Every Marine is first and foremost a rifleman. MCRP 3-01A reflects this ethos and the Marine Corps’ warfighting philosophy. This publication discusses the individual skills required for effective rifle marksmanship and standardizes the techniques and procedures used throughout the
Marine Corps. It constitutes the doctrinal basis for all entry-level and sustainment-level rifle marksmanship training.
Chapter 1. Introduction to Rifle Marksmanship
1001 Role of the Marine Rifleman
1002 Conditions Affecting Marksmanship in Combat
1003 Combat Mindset
Physical Preparation
Mental Preparation
Chapter 2. Introduction to the M16A2 Service Rifle
2001 Description
2002 Operational Controls
Selector Lever
Magazine Release Button
Charging Handle
Bolt Catch
2003 Cycle of Operation
Firing
Unlocking
Extracting
Ejecting
Cocking
Feeding
Chambering
Locking
2004 Ammunition
M193 Ball
M855 Ball
M196 and M856 Tracer
M199 Dummy
M200 Blank
2005 Preventive Maintenance
Main Group Disassembly
Magazine Disassembly
Cleaning
Inspection
Lubrication
Reassembly
2006 Function Check
2007 User Serviceability Inspection
2008 Field Maintenance
2009 Cleaning the Rifle in Various Conditions
Hot, Wet Tropical
Hot, Dry Desert
Arctic or Low Temperature
Heavy Rain and Fording
Chapter 3. Weapons Handling
3001 Safety Rules
3002 Weapons Condition
3003 Determining a Weapon’s Condition (Chamber Check)
3004 Weapons Commands
Loading the Rifle
Making the Rifle Ready
Fire
Cease-Fire
Unloading the Rifle
Unloading and Showing the Rifle Clear
3005 Filling, Stowing, and Withdrawing Magazines
Filling the Magazine with Loose Rounds
Filling the Magazine Using a 10-round
Stripper Clip and Magazine Filler
Stowing Magazines
Withdrawing Magazines
3006 Reloading the Rifle
Principles of Reloading
Condition 1 Reload
Dry Reload
3007 Remedial Action
Observe for Indicators
Audible Pop or Reduced Recoil
3008 Weapons Carries
Tactical Carry
Alert Carry
Ready Carry
3009 Weapons Transports
Strong Side Sling Arms Transport (Muzzle Up)
Weak Side Sling Arms Transport (Muzzle Down)
Cross Body Sling Arms Transport
3010 Transferring the Rifle
Show Clear Transfer
Condition Unknown Transfer
3011 Clearing Barrel Procedures
Purpose of a Clearing Barrel
Procedures for “Load”
Procedures for “Make Ready”
Procedures for “Unload”
Procedures for “Unload and Show Clear”
Chapter 4. Fundamentals of Marksmanship
4001 Aiming
Sight Alignment
Sight Picture
Importance of Correct Sight Alignment
Factors Affecting Sight Alignment and Sight Picture
Acquiring and Maintaining Sight Alignment and Sight Picture
Size and Distance to the Target
4002 Breath Control
Breath Control During Long-range or Precision Fire (Slow Fire)
Breath Control During All Other Combat Situations
4003 Trigger Control
Grip
Trigger Finger Placement
Types of Trigger Control
Resetting the Trigger
4004 Follow-Through/Recovery
Follow-Through
Recovery
Chapter 5. Rifle Firing Positions
5001 Selecting a Firing Position
5002 Types and Uses of the Rifle Web Sling
Hasty Sling
Loop Sling
5003 Factors Common to All Shooting Positions
Left Hand
Rifle Butt in the Pocket of the Shoulder
Grip of the Right Hand
Right Elbow
Stock Weld
Breathing
Muscular Tension/Relaxation
5004 Elements of a Good Shooting Position
Bone Support
5005 Prone Position
Application
Assuming the Prone Position
Straight Leg Prone Position with the Hasty Sling
Straight Leg Prone Position with the Loop Sling
Cocked Leg Prone Position with the Hasty Sling