/forearm assembly help support the machine gun when the assistant gunner removes the barrel.

b.   The assistant gunner (wearing the heat protective mitten) unlocks the barrel locking lever, removes the barrel, and places the barrel on the spare barrel case. He holds the spare barrel inserts it into the machine gun.

c.   The gunner ensures that the barrel is lock and secured in the receive of the machine gun, moves the safety lever to "F", assumes the correct firing position, and reports UP. The assistant gunner signals READY to the squad leader.

a.   At the command OUT OF ACTION, the ammunition bearer moves to the position, slinging his rifle. He picks up and slings the bandoleers that he previously left there. He gets the tripod and moves 15 steps to the rear of the machine gun. He lies prone, facing the position with the tripod in front of him.

b.   The assistant gunner places spare barrel and the heat protective mitten in the spare barrel case. Before standing, he closes the spare barrel case enough to retain the spare barrel and the traversing and elevating mechanism. He moves 10 steps to the rear of the position and lies prone, facing the position. At this time, he fully closes the spare barrel case.

c.   The gunner places the stock on the ground, ensures that the bolt is to the rear, places the safety on "S", and raises the feed cover. He removes the ammunition from the tray, puts it into the bandoleer, and closes the bandoleer. The gunner examines the chamber to ensure that it is clear; closes the feed cover; pulls the cocking handle to the rear; puts the safety on "F"; pulls the trigger, easing the bolt forward. Standing, he pivots on his right foot; without turning the machine gun, he raises it to his left hip and moves five steps to the rear. He visually checks to ensure that the ammunition bearer and the assistant gunner are in their positions. He lies prone, facing the position with the machine gun on his right. He folds the bipod legs alongside the barrel and reports UP to the squad leader.

a.   Upon the command ACTION, the ammunition bearer stands, holds the tripod with his right hand, and moves forward to the position. He kneels on his right knee and rests the shoes of the rear tripod legs on the ground, with the mount in a vertical position. Steadying the mount with his right hand near the tripod head, he raises the front leg with his left hand. He grasps the right shoe with his right hand and the left shoe with is left hand, and raises the tripod chest high. He separates the tripod legs with a quick jerk. Ensuring that the sleeve latch engages the sleeve, he places the tripod on the ground with the front leg pointing in the direction of fire. He rises to his feet and stamps the rear shoes into the ground. He then unslings his bandoleers and places them on line with the front leg of the tripod, one step to the left. He moves 10 meters to the left of the position, unslings his rifle, lies prone, provides security, and prepares to fire into the target area.

b.   The assistant gunner times his movements and arrives at the position as the ammunition bearer leaves. He places the spare barrel case (zippered side towards the tripod) parallel to and on line with the spot where the muzzle of the machine gun will be when it is mounted. He lies on his left side, with his hip near the left tripod shoe. He unzips the spare barrel case and removes the spare barrel, mounting equipment necessary to mount the machine gun. He places the spare barrel on the spare barrel case with the muzzle forward.

c.   The gunner times his movements and arrives at the position as the assistant gunner assumes the prone position. He stands, holds the carrying handle in his left hand and the stock in his right hand, and raises the gun to the carrying position (muzzle to the front). He mounts the machine gun on the tripod. He then positions the carrying handle to the right so it will not interfere with aiming and firing, raises the rear sight assembly, and lies prone.

d.   The assistant gunner assists the gunner in mounting the machine gun to the tripod. They ensure that both the pintle and traversing and elevating mechanism are securely locked in place and working properly.

e.   The gunner places the safety on "F", pulls the bolt to the rear, places the safety on "S", and returns the cocking handle to the forward position. The assistant gunner places the first round of ammunition in the tray groove and supports the belt, while the gunner closes the cover. The gunner takes the correct position and grip, places the safety on "F", and reports UP. The assistant gunner signals READY to the squad leader.

a.   The gunner ensures that the bolt is to the rear, puts the safety on "S". He also assists the assistant gunner in changing the barrel, if needed.

b.   The assistant gunner (wearing the heat protective mitten) unlocks the barrel locking lever, removes the barrel, and places the barrel on the spare barrel case. He holds the spare barrel inserts it into the machine gun.

c.   The gunner ensures that the barrel is lock and secured in the receiver of the machine gun, moves the safety lever to "F", assumes the correct firing position, and reports UP. The assistant gunner signals READY to the squad leader.

a.   The assistant gunner will assist the gunner in dismounting the rear of the machine gun. He puts the spare barrel and heat protective mitten into the case and closes it enough to hold the contents. He stands, moves 10 steps to the rear of the position, and lies prone, facing to the front. After receiving all mounting equipment from the ammunition bearer, he puts it in the spare barrel case and fully closes the spare barrel case.

b.   After the assistant gunner leaves, the gunner stands, lowers the rear sight, and holds the carrying handle with his left hand. With his right hand, he dismounts the front of the machine gun from the tripod. Holding the stock with his right hand, he pivots to his right as he raises the machine gun to the carrying position. He then moves five steps to the rear of the position and lies prone, facing to the front.

c.   The ammunition bearer rises, slings his rifle, moves to the machine gun, and secures his bandoleers, timing his arrival so that the gunner and assistant gunner will be clear of the tripod. He grasps the tripod with his left hand and moves five steps to the rear of the position. He turns, facing the front, and kneels on his right knee. He places the tripod in a vertical position with the rear shoes on the ground and supports it with his right hand near the head of the tripod. At this time, he hands the assistant gunner all mounting equipment. He reaches up with his right hand down the right leg, and releases the sleeve latch. He then grasps the shoes and closes the tripod legs. He lowers the tripod to the ground, head to the left, lies prone behind it, and reports UP.

a.   Inspecting Equipment Before Firing. The inspection of equipment for crew drill from the prone position is the same as that for bipod training and tripod training.

b.   Placing the Machine Gun Into Action. The leader commands and signals MACHINE GUN TO BE MOUNTED HERE, FRONT, ACTION in the same manner as for bipod training. The procedures for bipod training are the same with one exception— crew members do not get to their feet and movements are executed in the low crawl. Once in position, all actions are performed from the prone position.

c.   Training With the Tripod. Upon the command ACTION, the ammunition bearer crawls forward to the designated position and extends the front leg of the tripod. Grasping the rear legs firmly, he emplaces the front leg. Applying downward pressure, he emplaces the rear legs. He then crawls to a position about 10-meters to the left of the machine gun and gets into a good firing position with his rifle.

d.   Taking the Machine Gun Out of Action. The procedures for taking the machine gun out of action remain the same except all are performed in a prone position and all movements are in the low crawl.

a.   10-Meter Zero, Set the Sights (Mechanical Zero). The gunner indexes or places the range scale on a range of 500 meters. He assumes a prone position and sights on the target.

b.   Three-Round Group. The gunner fires three single rounds loaded individually at the center base of the aiming points on the basic machine gun marksmanship target. He fires the three rounds without making any adjustments to the sights. The shot group must be about a 4-cm circle or smaller to establish the center of the group in relation to the center base of the aiming paster.

c.   Grid Square Overlay. For a more accurate adjustment, the gunner moves downrange and places the grid square overlay over pasters 1 and 2. He ensures that he aligns the overlay with the pasters and squares.

d.   Windage Correction. If the center of the group is to the left or right of the black aiming paster, the gunner must correct for windage.

e.   Elevation Correction. If the center of the shot group is above or below of the black aiming paster, the gunner must correct for elevation.

f.   Confirmation. The gunner fires another three-shot group (loaded singly) after making his corrections for windage and elevation. If the center of the group is still off the aiming point, he adjusts further until the group is centered on the point of aim.

g.   Recording of Zero. There is no reason to record the 10-meter zero, because it applies only to firing at the 10-meter basic machine gun target.

a.   Setting of the Sights. The gunner uses the same procedures as for 10-meter zeroing except that he places the rear sight on the range to the target. The recommended range is 500 meters.

b.   Burst. Fire a burst of 5 to 7 rounds for the M249 or 7 to 9 for the M60/M240B. The gunner assumes a good stable position and fires bursts of 5 to 7 rounds for the M249 or 7 to 9 for the M60/M240B at the center base of the target and notes where the burst strikes.

c.   Correction for Windage. If the center of the beaten zone is to the left or right of the target, he corrects for windage. He adjusts the windage accordingly.

d.   Correction for Elevation. If the center of the beaten zone is high or low in relation to the target, he corrects for elevation. Because determining that relationship is difficult, the gunner relies on trial and error to gain sufficient experience in making reliable estimates. He makes corrections in the same manner as 10-meter zeroing.

e.   Confirmation. After making corrections for windage and elevation, the gunner fires confirming bursts of 5 to 7 rounds for the M249 or 7 to 9 rounds for the M60/M240B. If the target is not hit, he repeats the procedures.

f.   Recording of Zero. Upon confirming the zero, the gunner records it by counting the number of clicks he moved the sight for windage and elevation from the initial setting.

a.   Task 1-Zero Bipod. The gunner fires single shots to determine his weapon's zero for 10 meters. This task reinforces the dry-fire experience and allows the gunner to practice loading, while providing the most accurate and tight shot group obtainable. (A1 and A2)

b.   Task 2-Controlled-Burst Fire Bipod Fixed. Using point targets, the gunner fires bursts of 5 to 7 rounds for the M249 or 7 to 9 rounds for the M60/M240B. This task exposes the gunner to automatic fire and the action of the weapon and at the same time introduces trigger control. (A3 and A4)

c.   Task 3-Controlled-Burst Fire Bipod Fixed. This task requires the gunner to make body position to engage area targets in depth, to use controlled-burst firing, and to use a series of aiming points to disburse fire across the target. (A5 and A6)

d.   Task 4-Controlled-Burst Fire Bipod Fixed. This task requires the gunner to make position changes to engage linear targets with depth, to use controlled-burst firing, and to use a series of aiming points to disburse fire across the target. (A7 and A8)

e.   Task 5-Zero Tripod. The gunner fires single shots to determine his weapon's zero for 10 meters. This task reinforces the dry-fire experience and allows the gunner to practice loading, while providing the most accurate and tight shot group obtainable. (B1 and B2)

f.   Task 6-Controlled-Burst Fire Tripod. Using point targets, the gunner fires bursts of 5 to 7 rounds for the M249 or 7 to 9 rounds for the M60/M240B. This task exposes the gunner to automatic fire and the action of the weapon and at the same time introduces trigger control. (B1 through B4)

g.   Task 7-Traverse and Search Fire. This task requires the gunner to make position changes or manipulate the T&E mechanism to engage linear targets with depth, to use controlled-burst firing, and to use a series of aiming points to disburse fire across the target. (B7 through B8)

h.   Task 8-Traverse and Search Fire. This task requires the gunner to make body position changes or manipulate the T&E mechanism to engage area targets in depth, to use controlled-burst firing, and to use a series of aiming points to disburse fire across the target, while wearing a protective mask and gloves. (B5 through B6)

i.   Task 9-Search and Traverse Fire Qualification. This task requires the gunner to make position changes or manipulate the T&E mechanism to engage area targets in depth during timed conditions. (C5 through C6)

j.   Task 10-Traverse and Search Fire Qualification. This task requires the gunner to engage area targets with width and depth, while making position changes or manipulating the T&E mechanism during timed conditions. (C7 through C8)

a.   Task 1-Bipod, Zero.

b.   Task 2-Bipod, Controlled-Burst Fire, Fixed.

c.   Task 3-Bipod, Controlled-Burst Fire, Fixed.

d.   Task 4-Bipod, Controlled-Burst Fire, Fixed.

e.   Task 5-Tripod, Zero. If the gunner should zero his weapon in 9 rounds, he uses the remaining 3 rounds to confirm his zero. If he is unable to zero in 12 rounds, he is removed from the firing line for remedial training.

f.   Task 6-Tripod, Controlled-Burst Fire, Traverse.

g.   Task 7-Tripod, Controlled-Burst Fire, Traverse and Search.

h.   Task 8-Tripod, Controlled-Burst Fire, Search and Traverse.

i.   Task 9-Tripod, Qualification, Search and Traverse Fire. On completion of all firing, the firing line is cleared and the instructors or safeties move downrange and score the targets. The firer will not score his own target.

j.   Task 10-Tripod, Qualification, Traverse and Search. On completion of all firing, the firing line is cleared and the instructors or safeties move downrange and score the targets. The firer will not score his own target.

a.   Time and Ammunition. Each gunner completes zeroing before record firing. Individual fire commands are given for each task. Task 9 is fired in 30 seconds, and task 10 is fired in 45 seconds.

b.   Stoppages. If a stoppage occurs, the gunner must apply immediate action. If the stoppage is reduced, he continues to fire the course.

c.   Penalties. Five points are deducted from the score of any gunner who fails to stop firing at the command or signal to cease fire. If a gunner fires at the wrong target or exercise, he loses the points for those rounds. A gunner whose target was fired upon by another gunner is permitted to refire the exercise.

d.   Scoring. When scoring the 10-meter target, the trainer scores all scoring pasters (C5 through C6 and C7 through C8). One point is given for each round impacting within the scoring space. The maximum point value is 7 points (M249) or 9 points (M60/M240B) for each paster. Rounds touching the line on the paster are considered a HIT. When firing C5 though C6, the gunner engages 5 scoring pasters with 35 rounds. (M249) or 45 rounds (M60/M240B) The maximum possible is 35 points (M249) or 45 points (M60/M240B). When firing pasters C7 through C8, the gunner engages 8 scoring pasters with 56 rounds (M249) or 72 rounds (M60/M240B). The maximum possible is 56 points (M249) or 72 points (M60/M240B). Gunners do not score their own targets when firing for qualification. During qualification firing, at least 63 points (M249) or 81 points (M60/M240B) must be achieved on Firing Table I. DA Form 85-R is used to record scores (Figure 4-23). (See paragraph 4-42).

e.   Position. Based on his METL, the commander selects either the bipod-supported prone or fighting position for table A only. For qualification the position will be either tripod-supported prone or tripod-supported fighting position table B for practice and table C for qualification.

a.   Range Facilities. The transition range should consist of several firing lanes. Each lane should be 10 meters wide at the firing line and 100 meters wide at a range of 800 meters. Ideally, each lane has a fighting position with an adjacent prone firing position.

b.   Targets (Card board: NSN 6920-00-795-1806 and plastic: 6920-00-071-4780). The E-type silhouette targets are used-single and double are needed for qualification. The double represents an enemy automatic weapon, which for the gunner is a priority target (Figure 4-22). The targets are at various ranges that a gunner might engage. All targets should be plainly seen from the firing positions. Electrical targets are desirable.

c.   Stoppage. The same procedures used in Firing Table I qualification firing are used (Table 4-2).

d.   Penalties. The same procedures used in Firing Table I qualification firing are used (Table 4-2).

e.   Scoring. Ten points are given for each target hit, whether hit on the first or second burst. The total possible points are 110. The gunner must hit at least 7 (70 points) targets out of 11 exposures to qualify. DA Form 85-R is used to record scores Figure 4-23 (see paragraph 4-42).

f.   Position. Based on his METL, the commander selects either the bipod-supported prone or bipod-supported fighting position for qualification.

b.   Task 2-400-Meter, Double E-Type Silhouette.

c.   Task 3-500-Meter, Double E-Type Silhouette.

d.   Task 4-600-Meter, Single E-Type Silhouette.

e.   Task 5-800-Meter, Single E-Type Silhouette.

f.   Task 6-400-Meter, Single E-Type Silhouette; and 600-Meter, Double E-Type Silhouettes.

g.   Task 7-700-Meter and 800-Meter, Double E-Type Silhouettes.

h.   Task 8-400-Meter, Single E-Type Silhouette, and 500-Meter, 600-Meter, Double E-Type Silhouettes.

a.   Time and Ammunition. Table 4-4, Firing Table III outlines ammunition requirements.

b.   Stoppage. The same procedures that are used in Firing Table II, Table 4-3.

c.   Penalties. No penalties are used.

d.   Scoring. No points are given when the target is hit on the first or second hit, only a hit or miss. The gunner must hit 6 out of 11 targets in order to be a qualified gunner. The gunner must have qualified on both the 10-meter and transition in order to advance to this step. DA Form 85-R, provided in the back of this manual, can be used to record the number of hits.

e.   Conditions. Table 4-3, Firing Table III is used for engaging targets out to 400 meters under ideal moonlight or during daylight conditions. If visibility is limited because of a lack of ambient light, commanders may use field-expedient means to identify targets.

f.   Targets. Single E-type silhouette targets and double E-type silhouette targets are used.

g.   Position. Based on his METL, the commander selects either the bipod-supported prone position or bipod-supported fighting position.

h.   Conduct of Fire. Limited visibility is the same as Firing Table II. The only difference is time and distance of the targets to be engaged and firing the scanning, walking and IR discipline exercise.