PISTOL ENGAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
The Marine must be able to quickly detect targets and employ the proper
pistol engagement and firing techniques. The Marine must also be able to
re-engage a target if the initial engagement is not successful.
_Note_: The procedures in this chapter are written for
right-handed Marines; left-handed Marines should reverse
directions as needed.
Target Detection
Target indicators reveal an enemy’s position. Most combat targets are
detected by smoke, flash, dust, noise, or movement and are usually only
momentarily visible. Target indicators are grouped into three general
areas: movement, sound, and improper camouflage.
Movement
The Marine does not need to look directly at an object to notice
movement. The eye is attracted to any movement, especially sudden
movement. A slowly moving target is harder to detect than one with quick,
jerky movements. Therefore, the ability to locate a moving target depends
primarily on the speed of the object’s movement.
Sound
Sound (e.g., movement, rattling equipment, talking) can be used to detect
an enemy position. Sound provides only a general location, making it
difficult to pinpoint a target by sound alone. However, sound can alert
the Marine to the presence of a target and increases the probability of
locating the target through other indicators.
Improper Camouflage
The improper use of camouflage creates three target indicators: shine,
outline, and contrast with the background. The closeness of a typical
pistol engagement somewhat diminishes these effects, but can still affect
target detection. The Marine’s ability to recognize target indicators
aids in the detection of targets.
_Shine_
Shine is created from reflective objects such as metal, glass, pools of
water, and the skin’s natural oils. Shine acts as a beacon in locating a
target’s position.
_Outline_
The outline of camouflaged objects such as the body, head and shoulders,
weapons, and gear can be recognizable.
_Contrast With the Background_
Objects contrast with a background because of differences in color,
surface, and shape. The following are examples of objects contrasting
with their background:
A target wearing a dark uniform would be clearly visible in an
area of snow or sand.
Symmetrical shapes, such as helmets or rifle barrels, can be
detected in a wooded area.
Fresh soil around a fighting hole contrasts with the otherwise
unbroken ground surface.
While observing an area, the Marine notes anything that looks out of
place or unusual and studies it in more detail in order to increase the
chances of spotting a hidden threat.
Techniques of Fire
To successfully engage a combat target with the M9 service pistol, the
Marine must employ effective techniques of fire. The Marine’s performance
of these skills and the proper application of the fundamentals of
marksmanship are critical to success in a combat situation.
Double and Single Action Firing
When the M9 service pistol is taken off safe, it is capable of firing in
both a double and a single action mode.
_Double Action Mode_
The design of the M9 service pistol causes the first shot fired to be a
double action shot.
In double action firing, two actions occur as the trigger is moved to
the rear; the hammer moves to the rear, cocking the pistol, and then the
hammer moves forward, firing the pistol. More pressure is required on
the trigger to fire a double action shot due to the distance between the
trigger and hammer and the weight of the trigger. A double action shot
requires approximately 9 to 16 pounds of pressure to move the trigger
rearward.
Maintaining sight alignment and sight picture are harder when firing a
double action shot. Therefore, the sights will more than likely move
outside the aiming area when applying trigger pressure.
_Single Action Mode_
In single action firing, the pistol is already cocked because the cycle
of operation in the first double action shot leaves the hammer cocked to
the rear. Therefore, the only action taking place as the trigger is moved
to the rear is the hammer moving forward, firing the pistol. A single
action shot requires approximately 4 to 6 pounds of pressure to move the
trigger rearward. Therefore, the application of trigger control is easier
when firing a single action shot.
To enable the first shot to be fired single action, the pistol’s hammer
can be manually cocked with the thumb:
_Note_: The pistol must be taken off safe before it
can be thumbcocked.
Use the left thumb to pull back on the hammer to cock it. This
ensures that the firing grip of the right hand does not have to
be broken.
Ensure that the hammer moves all the way to the rear.
Ensure the trigger finger remains straight along the receiver
until the pistol is fully cocked.
Re-establish the firing grip with both hands once the pistol is
cocked.
Single Action or Double Action Firing Factors
The decision to fire in a single or double action mode is made rapidly.
Ultimately, the decision is based on the Marine’s abilities, but the
decision is also based on time and accuracy. The pistol is fired in the
double action mode when trigger control, sight picture, and stability of
hold are not as critical for accuracy (i.e., close range, large targets).
The pistol is fired in the single action mode when the fundamentals are
more critical to accuracy (i.e., long range, small targets).
_Time_
The Marine sacrifices time to fire a single action, precision shot; but
what he sacrifices in time, he gains in accuracy.
For quick engagements at close range, there may not be time to thumbcock
the pistol for a single action shot. Therefore, firing the first shot in
the double action mode is preferred because shots are needed on target
quickly and stability of hold and sight picture are not as critical to
accuracy.
When time permits and for targets at longer ranges, the pistol may be
thumbcocked to place it in the single action mode to reduce the weight of
the trigger and the distance the trigger must travel rearward to fire the
first shot.
_Distance and Size of the Target_
The smaller the target, the more critical the application of the
fundamentals in order to engage the target accurately. To accurately
engage a small target (e.g., head shot, long-range target) it is better
to thumbcock the pistol for a single action shot. Engagement of a smaller
target requires additional precision because sight alignment and sight
picture are more critical to accuracy.
Two-Shot Technique
During combat, the preferred pistol engagement technique is to rapidly
fire more than one shot on a target to eliminate it as a threat. Two
shots fired in rapid succession increase the trauma (i.e., shock,
blood loss) on the target and increase the Marine’s chances of quickly
eliminating the threat. Therefore, two shots are most often fired in
rapid succession on a target at close range.
After the pistol is fired, the muzzle climbs with the recoil of the
pistol. To fire two shots, the Marine must quickly recover the sights to
the same area on the target while re-acquiring sight alignment and sight
picture. The proper recovery automatically brings the sights back on
target following recoil. A quick recovery allows more time for the Marine
to align the sights and apply trigger control to fire the next shot.
Recovery begins immediately after the application of the fundamentals to
bring the pistol sights into alignment with the target in preparation for
firing the next shot.
The amount the muzzle climbs during recoil depends on the amount of
controlled muscular tension in the grip and wrists used to stabilize
the pistol and create consistency in resistance to recoil. Controlled
muscular tension allows the pistol sights to recover consistently back on
target within a minimum amount of time. The speed of delivery of multiple
shots depends on how fast the Marine can re-acquire sight alignment.
Sight recovery is determined by the following:
The key to proper recovery is a stable firing position and
proper grip.
If the Marine’s firing position is not stable, recoil forces
him out of his firing position, requiring him to re-establish
his position before he takes his next shot.
An improper grip or lack of controlled muscular tension causes
the pistol to move in the Marine’s hand after the shot is
fired, disrupting sight alignment and requiring the Marine to
re-establish his grip.
Slow Fire Technique
Sight alignment becomes more critical the smaller the target and the
greater the distance to the target. In these situations, the Marine does
not engage the target with two rapidly fired shots because he has to slow
down his application of the fundamentals in order to fire a precision
shot(s). To engage small targets (i.e., partially exposed) and targets
at longer ranges where precision is required, the Marine must employ the
following slow fire technique:
Thumbcock the pistol for a single action shot.
Slow down application of the fundamentals.
Fire one well-aimed, precision shot on target.
Re-engagement Techniques
Once the Marine has quickly assessed the situation and determined that
the threat still exists, he may make the decision to re-engage the target
to eliminate it as a threat. Re-engagement techniques include engaging
the target with a precision shot through slow fire, two shots, or offset
aiming. The time, size, and distance to the target as well as the
Marine’s marksmanship abilities dictate the technique used to re-engage
the target.
Slow Fire Technique
If the Marine has engaged a target and the target still poses a threat,
the Marine may choose to slow down his application of the fundamentals
and fire a slow fire, precision shot. The placement of one well-aimed,
precision shot on a designated area of the target increases the chances
of eliminating the target as a threat. However, the time the Marine has
to engage the target determines if he can slow down his application of
the fundamentals to fire a precision shot. Firing a precision shot takes
time, so the Marine will sacrifice time for accuracy.
The key to successful shot placement is the Marine’s ability to slow
down his performance and focus on the application of the fundamentals of
marksmanship. The Marine must determine where to place shot for maximum
effectiveness. In order to make this decision, the Marine must consider
distance and size of the target and time. For targets at close range and
within the Marine’s marksmanship abilities, a precision shot is placed in
the head to immediately eliminate the target as a threat. Sometimes, even
at close ranges, the target may only be partially exposed; therefore,
the Marine is presented with a small target and aims his sights on the
portion of the target that is exposed. For targets at long ranges, the
target is smaller and requires a precision shot. A precision shot may be
placed in the body to add trauma to the target and increase the chances
of eliminating the target as a threat.
Two-Shot Technique
If a target is accurately engaged, but does not go down, the Marine may
re-engage the target with additional shots. Two additional, rapidly
delivered shots increases the trauma and increases the Marine’s chances
of eliminating the threat.
The size and distance to the target affect how quickly two shots can be
delivered on the target. The speed at which two shots are fired also
depends on the Marine’s marksmanship abilities and how fast he can
re-acquire his front sight. However, the Marine must not compromise
accuracy for speed; the key to successful target engagement is to fire
only as quickly as the Marine can fire effectively.
Offset Aiming
When the Marine assesses the situation and determines his shots are not
successful and not striking the target in the designated aiming area, he
may employ offset aiming. Since the pistol’s sights cannot be adjusted,
offset aiming is applied to adjust the aiming area and to cause rounds
to strike center mass. This technique should only be applied when the
Marine determines that he is applying the fundamentals of marksmanship
correctly. Sight picture will change as the aiming area is adjusted.
The known strike of the round offset aiming technique requires shifting
the point of aim to compensate for rounds striking off target center.
To effectively engage a target using this technique, the Marine must be
able to see where the rounds are striking and then aim an equal distance
from the center of the aiming area opposite the observed strike of the
round. For example, if the rounds are striking the target high and left
of center mass, aim an equal and opposite distance low and right.
Multiple Targets
If engaging more than one target at a time, the Marine adheres to the
fundamentals of marksmanship and employs the techniques of multiple
target engagement. The introduction of multiple targets in a combat
scenario requires additional skills that must be learned and practiced if
a Marine is to be successful. To be effective in combat, the Marine must
be able to detect targets through identification of target indicators
(identified on page 7-1), prioritize the targets, and employ multiple
target engagement techniques.
Combat Mindset
Successful engagement of multiple targets requires a somewhat different
mindset from single target engagement. For example, following engagement
of a single target, the Marine assesses the situation. During
multiple target engagements, after the first target is engaged, he
must immediately engage the next target and continue until all targets
have been eliminated. Because split-second decisions must be made,
the development of a combat mindset is important to success on the
battlefield. A combat mindset allows the Marine to control the pace of
the battle rather than react to the threat.
Mental preparedness is essential to successful engagement of multiple
targets, and the required mindset must be developed until it becomes
second nature to the Marine. When multiple targets appear, the Marine
must prioritize the targets to establish an engagement sequence. To
prioritize targets and establish an engagement sequence, the Marine must
be aware of the surroundings, not focus on one target, and continuously
search the terrain for additional targets.
Prioritizing Targets
Once multiple targets have been identified, they must be prioritized
in terms of the threat each target presents. While the fundamentals of
marksmanship must still be applied, prioritizing targets and planning the
engagement are just as essential to successful multiple target engagement.
Target priority is based on factors such as proximity, threat, and
opportunity. It also encompasses the Marine’s proficiency level since a
Marine should not attempt to engage a target beyond his proficiency level
or the pistol’s capability (e.g., a target 100 yards away). The principal
method of prioritizing targets is to determine the level of threat for
each target so that all targets may be engaged in succession, starting
with the most threatening and ending with the least threatening.
Prioritizing targets is an ongoing process. As the engagement proceeds,
new targets may appear or previously identified targets may take cover,
delaying their engagement. Therefore, the Marine must remain constantly
alert to changes in target threat, proximity, and the opportunity for
engagement and revise target priorities accordingly.
Engaging Multiple Targets
Once targets have been prioritized, the Marine must quickly eliminate
them. It is crucial to understand and practice the physical techniques
for engaging multiple targets until they become second nature. When
these techniques occur as automatic responses, the Marine maintains an
awareness of the complete battlefield and is able to concentrate on the
mental aspects of multiple target engagement.
_Engagement Methods_
The fundamentals of marksmanship are critical to the development of
skills to support multiple target engagement. While responsiveness is
important when engaging multiple targets, the Marine’s primary concern
is to place accurate rounds on target. A balance must be struck between
placing shots quickly on targets at close range and slowing down to place
precision shots on targets at long range because all targets pose a
threat and must be accurately engaged. To engage multiple targets—
Engage every target, move from target to target.
After all of the targets have been initially engaged, assess
the effectiveness of the engagements and, if necessary,
re-engage targets that still pose a threat.
If all of the targets are eliminated, search the area for new
targets.
_Considerations for Field Firing Positions_
The selection and use of field firing positions are critical to
engagement of multiple targets. As in any firing situation, if the
situation permits, the Marine should make a quick mental review of the
terrain to select a firing position that provides stability, mobility,
and observation of the enemy. The firing position should also provide
flexibility for engaging multiple targets. The more dispersed the
multiple targets, the greater the lateral movement the position must
afford to engage them.
The prone position provides the maximum stability for firing well-placed
shots, but engaging multiple targets from this position may require
adjustment in the position from shot to shot depending on the distance
between the targets and their location. Because the arms are fully
extended on the ground, the prone position can be restrictive, increasing
the time it will take to recover the sights onto subsequent targets.
If the Marine must make an adjustment in the prone position to engage
multiple targets, he must ensure that he maintains proper arm placement.
Improper arm placement may affect his stability of hold and his ability
to acquire sight picture. The following identifies position adjustments:
For targets that are not widely dispersed, the Marine adjusts
the position of the lower part of the body to orient the upper
body toward the target without disturbing the placement of the
arms. This allows the Marine to maintain stability of hold and
quickly recover on subsequent targets. Moving the legs to the
left orients the upper body to the right; moving the legs to
the right orients the upper body to the left.
For targets that are widely dispersed, the Marine may need to
adjust his entire position to orient his body in the direction
of subsequent targets. Using the left hand, push the upper body
off the deck just high enough to move the body in the direction
of the target. Extend the right arm toward the target and keep
the muzzle pointed in the direction of the target.
The kneeling and standing positions provide an increased field of view
and allow maximum lateral adjustment to engage dispersed targets. The
type of adjustment the Marine must make in the kneeling or standing
position in order to orient his body in the direction of each target is
related to the distance between the targets. It is also related to the
Marine’s ability to maintain stability of hold and recover from recoil.
Once the first target is engaged—
Maintain a proper shooting position, rotate the body in the
direction of the target, keeping the feet in place. In the
standing position, the Marine may bend slightly at the knees
while rotating the body. This allows the Marine to distribute
his weight forward to provide additional stability to the
position and to better control the effects of recoil.
Adjust the entire position by either adjusting the placement of
the feet or knee(s) in order to face in the direction of the
new target if the targets are some distance apart.
Ensure that as the eyes move to a new target, the head and
pistol muzzle should follow.
Moving Targets
The majority of combat targets will be moving; the enemy will move
quickly from cover to cover, exposing himself for the shortest time
possible. Therefore, a moving target must be engaged before it
disappears. The Marine must engage a moving target with the same accuracy
and precision used to engage a stationary target. Practice in the proper
application of leads and the fundamentals of marksmanship enable the
successful engagement of moving targets.
Types of Moving Targets
_Moving Target_
This type of target moves in a consistent manner (i.e., walking or
running) and is in continuous sight as it moves across the Marine’s
field of vision. However, unless the enemy is completely unaware of the
Marine’s presence, this type of target is not likely to present itself.
_Stop and Go Target_
This type of target appears and disappears during its movement due to
intermittent cover. It will present itself for only a short period of
time before re-establishing cover. This type of target is most vulnerable
to fire at the beginning and end of its movement because it begins slow
and gains momentum as it leaves cover and then slows to avoid overrunning
the new cover.
Leads for Moving Targets
Once the moving target has been identified it must be engaged. To engage
a moving target, the Marine must aim at a point in front of the target,
which is known as a lead. Lead is the distance in advance of the target
that is required to strike the target when it is moving. To achieve
success, determining the amount of lead to engage a moving target must
be as precise as possible. When a shot is fired at a moving target, the
target continues to move during the time of the bullet’s flight. For this
reason, the aim must be in front of the target; otherwise, the shot will
fall behind the target.
_Factors Affecting Lead_
Factors that affect the amount of lead are the target’s range, speed, and
angle of movement.
_Range._ There is a time lag from the time a round is fired until the
round strikes at the point of aim. This time of flight could allow a
target to move out of the bullet’s path if the round were fired directly
at the target. Time of flight increases as range to the target increases.
Therefore, the lead must be increased in proportion to the distance to
the target.
_Speed._ A greater lead is required to hit a running man than a walking
man because the running man moves a greater distance during the flight of
the bullet.
_Angle of Movement._ The angle of target movement also affects the amount
of lead required for target engagement. The angle of movement across the
Marine’s line of sight relative to the flight of the bullet determines
the type (amount) of lead.
_Types of Leads_
_Full Lead._ The target moves straight across the Marine’s line of sight
with only one arm and half the body visible. This target requires a full
lead because it moves the greatest distance across the Marine’s line of
sight during the bullet’s flight.
_Half Lead._ The target moves obliquely across the Marine’s line of sight
(at about a 45-degree angle). One arm and over half of the back or chest
are visible. This target requires half of a full lead because it moves
half as far as a target moving directly across the Marine’s line of sight
during the bullet’s flight.
_No Lead._ A target moving directly toward or away from the Marine
presents a full view of both arms and the entire back or chest. No lead
is required. This target is engaged in the same manner as a stationary
target because it is not moving across the Marine’s line of sight.
_Point of Aim Technique_
To engage a moving target, a Marine establishes a lead using a point of
aim offset aiming technique. This technique uses predetermined points
of aim to sector a man-sized target vertically, halfway between center
mass and the leading edge of the target (both one point of aim and two
points of aim) (see fig. 7-1 on page 7-8). The same units of measure can
be applied off the target for holds of additional points of aim. To use
the point of aim technique to establish a lead on a man-sized moving
target at various ranges, speeds, and angles of movement, the following
guidelines apply. See figure 7-2 on page 7-9.
For a target moving at a distance of 15 yards away or less, no
lead is required.
For a target walking directly across the Marines line of sight
(full lead) between 16 and 25 yards away, hold 1 point of aim
in the direction the target is moving.
For a target running directly across the Marine’s line of sight
(full lead) between 16 and 25 yards away, hold 2 points of aim
in the direction the target is moving.
Methods of Engagement
Moving targets, although difficult, can be engaged by the tracking or
ambush method or a combination of the two. See figure 7-2 on page 7-9.
_Tracking Method_
In this method, the Marine “tracks” or follows the target with his front
sight while maintaining sight alignment and a point of aim on or ahead of
(leading) the target until the shot is fired. Sight picture is the aiming
point in relation to the target while maintaining sight alignment (when
a lead is established in moving target engagement, the sights are not
entered on the target). To execute the tracking method—
Thumbcock the pistol while presenting it to the target.
Track the muzzle of the pistol through the target to the
desired point of aim (lead). The point of aim may be on the
target or some point in front of the target depending upon the
target’s range, speed, and angle of movement.
Track and maintain focus on the front sight while applying
trigger pressure and acquiring sight alignment.
Continue tracking and applying trigger pressure while acquiring
sight picture. When sight picture is established, engage the
target while maintaining the proper point of aim (lead).
Follow through so the lead is maintained as the bullet exits
the muzzle. Continuing to track also enables a second shot to
be fired on target.
_Ambush Method_
The ambush method is generally used to engage a stop and go target and
when it is difficult to track the target with the pistol, such as in the
prone position. With this method, the pistol is aimed at a predetermined
engagement point ahead of the target and along its path, allowed to
remain stationary, and fired when the target reaches the predetermined
engagement point. The engagement point is based on the required point of
aim (lead) to engage the target effectively. When the sights are settled,
the target moves into the predetermined engagement point creating the
desired sight picture. Once sight picture is established, the remaining
pressure is applied on the trigger until the shot is fired. To execute
the ambush method—
Look for a pattern of exposure.
Thumbcock the pistol while presenting it to a selected point of
aim ahead of the target.
Apply trigger pressure while obtaining sight alignment in the
aiming area.
Continue applying trigger pressure and hold sight alignment
until the target moves into the predetermined engagement point
and the desired sight picture is established.
Engage the target once the sight picture is acquired.
Follow through so the pistol sights are not disturbed as the
bullet exits the muzzle.
[Illustration: Figure 7-1. Points of Aim.]
Applying the Fundamentals of Marksmanship
The engagement of moving targets is a perishable skill that must be
practiced frequently if it is to be maintained. The Marine must practice
to develop the skill to calculate the point of aim (lead) and fire the
shot while maintaining the proper point of aim (lead).
To engage moving targets using the tracking method, the Marine moves the
pistol smoothly and steadily as the target moves. A stable position and
firm grip are necessary to steady the pistol sights while tracking.
When using the tracking method, continue tracking the target while
following through with the shot process so the point of aim (lead) is
maintained as the bullet exits the muzzle. Continuing to track also
enables a second shot to be fired on target if necessary. Concentration
should be on continuing to track while applying the fundamentals. The
fundamentals must be instinctively applied, allowing concentration on
tracking the target and applying point of aim (lead).
[Illustration: Figure 7-2. Moving Target Engagement Methods.]
_Aiming_
Sight alignment remains unchanged for accurate engagement of a moving
target. The most common error when engaging moving targets is to focus on
the target rather than focusing on the front sight. Sight picture is the
point of aim in relation to the target while maintaining sight alignment.
For both the ambush and tracking methods, sight picture is changed from
the normal center mass picture, based on range, speed, and angle of
movement of the target. It takes practice in moving target engagement
to quickly establish the desired sight picture for a given point of aim
(lead).
_Breath Control_
There is no difference in breath control when engaging moving targets;
the breath is held to fire the shot.
_Trigger Control_
Trigger control is critical to firing shots while establishing and
maintaining sight alignment and sight picture. Because the single action
mode is the preferred method of engaging a moving target, the pistol is
thumbcocked before trigger control is applied. The following guidelines
apply:
Do not use interrupted trigger control when engaging moving
targets because the point of aim (lead) is lost or has to be
adjusted if the trigger is held in order to re-assume the
proper sight picture.
Do not stop tracking as trigger control is applied. This causes
the shot to impact behind the moving target. Trigger control
should be uninterrupted while maintaining the point of aim so
the trigger is pulled in one continuous, smooth motion to the
rear.
Do not interrupt trigger control when the target is masked
from view. This is particularly true in the ambush method for
targets that appear to stop and go when moving to and from
cover. Trigger control should be uninterrupted.