Naval Rifleman Training

Lesson 1 • Role and Mission of the Naval Rifleman

Defines the naval rifleman's mission within fleet security and force protection. Connects individual duty to broader naval operational objectives.

Lesson 2 • Physical Fitness Requirements

Outlines minimum physical fitness standards and conditioning expectations for riflemen. Prepares trainees for the physical demands of subsequent training modules.

Lesson 3 • Military Bearing and Conduct Standards

Covers uniform standards, customs, courtesies, and professional conduct. Establishes behavioral expectations maintained throughout all training phases.

Lesson 1 • Safe Weapon Handling Procedures

Covers loading, unloading, and administrative handling sequences performed safely. Correct procedures prevent negligent discharges during all training and operational contexts.

Lesson 2 • Range Safety Rules and Commands

Introduces range-specific safety rules, commands, and the role of range safety officers. Trainees respond correctly to all range commands before entering a live-fire range.

Lesson 3 • Universal Weapons Safety Rules

Teaches the four fundamental safety rules applied to all weapons at all times. These rules form the non-negotiable baseline for every subsequent live-fire evolution.

Lesson 1 • Weapons Accountability and Storage

Explains procedures for weapons sign-out, turn-in, and secure storage. Accountability practices protect naval assets and maintain unit readiness.

Lesson 2 • Service Rifle Components and Functions

Identifies all major and minor components of the service rifle and explains their mechanical roles. Provides the vocabulary needed for all subsequent weapons instruction.

Lesson 3 • Inspection and Serviceability Standards

Establishes criteria for determining weapon serviceability before and after use. Trainees identify wear, damage, and conditions requiring armorer support.

Lesson 4 • Cleaning and Lubrication Techniques

Covers proper use of cleaning tools, solvents, and lubricants for each component. Consistent maintenance prevents malfunctions and extends service life.

Lesson 1 • Trigger Control and Follow-Through

Teaches smooth, consistent trigger press and proper follow-through after the shot. Correct trigger control prevents muzzle movement at the moment of firing.

Lesson 2 • Shooting Positions and Stability

Teaches prone, kneeling, sitting, and standing positions with correct body alignment. Stable positions reduce wobble and directly improve first-round accuracy.

Lesson 3 • Breath Control and Shot Timing

Explains respiratory pause and natural respiratory cycle for shot timing. Coordinating breath with trigger press minimizes vertical dispersion on target.

Lesson 4 • Sight Alignment and Sight Picture

Covers front and rear sight alignment and correct sight picture on target. Precise sight alignment is the primary determinant of horizontal and vertical accuracy.

Lesson 1 • Environmental Effects on Ballistics

Covers wind, temperature, humidity, and altitude effects on bullet flight. Trainees apply environmental corrections to maintain accuracy in field conditions.

Lesson 2 • Sight Adjustment Mechanics

Covers how to read and adjust iron sights and optical sights to move the point of impact. Accurate adjustments translate directly to improved group placement.

Lesson 3 • Zeroing Concepts and Procedures

Explains the purpose of zeroing and the standard zero distance for the service rifle. Trainees complete a confirmed zero before advancing to qualification firing.

Lesson 1 • Remedial Action Procedures

Covers the lock-clear-reload sequence for malfunctions not resolved by immediate action. Trainees diagnose and clear complex stoppages safely and efficiently.

Lesson 2 • Immediate Action Drills

Teaches the tap-rack-assess immediate action sequence for rapid stoppage clearance. Immediate action restores fire within seconds without diagnosing the cause.

Lesson 3 • Malfunction Prevention Practices

Identifies maintenance, ammunition, and handling factors that cause malfunctions. Prevention reduces stoppage frequency and sustains operational readiness.

Lesson 1 • Shooting from Cover and Concealment

Explains the tactical and ballistic differences between cover and concealment. Trainees engage targets from various cover positions while minimizing exposure.

Lesson 2 • Shooting on the Move

Teaches techniques for engaging targets while moving forward, laterally, and rearward. Movement while shooting requires modified stance and trigger control to maintain accuracy.

Lesson 3 • Rapid Target Acquisition

Covers techniques for quickly acquiring and engaging single and multiple targets. Speed and accuracy are balanced through structured drills and timed repetition.

Lesson 4 • Stress Inoculation and Performance

Exposes trainees to physical and cognitive stress during shooting drills to build resilience. Stress inoculation improves decision-making and accuracy under operational pressure.

Lesson 1 • Perimeter Security and Defensive Positions

Establishes procedures for setting up and maintaining a defensive perimeter. Trainees assign sectors of fire and integrate into a coordinated defensive plan.

Lesson 2 • React to Contact Drills

Trains the immediate response to unexpected enemy contact including suppression and maneuver. Rapid, rehearsed reactions reduce casualties and restore unit initiative.

Lesson 3 • Small-Unit Patrol Formations

Covers wedge, file, line, and echelon formations and their tactical applications. Formation selection balances security, control, and terrain adaptability.

Lesson 4 • Individual Movement Techniques

Teaches low crawl, high crawl, and three-to-five-second rush techniques for moving under fire. Individual movement is the foundation of all small-unit tactical maneuver.