Do the Marines teach you how do you shoot?

Marksmanship is integral… All Marines, regardless of job or rank, have one thing in common: They know how to shoot. To find out more about how the Marine Corps teaches marksmanship, Task & Purpose spoke to Staff Sgt. Thomas Phillips, a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina.

Do they shoot you in military training?

Members will get their first crack at firing actual military weapons during the last few weeks of basic combat training. Without a doubt, Marine Corp recruits fire the most rounds during the basic training programs. They’re followed by the Army, the Air Force, the Navy, and finally the Coast Guard.

How far can Marines shoot?

The course of fire includes shooting at targets that are 200, 300 and 500 yards away from the prone, sitting, kneeling and standing positions. It’s interesting to note that the Marine Corps is the only branch that has recruits shooting from distances as far as 500 yards away.

Do you get shot in basic training?

When entering basic training, you only receive shots you do not currently have. So while waiting to go to basic, why not find out what vaccinations you need? Get them beforehand and you’ll have one less line to stand in! Just be sure to have them on record!

Is it harder to become a Marine?

Marine Corps basic training has the reputation of being the toughest of all the services. It most certainly is the longest, at about 12 1/2 weeks. It has been said time and time again by former Marines that Marine Corps recruit training was the most difficult thing they ever had to do in their entire lives.

Is Expert better than sharpshooter?

You must hit 23 to 29 out of the 40 targets to earn that qualification. If you do a little better (30-35), you qualify for the sharpshooter badge. To get an expert badge, you must hit at least 36 targets.

What should I consider when joining the military?

Joining the military will provide you with specialized training in any number of fields, depending upon the branch you are considering. Think about what skills you would like to possess at the end of your term of service. Learn as much as you can about each branch of military service and see which one will suit your needs.

Why do some military recruits perform best at shooting?

Phillips says that it’s often the recruits who have never shot a weapon before who perform best, which he attributes to the fact that they’re a blank slate, and don’t have any bad habits. Not to mention, they might be a bit nervous shooting for the first time, so they pay attention to everything being taught.

How do recruits learn marksmanship in the military?

Recruits learn the basics of marksmanship during the second phase of their training and combat marksmanship in third phase, but long before they fire a round, they spend endless hours learning proper weapons handling, dry firing their weapons from different shooting positions.

Should you leave your education up to the military recruiter?

If you leave your education up to the recruiter, you could be placed into a job that the military needs filling more than your personal interest. Obviously, the recruiter will fill in the missing pieces, but you have to do your research.