Posted: 11/19/2006 10:07:08 AM EDT
| Anyone take the Squad Designated Marksman course from the AMU stateside yet? Any info, dirt, links will help. |
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You will learn to really shoot. I assume if you're going that you already have pretty good fundamentals, but if you aren't sure (or even if you are), get to work on them. You want to get there in the best shooting shape possible, just as you would want to go to the Master Fitness course in the best physical shape possible. You will learn to read wind, to figure range much more effectively than taught in BRM, and in the use of your equipment (SDM-R and ACOG). It's a pretty straightforward, no-bullshit course, which is nice. There isn't any real dirt to give you except get ready to shoot, and listen hard to your instructors. They are of a higher caliber usually than your typical Army instructor. |
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Centermass 181 On the morning of the first day you report, you will be given an instruction manual, CD-ROM and attend a class on basic marksmanship, familiarization with the SDM rifle and ACOG sights, wind reading and range estimation. After the lecture, you will report to the rifle range and begin firing with open sights. You will be issued the same rifle for the week. Your ACOG sight will be mounted on the rifle sometime during the second day of training. All firing will be with the ACOG sight after that. This is not a hurry up and shoot course like requals. You will be taught to take well placed precision shots. You'll be shooting on "E" and "D" targets. Don't just shoot for mass, but pick a certain point on your target to aim at and consistantly hit. In the current course at Ft. Benning, you will fire from the kneeling position at 200yds., so make sure you have a good kneeling position. At 300, 500 and 600 yds you will be firing from a supported prone position using the SDM rifle's bipod. The SDM rifles are equipped with a flutted match barrel and you will be firing MOD 262 ammo with a 77gr. match bullet. This rifle and ammo combo will allow you to make consistant shots on target out to 500 yds and further, if you do your part. The instructors on the firing line are volunteer civilian high power service rifle shooters and/or instructors. Don't hesitate to ask any questions. That's what they're there for. They want to help you to become proficient doing your job. Although not required, I would suggest bringing a data book to keep track of your progress. A front sight tool and sight black would help too in case the AMU is running short. Thank you for your service and keeping us safe and free. |
I'd hope they would, since that sort of was the reason the program was created. 
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