COMBAT SHOOTING

(Published in 'The Infantry, India; June 2003)

Abstract (By the editor)

Necessity is the mother of design.  The author lucidly covers the design needs related to a weapon and with perfect mental dexterity links it to the soul of training-effectiveness and guides us into the nuances of shooting in contemporary and future realities of war.

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He who can modify his weapons, organization and tactics in relation to the enemy and thereby succeed, may be called a heaven born Captain.

- Sun Tzu

Quick and effective use of weapons is an undisputed battle-winning factor.  Soldiers equipped with the best weapons must be fast as well as accurate because targets will always be fleeting in battle; and since soldiers are overloaded as it is, economy in ammunition expenditure is crucial. The weapon should become an extension of the soldier’s body and mind, and all targets neutralized rapidly.  There are no runners up in war; hence it is essential that combat shooting be maintained at the highest standards. The aim of this article is to facilitate adaptation of special weapons and tactics (SWAT) and discourage a blinkered approach to weapons.

Weapon Design. The weapon must be ergonomically designed to be soldier-friendly. The following aspects would enhance the weapon’s effectiveness: -

a)      The weapon should enable use with either right or left hand/eye based on the firer’s preference.

b)      The sling should facilitate carriage and handling.

c)      Rear sight should have a combat setting not needing constant adjustment, as in the Kalashnikov rifle where combat setting corresponds to 300 m and the firer aims low for closer ranges.

d)      Safety catch should be reliable and easy to operate.

e)      Controlled three round burst facility should be available.

f)       Hold-open-catch indicates empty magazine and makes subsequent cocking easy.

Safety:  Soldiers under the stress of battle are likely to fire their weapons accidentally and cause own/civilian casualties and/or loss of surprise. This is obviated by one of the following: -

a)      Safety catch is SAFE and weapon is cocked.

b)      Safety catch is READY but weapon is un-cocked.

Burst Firing.  When assault rifles are fired in bursts, there is an inherent dispersion due to recoil and internal ballistics.  Whether aimed or aligned, the hit probability is better for controlled bursts of two to three rounds, than for longer bursts.  An effective burst fulfills the following:

a)      At least one shot hits distant/moving targets.

b)      A near target is hit by at least two shots for instant incapacitation.

Double Tap.  Two aimed single shots are fired at a target in quick succession that ensures instant incapacitation, but this defies the basic teaching of ‘one shot one target’.  The recoil of the first shot results in a muzzle jump, but with proficiency, the second shot can be quick and accurate.  This method is effective, economical and obviates collateral damage. The established principles for moving targets and prevailing wind should be applied where necessary.

Natural Alignment.  This firing position is adopted with body memory (Kin aesthesis, i.e., awareness of the position and movements of the parts of the body by means of sensory organs in muscles and joints).  The battle-crouch/firing from the hip, which is generally considered as natural alignment is inaccurate, and not quite like the normal firing position with the butt on the shoulder. 

(a)  Shoulder Position. The weapon is fired from the shoulder without/ before aiming for an increased hit probability, subsequent aimed shots will be faster as the firing position is almost ideal.  Natural alignment is best suited for night and can be practiced during day by covering the sights.

(b) Medial Position.  This position is ideal for reflex burst firing at close ranges.  The butt is pressed firmly on the abdomen and the forehand-guard gripped with straight elbow.  The front leg is bent and rear leg kept straight to absorb recoil.  Firing low helps in correction by observing the fall of shots and also gives deadly ricochets.  Both eyes are open.

Stoppages. During squad post training, the instructor gives orders to practice removal of stoppages with commands giving the specific stoppage.  However, a soldier must himself clear unexpected stoppages in combat with a conditioned response, which can be cultivated by incorporating common stoppages like ‘empty magazine’ and ‘misfire’ into live firing practices.

Handgun Firing.  Most personnel lack confidence in handguns and thus are shy of using them. Those proficient with handguns show off by writing their initials on a target with precision shooting or using one hand, which are inane activities. A handgun is authorized to crew of support weapons like 84 mm RL, 2 inch mortar, AGL, etc, as a personal weapon and they should be proficient in using it. Being a short-range weapon (15-20 m range), it is essential that the pistol be brought to use from a cold start, i.e., draw from holster, cock and fire in the least possible time before an opponent can charge up and use his bayonet/butt.  The efficacy of firing a pistol at long ranges is doubtful due to its low muzzle velocity.  The ideal position for pistol firing is using both hands with arms fully stretched, shoulders square, knees bent and legs spread for balance.

Deliberate Shooting. Shooting is deliberate when accuracy is more important than speed, as in long range sniping.  The following points be borne in mind: -

a)      See the foresight sharply (eye focus on foresight), and target hazily.

b)      Hold weapon firmly but without cramping.

c)      Guide weapon with free hand calmly and relaxed.

d)      Breathe out slowly and uniformly.

e)      Hold breath for a short while before firing.

f)       Squeeze trigger gently with first joint of index finger.

g)      See the effect of each shot and recognize the hit.

h)      Hold higher in case of the following: -

                                                                                      i.      Heavy rain.

                                                                                    ii.      Head wind.

                                                                                  iii.      Severe cold.

                                                                                   iv.      Target is moving away.

i)        Hold lower for the following: -

                                                                                      i.      At high altitude.

                                                                                    ii.      Following wind.

                                                                                  iii.      Target is moving towards firer.

Reflex Firing. Firing should be a conditioned reflex action for speedy engagement, especially in counter-ambush and close combat in jungles/built up area.  The following should be borne in mind: -

a)      The open sight is seen hazily but the target sharply.  Both eyes are open to get a complete view of the battlefield (unlearn basic shooting habits, remember, closing one eye involves a deliberate effort). Peripheral vision is important, as a threat could appear anywhere.

b)      Turning to face the target is done on the ball of the foot.  The position of the free leg is quickly changed and the body turned in the new direction with a smooth movement.

c)      Firer instinctively adopts firing position to suit available cover.

d)      All movement of the body is stopped before firing.

e)      The change from precision to reflex shooting should be smooth, depending upon distance and reaction time.

f)       The firer should stand steady, relaxed and almost facing the target.  Body weight is distributed equally on both feet.  The head is centrally above the weapon and both eyes are open.

g)      The firer has to make the following decisions: -

                                                        i.            Whether to shoot or not.

                                                      ii.            When to shoot.

                                                    iii.            Which target to shoot first.

                                                     iv.            Whether to fire a burst or double tap.

Shooting Under Stress.  Conditions of stress should be incorporated into firing practices while taking care to ensure safety.  The following can be included: -

a)      Sound and light effects.

b)      Extreme temperature.

c)      Unfavorable weather conditions like fog, etc.

d)      Long waiting time as in ambushes and sniping.

e)      High physical demands before shooting, as with carrying full scale of ammunition under simulated combat conditions.

f)       High demand on nerves and self-denial, i.e., as with hunger, calls of nature, insects and cramped positions.

g)      Shooting with NBC masks and helmets.

h)      Blindfolded weapon handling.

Special Firing Practices:  Special firing practices cultivate ideal conditioned responses to combat situations.  They will be particularly useful for specialized troops who assault objectives without adequate artillery support and are likely to face a numerically superior enemy under adverse conditions. Special firing practices are given in Appendix attached.

Combat Duel. In the trail-blazing days of the American Wild West, cowboys resolved their differences by a shooting duel where the faster and better shot survived.  Such a duel in training may involve lasers, rubber bullets, body armour, etc, which dilutes realism.  However, a simple apparatus consisting of a counter balanced beam with two balloons tied at either ends can be used on the range to carry out a simulated combat duel. Each string passes through rings attached to weights (Sketch at Appendix), and when one firer shoots his balloon, the ring held up by the balloon falls off along with the weight.  The weight attached to the opponent’s balloon makes it drop out of sight.  Three/ five such targets are used for a competition match, where firers combine speed with accuracy.

Ear Protection.  Prolonged exposure to sharp and loud sounds causes permanent damage to the ears, resulting in tinnitus, a persistent ringing in the ear, which is avoidable in training.  Firers and instructors, especially in enclosed spaces, should use ear guards, as there is no bravado in ignoring ear protection.

Cartridge-Case-Collector.  The loss of cartridge cases is usually unacceptable in peacetime training.  However, looking out for cartridge cases of automatic/semi-automatic weapons instills unnecessary caution, restricts realism in firing and may endanger a person helping in cartridge case collection. Cartridge case collectors fixed to weapons allow freedom of movement and will be ideal for specialized training, field firing, VIP security, helicopter safety and covert operations.

Recreation.  Activities that improve psycho-motor reflexes, concentration and coordination, such as darts, air gun, air pistol, throwing aimed pebbles, tennis, handball and boxing are inexpensive and useful, and must be encouraged in units.

Tips.

a)  Keep both eyes open while aiming.  It allows you to see the target and the fall of shot even when the weapon jumps, and enables engagement of new targets as required in the battlefield.

b)  Never overestimate the range. It allows you to see the fall of shot and give correction.  The ricochets can also be lethal.

c)   Firing ranges should simulate actual conditions, e.g., targets should be at ground level, and broken ground should be left for realism, however, the safety point of ricochets be borne in mind.

d)  Night firing practice using NVDs can include firing at enemy weapon flashes simulated by bicat strips.

e)   Inefficient movements cause superfluous stresses that distract from the essential shooting task, hence efficient movements should be learned and practiced.  Any position that requires unnatural/strained head and neck positions detracts from stable posture and efficient eye and hand movements.  With practice, a firer can learn to aim with both eyes open (as in skeet shooting).

 Conclusion.  Proficiency with personal weapons and annual range classification must be given due sanctity. It is the duty of every commander to ensure basic training to save soldiers’ lives in war. The high emphasis placed on competitions diverts training ammunition for the already proficient select few, and hence should be toned down.

COMBAT FIRING PRACTICES

Sr. No	Practice	Mode	Position	Range	Target	Time	Rounds	Points	Score	Remarks
01	Stoppages	Double Tap	Standing	25m	3xFig12	20 sec	6	18	3–2--1	-Two magazines filled at random. -Two drill rounds are interspersed. -Second magazine may be in pouch or clipped on to the first magazine.
02	Change in Position	Double Tap	Standing Kneeling Lying	25m	Fig 12	08 sec	2 2 2	18	3–2–1	-
03	Weak hand/eye	Single Shot	Standing behind cover	25m	Fig 12	-	2	4	2 pts per hit	-Weak hand/eye are used. -Deliberate firing.
04	Running	Double Tap	Lying Kneeling Standing -          Aiming -          Alignment	100m 75m - 50m 15m	Fig 12	35 sec	2 2 - 2 2	24	3–2–1	-Start from 200m. -Safety catch is on ‘safe’ while moving. -Max two firers at a time for safety. -Minus 6 points if firer aims from 15m.
05	Disc Target	Double Tap	Standing	25m	Disc target	4 sec each	6	12	2 pts per hit	-Target has six discs of different colours/shapes (15cm dia). -Firers stand with back to target. On target indication, they turn, cock, and fire. -Magazine is filled with two rounds per disc.
06	Moving Target	Single Shot	Standing	25m	Fig 12	10 sec	4	16	4 pts per hit	-Target moves 15m from left to right in 10 sec at uneven speed.
07	Day (natural alignment)	Single Shot	Standing	25m	Fig 11	10 sec	4	08	2 pts per hit	-Foresight of weapon is covered with cloth.
08	Automatic (aimed)	Bursts	Standing	25m	Fig 11	8 sec	5	15	3 pts per hit	-Weapon is on “automatic” mode. Two round burst to be fired. -Ability to fire single shots encouraged.
09	Automatic (pointed shot)	Bursts	Standing (Medial position)	25m	Fig 11	8 sec	5	15	3 pts per hit	-Butt of weapon is firmly on abdomen.  Forehand guard gripped keeping straight elbow.  Rear leg is straight. -Fire controlled burst.
10	Night (alignment)	Single Shot	Standing               (natural alignment)	25m	Fig 11	8 sec	4	20	5 pts per hit	-Target is silhouetted so that it is not possible to aim. -The first round may be a tracer.
				Total			50	150

Targets 

Combat Duel Target