Marines from Headquarters and Support Battalion participated in an unknown distance, live-fire training exercise to maintain combat readiness, March 23.

Headquarters and Support Battalion provides administrative, training, and disciplinary support to personnel assigned to Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton and affiliating organizations in order to increase operational and functional effectiveness, administrative simplicity, and utility.

“It’s important for all Marines, no matter what [military occupational specialty], to receive live-fire training,” said Sgt. Jeremy P. Sears. “Marines can be deployed at any time, regardless of what MOS they fill, and these type of training exercises help maintain their shooting skill.”

For most of the Marines who participated, the exercise was the first time firing a weapon since Marine Combat Training, as well as being a reintroduction to firing at a long-range target while using a rifle combat optic.

“The unknown distance training exercise helped us get familiar with the rifles again,” said Matthew R. Marshalsea, a videographer with Marine Corps Base Combat Camera. “It was a great way to refresh my shooting techniques and fundamentals.”

Using M16A4 assault rifles equipped with a RCO, Marines aimed in on multiple targets ranging from 150 to 400 meters.

 “Using a RCO totally out does using the regular iron sights,” said Sears. “Once you get the proper training with the RCO you will have a better understanding of its effectiveness and an enhanced skill of hitting targets at unknown distances.”

Not every Marine is able to get the amount of weapon training that infantry Marines receive, making rifle range training exercises essential for a Marine’s rifle qualification, said Sears. 

Not only do annual rifle qualifications help Marines prepare for combat they might see in the future, but it also counts as a key factor for Marines looking to be promoted to the next rank.

“Having a high rifle score is essential to setting myself apart from other Marines, especially when considering promotion,” said Marshalsea. “Every minute on a rifle range is crucial to helping achieve combat readiness and a rifleman mindset.”