The following article is taken from the latest issue of the Globe & Laurel magazine.
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In October, X Coy undertook an intensive two-week range package designed to refine its marksmanship and combat skills at Inverness ranges. The training consisted of day and night close quarter marksmanship (CQM), with a particular emphasis on pistol CQM, firing from cover and moving while shooting. The package also included assessment shoots and a day dedicated to demolition charges. Throughout the two weeks, the Coy ranks swapped between CQM and ranged shoots. While developing distinct skillsets this ultimately worked towards one overarching goal – to elevate the standard of shooting within the Coy to align with the Royal Marines’ evolving operational direction.
Equally important to developing proficiency is cultivating a realistic combat mindset, emphasising speed of reaction. The requirement for this mindset is illustrated by simple behavioural facts: an average human can cover seven metres in one second, a decision on how to react to a threat takes roughly a fourth of a second, leaving only a sixth of a second to act. Understanding these human factors is critical for applying marksmanship under pressure. In combat, the ability to make rapid decisions and react effectively can sometimes outweigh technical marksmanship skills.
The first week focused on the fundamentals of marksmanship. Progression is not possible in CQM without first building a strong base technique founded on repetition of movement. This included the L403 rifle and pistol, working through different ranges, firing on the move, transitions and assessment shoots, which simulate the time pressure in combat situations. The second week’s shoots build in complexity and incorporated the new CNVG, Voodoo-S Optic and night firing serials. The passive set up combination of CNVG and Acro Red Dot Sight proved highly effective at short range rapid engagements and was effective up to 200m (without using thermal targets). Transitioning to the Voodoo-S Optic, ranks then conducted a shoot at two hundred and three hundred metres with over 90% of rounds hitting the target. All ranks drastically improved during the package and crucially became competent and confident with the RMs’ new rifle and optics…………………
To find out more about the 45 Cdo RM and further RM activities across the globe, catch up regularly with all the news in the Globe & Laurel Magazine, the Journal of the Royal Marines.
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Globe & Laurel – RMA – The Royal Marines Charity (rma-trmc.org)
