cmc 14r fault check procedures for rifle weapons handling so

8/8/2019 CMC 14R Fault Check Procedures for Rifle Weapons Handling SO

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UNITED STATES MARINE CORPSWEAPONS TRAINING BATTALION

MARINE CORPS MARKSMANSHIP CENTER OFEXCELLENCEMARINE CORPS COMBAT DEVELOPMENT COMMAND

QUANTICO,VIRGINIA 22134-5040

FAULT CHECK PROCEDURES FOR RIFLE WEAPONS HANDLING

a. TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE.

1) Given range supplies,equipment, and personnel to betrained, withoutthe aid of references,conductdry firePreparatory Training per Marine Corps Combat MarksmanshipandEntry Level Pistol (ELP) Program lesson plans andIAWMCRP 3-01A and MCRP 3-01B. (8530.1.1)

2) Giventargets, range supplies andequipment, preparedshooters, and a range, withoutthe aid of references,coachstationary targetengagement withthe service rifle at knowndistances to ensure personnel achieve proficiency levelIAW MCO 3574.2_. (8530.1.4)b.

b. ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1) Given personnel to betrained, withoutthe aid ofreferences,conduct a user serviceability inspection of ashooters weaponto isolate a mechanical failure of theweaponvice shooter error IAW Marksmanship Coach Course(MCC) lesson plans. (8530.1.1b)

2) Given personnel to betrained, withoutthe aid ofreferences, faultcheck rifle weapons handlingduringdryfireto ensure performanceis IAW MCRP 3-01A and MCRP3-01B. (8530.1.1d)

3) Given personnel to betrained, withoutthe aid ofreferences, faultcheck weapons handlingduring live firetoensure performanceis IAW MCRP 3-01A. (8530.1.4b)

BODY

1. FAULT CHECKING PROCEDURES

a. Definition. Faultcheckingis a set of procedures usedto identify andcorrect a weakness, and reinforceperformance of a Marine or a group of Marines. Faultcheckingis usedto train a defined set of skill-basedprocedures thatevery individual performs exactly the same,i.e.,those procedures thathaveno deviationintheirperformance amongindividual shooters. Faultcheckingisideally suitedto weapons handling.


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b. Fault CheckingProcedures. Thecoach faultchecksperformanceto identify procedures or actions beingperformedincorrectly, reinforcethecorrect procedures forperforming a skill, andidentify shooters requiringadditional instruction. To faultcheck a procedure,thecoach:

1) Places himself in a positionthat allows him toobserve all of his shooters actions. For example:

a) Thecoach stands to the left of the weapontoobservethe safety lever, sling position onthe leftarm, or a lefthanded shooters stock weld,eye-relief,etc.

b) Thecoach stands to the right of the shooter toobservethechamber check, sling position ontheright arm, or a righthanded shooters stock weld,eye relief,etc.

2) Observes his shooters to identify a procedure oraction being performedincorrectly.

3) Recognizes a general weakness in performance or atrendin performance across many shooters and reinforcesthecorrect actions for performingthe skill to theentiregroup before or as the procedureis beingperformed again.

4) Verbally corrects all identified mistakes so hiscomments areheard by all shooters. Thecoachverballystates thecorrect way to perform the procedure. For

example,if a shooter does not seathis magazinecorrectly,thecoach will verbally state, Remember totugdownward onthe magazineto ensureitis seated.Theverbal corrections arenotdirected at one shooter,but rather to all shooters.

5) If necessary, re-explains anddemonstrates atechnique with shooters imitating. If a trendexistswhere many shooters are performingthe sametechniqueincorrectly,it will benecessary for thecoachtoexplain anddemonstratethetechnique andhave shooterspracticeit onhis command.

6) Identifies a shooter who continually makes the samemistake andcorrects his performanceindividually. Thecoach mustensurethatthe shooter understands thecoachs comments, andcomplies withthem.

2. APPLICATION OF FAULT CHECKING PROCEDURES FOR WEAPONS HANDLING


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a. Safety Rules. The safety rules areeasy to remember in aclassroom or in a non-stressful environment. In a combatenvironment, a Marineis exposedto conditions thatcandisorient or unnervehim andincreasethe potential forinappropriatehandling of the weapon. In addition, lack offocus innon-threatening situations cancausethe Marineto

becomecareless inhandlinghis weapon. This puts him, andthose aroundhim, at risk. Traininginthe four safety rulesmust be repetitiveto ensure automatic adherence whentheMarineis in possession of a weapon.

1) Rule 1: TreatEvery Weapon as if itWereLoaded.This ruleis intendedto prevent unintentional injury topersonnel or damageto property from anindividualhandling or transferring possession of a weapontoanother. It reinforces the utilization of all othersafety rules withevery weapon.

2) Rule 2: Never Point a Weapon atAnything You Do Not

Intendto Shoot. This rule reinforces theimportance ofmuzzle awareness.

3) Rule 3: Keep Your Finger Straight andOff theTrigger Until You are Ready to Fire. This ruleisintendedto minimizethe risk of firingthe weaponnegligently.

4) Rule 4: Keep Weapon onSafe Until You IntendtoFire. This ruleenforces the use of the weapons ownsafety feature.

c. Transports. Thetransports,in whichthe rifleis slungover the back or shoulder, are used whenno immediatethreatis present and areespecially useful when moving for longperiods. They are also used whenever bothhands areneededfor other work. There arethree weapons transports for theweb sling, andtwo for thethree-point sling.

1) StrongSideSlingArms (Muzzle Up). This transportmay be used whenno immediatethreatis present andenemy contactis unlikely. The weaponis slung over thefiring side shoulder withthe muzzle pointed up. Toassumethis transport from the Tactical Carry:

a) Rel

eas

e

thep

is

tol

gr

ip of

ther

ifl

e.

b) Lower the buttstock of the rifle and bringtherifleto a vertical position.

c) Withthe firinghand,grasp the sling abovetheforearm.

d) Guidethe rifle aroundthe firing side shoulderwiththe supporthand andextendthe firing arm


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throughthe sling.

e) Placethe sling onthe firing side shoulder andapply downward pressure onthe sling withthe firingsidehandto stabilizethe rifle onthe shoulder.

f) Releasethehandguard.

2) CoachingInstruction -- StrongSideSlingArms. Thekey points thecoachis looking for when shooterstransporttheir weapons are:

a) Maintaining muzzle awareness by always pointingthe weaponin a safedirection.

b) Maintaining proper adjustment of the slingtomaintain positivecontrol of the weapon. Slinglengthcontrols muzzle placementto a certainextent.

c) Once assumed,the weapon shouldhangverticallywiththe muzzle up. The sling should be of areasonable lengthto allow the shooter to presenttherifle andestablish an acceptable firing position.The slingtension should allow the shooter to holdthe rifle onhis shoulder with a minimum amount ofpressure applied onthe sling withthe firing sidehand. To verify this, you may wishto havetheshooter presentthe weapon from thetransport andthen make adjustments to the sling length asrequired. If the shooter is wearing fieldgear(e.g., flak jacket,H-harness),the sling may needto

bea

djus

ted

to

comp

ensa

tefor

thea

ddedbulk.

(1) If thereis too muchtension onthe sling,theelbow may be forced backwardto allow theshooter to grasp the sling.

(2) If thereis too littletension onthe sling,the rifle muzzle will be pointed behindtheshooter andthe slingcan fall off the shootersshoulder. The shooter has to exert additionalpressure withhis firing sidehandto holdtheriflein place and keep the muzzle positionedvertically.

3) Weak SideSlingArms (Muzzle Down). This transportmay be used whenno immediatethreatis present andcontact withtheenemy is unlikely. This transportismainly usedduring periods of inclement weather to keepmoisture out of the bore of the rifle. The weaponisslung over the support side shoulder withthe muzzlepointeddown. To assumethis transport from theTactical Carry:


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a) Releasethe pistol grip of the rifle.

b) Lower the buttstock of the rifle and bringtherifleto a vertical position.

c) Rotatethe rifle outboard until the pistol gripis pointingtowardthe body.

d) Reach over the forearm andgrasp the sling withthe firing sidehand.

e) Rotatethe muzzledown withthe supporthandwhile slidingthe firing sidehand up the sling.Placethe sling onthe support side shoulder.

f) Grasp the sling withthe supporthand and applydownward pressureto stabilizethe rifle ontheshoulder.

g) Releasethehandguard.

4) CoachingInstruction -- Weak SideSlingArms. Theweapon should be positionedvertically withthe muzzlepointingdownintheWeak SideSlingArms transport. Ifthereis too muchtension onthe sling,the rifle muzzlewill beextendedin front of the shooters body.

5) Cross Body SlingArms (Muzzle Up or Down). Thistransport may be used when bothhands are required forwork. The weaponis slung across the back withthemuzzle up or down. Normally,the weaponis slung with

the muzzledownto prevent pointingthe muzzlein anunsafedirection, unless the situationdictatesotherwise. To assumethis transport:

a) From Weak SideSlingArms (Muzzle Down):

(1) With your firing sidehand,grasp the sling.

(2) With your supporthand,grasp thehandguards.

(3) Pull up onthe rifle with bothhands.

(4) Slidethe sling over your head.

(5) Positionthe rifle so itis comfortableacross your back.

b) From StrongSideSlingArms (Muzzle Up):

(1) With your supporthand,grasp the sling.


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(2) With your firing sidehand,grasp the pistolgrip.

(3) Pull up onthe rifle with bothhands.

(4) Slidethe sling over your head.

(5) Positionthe rifle so itis comfortableacross your back.

6) CoachingInstruction -- Cross Body SlingArms. Whenassuming Cross Body SlingArms,ensure shooters beginwiththe weapon slung from either Weak SideSlingArmsor StrongSideSlingArms. This will minimize poormuzzle awareness and provide additional control forassuming Cross Body SlingArms.

7) Controlled Carry. Used withthe Three-PointSling,commonly called Hands Free. Inthis transportthe

weaponis controlled withthe firinghandgrippingthebuttstock invertical alignment withthe body. Themuzzle should point straightdown, betweenthe feet orjustto the outside of the feet, maintainingconstantmuzzle awareness. The weapon may also becontrolled bygraspingthehand-guard withthenon-firinghand.

8) CoachingInstruction Controlled Carry. Ensuretheshooter has proper tension onthe sling. If the slingistoo tight,the butt-stock may contactthe face or chinduring movement. Excessive sling length may allow themuzzleto strikethedeck when squatting or taking aknee. Ensurethatthe shooter is controllingthe weaponwith a hand oneither the buttstock or hand-guards.Ensurethatthe shooter keeps his hands away from theselector lever at all times whileinthe ControlledCarry.

9) Three-PointSling Cross-Body, Muzzle Up. This carrywill be used for the samecircumstances as when using aweb sling. Itis easily assumed andtransitioned from.To assumethecross-body, muzzle up transport:

(a) AssumetheAlert Carry and releasethenon-firinghand from thehand-guards,ensuringthe weaponis o

n

Saf

e.

(b) Rotatethenon-firinghand so the palm is facingaway from the shooter withthethumb pointingtowardthe firing side.

(c) Placethethumb of thenon-firinghand onthesling. Slidethethumb forward andgrasp the barrelof the weapon withthenon-firinghand.


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(d) Releasethe firinghandgrip onthe pistol gripas the weaponis raised and pushed over the firingside shoulder. Continue movingthe weapon over theshoulder until the muzzleis athead level.

(e) Grasp the sling atthe shoulder withthe firing

hand. Apply tensiondownward onthe sling withthefiringhand and releasethenon-firinghand from thebarrel. Slidethehanddownto thehip, removingtheslack from the sling.

(f) To bringthe weapon back to a carry, simply grabthe muzzle and pull the weapon over the firing sideshoulder. Do not attemptto swingthe weapon aroundby graspingthe buttstock and pullingit under thenon-firing arm. This is an unsafe action, andis notacceptablein a trainingenvironment.

10) CoachingInstruction -- Three-PointSling Cross-

Body, Muzzle Up. Thegreatestchallenge withthistransport will be muzzle awareness. Ensurethat shootersarenot pointingtheir muzzles at anything other thanina safedirection while assumingthis transport orbringingtheir weaponto one of thecarries.

3. FILLING, STOWING, AND WITHDRAWING MAGAZINES

a. Fillingthe Magazine withLoose Rounds. Perform thefollowing steps to fill the magazine:

1) Remove a magazine from the magazine pouch.

2) Place a round ontop of the follower.

3) Press down until the roundis held betweenthefollower and feed lips of the magazine.

4) Repeat until thedesirednumber of rounds isinserted. The recommendednumber of rounds per magazineis not morethan 27. Thirty rounds inthe magazine mayprohibitthe magazine from seating properly on a closedbolt.

5) Tap the back of the magazineto ensurethe roundsare seated againstthe back of the magazine.

b. Fillingthe Magazine Using a 10-roundStripper Clip andMagazineFiller. The magazinecan also be filledquicklyusing a 10-round stripper clip and magazine filler. Performthe following steps to fill the magazine withthe 10-roundstripper clip:


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1) Remove a magazine from the magazine pouch.

2) Slidethe magazine filler into place.

3) Place a 10-round stripper clip into thenarrow

portion of the magazine filler.

4) Usingthumb pressure onthe rear of thetopcartridge, press down firmly until all ten rounds arebelow the feed lips of the magazine.

5) Removetheempty stripper clip whileholdingthemagazine filler in place.

6) Repeat until thedesirednumber of rounds isinserted. The recommendednumber of rounds per magazineis not morethan 27. Thirty rounds inthe magazine mayprohibitthe magazine from seating properly on a closed

bolt.

7) Removethe magazine filler and retainit for futureuse.

8) Tap the back of the magazineto ensurethe roundsare seated againstthe back of the magazine.

c. Stowing Magazines andWear of theGear Thecoach mustunderstandthatthere aretwo distinctly different ways tomanipulate a weapon which will effectthe way that magazinesaredrawn, and wherethe magazines are stowed.

1) MagazinePouch. In a magazine pouch, filledmagazines are stowed with rounds down and projectilespointing away from the body. The magazine pouchis wornon a cartridge belt attachedto anH-Harness. The beltshould betight aroundthe waist. This will ensurethatthe magazine pouchdoes notdrift out of positionunexpectedly. The magazine pouches may be placed oneither the support side or the firing side of the body,or both,depending on shooter preference andmanipulation method.

2) Load-bearingVest. In a load-bearingvest with

angl

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ches

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ill

edma

ga

zines ar

es

tow

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ithrou

ndsdown and projectiles pointinginboard. TheLBV should be

tightto the body to prevent shifting.

3) MOLLEGear. When using MOLLEgear with magazinesstowed onthechest, filled magazines are stowed withrounds down and projectiles pointingtowardeither thefiringhand side or thenon-firinghand side,dependingon shooter preference. The magazine pouches may bemounted oneither the support side or firing side,


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depending on shooter preference and manipulationrequirements. Thevest should betightto the body toprevent shifting andthe magazine pouches should bemounted wherethey areeasily andnaturally accessible.

4) Empty or Partially Filled Magazines. Whenempty orpartially filled magazines are storedin a magazinepouch,they are stowed withthe rounds or follower up toallow the selection of filled magazines by touch (i.e.,atnight). The shooter caneasily discern whether or notthe magazinehas rounds under the feed lips by touchalone. Itis preferableto storeempty and partiallyfilled magazines separately from filled magazines.

d. CoachingInstruction -- MagazineFilling andStowing.When faultchecking,ensure shooters fill their magazineswithno morethan 27 rounds in a tactical situation. Thirtyrounds may prohibitthe magazine from seating properly on a

closed bolt (e.g., Tactical Reload).

e. Withdrawing Magazines. The methodin which a shooterwithdraws a magazine from the magazine pouchdepends onthemanipulation methodthe shooter is utilizing. Allmanipulations may bedone witheither the firing or non-firinghand.

1) MagazinePouch and MOLLEVest. With your firinghand, withdraw magazines from the magazine pouch onthefiring side of your body. To withdraw magazines from amagazine pouch:

a) With your thumb andindex finger, pinchthemagazine pouch releaseto openthe magazine pouch(MagazinePouch), or unsnap the pouchcover (MOLLE).

b) Slide your thumb over thetop of the magazines,feeling for a baseplateindicating a filled magazine.Continueto slide your thumb until it rests ontheback of the magazine.

c) Grasp the magazine with your thumb, littlefinger, and ring finger and liftthe magazinedirectly out of the pouch.

d) As the magazineclears the pouch,grip with allfingers and rotateit up to check the rounds inthemagazine.

2) Load-bearingVest. With your firinghand, withdrawmagazines from the support side of thevest. To withdrawmagazines from a load-bearingvest:

a) With your thumb andindex finger, unfastenthe


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snap onthevest pouch.

b) Slide your thumb over thetop of the magazine,feeling for a base-plateindicating a filledmagazine. Rotate your hand over the magazine whilesliding your thumb to the back of the magazine.

c) Grasp the magazine with your thumb, littlefinger, and ring finger.

d) As you liftthe magazinedirectly out of thepouch, fully grasp the magazine with all fingers androtateit up to observethe rounds inthe magazine.

f. CoachingInstruction -- MagazineWithdraw.

a) When wearing a load-bearingvest with angledpouches,ensure shooters withdraw magazines from theopposite side of their body,i.e., when withdrawing

magazines withthe firinghand, magazines arewithdrawn from the support side of thevest.

b) When usingthe MOLLE,ensurethe shooterwithdraws the magazine for the same side pouch as thehand withdrawingit.

c) If a shooter is havingdifficulty withdrawing amagazine smoothly,ensurethatthe pouchispositioned wherethe shooter cannaturally reach.Ensurethatthe shooter is establishing a proper gripandthat magazines are stowedin a manner that allowsa proper grip to beestablished.

4. WEAPONS CONDITIONS

a. Conditions

1) Condition 1. Magazineinserted, roundinchamber,bolt forward, safety on,ejection portcover closed.

2) Condition 2. Condition 2 does not apply to theservice rifle.

3) Condition 3. Magazineinserted,chamber empty, boltforward, safety on,ejection portcover closed.

4) Condition 4. Magazine removed,chamber empty, boltforward, safety on,ejection portcover closed.

b. Determiningthe Condition of a Rifle. A Marine must knowthecondition of his weapon at all times. Any time a Marine


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takes possession of a weapon,he mustdetermineitscondition. Situations includetakingcharge of your ownweapon after ithas been unattended (e.g., from the armory,out of a rifle rack, leftin a vehicle),coming across anunmanned rifleincombat, or takingcharge of anotherMarines weaponthatis attended or unattended.

1) Determineif a magazineis present.

2) Ensurethe weaponis on safe.

3) Conduct a Chamber Check. Achamber check may beconducted at any timeto determineif ammunitionispresent:

a) Bring your supporthand back againstthe magazinewell so the slip ring rests inthe V of thehand.Extendthe fingers of your lefthand andcover theejection port (righthanded shooter) or extendthe

thumb over theejection port (lefthanded shooter).

b) Grasp thecharginghandle withtheindex andmiddle fingers of your firinghand. Control theweapon by pointingthe muzzleto thedeck andapplyingtension againstthe stock withthe palm ofthehand or fingers.

c) Pull thecharginghandle slightly to the rear andvisually and physically inspectthechamber.

(1) Right-handed Marines: Insert one finger ofyour lefthandinto theejection port and feelwhether a roundis present.

(2) Left-handed Marines: Insertthethumb of therighthandinto theejection port and feel whethera roundis present.

d) Releasethecharginghandle and observethe boltgoing forward.

e) Tap the forward assist.

f) Closetheejection portcover (if time andthe

situa

tio

np

erm

it).

4) Removethe magazine (if present) and observeifammunitionis present. If time and situation permits,countthe rounds. Reinsertthe magazineinto themagazine well if applicable.

c. CoachingInstruction -- Determiningthe Condition of theRifle/Chamber Check. Ensure shooters determinethecondition of the weapon whenever they take possession of a


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rifle,includingtakingcharge of your own weapon (e.g.,from the armory, from stack arms, after a policecall).This mustcontinually be faultchecked. Ensure shootersknow thecondition of their weapon at all times. When faultchecking performance of a chamber check,ensurethe shooter:

1) Brings his supporthand back againstthe magazinewell so the slip ring rests inthe V of his hand.This will provide additional control and allow him tophysically inspectthechamber area.

2) Does not pull thecharginghandletoo far to therear wheninspectingthechamber. This may cause adouble feed or ejection of a round.

3) Taps the forward assistto ensurethe boltis closedif a roundis inthechamber.

b. Commands. Weapons commands dictatethe specific stepsto load, make ready, and unloadthe service rifle. Sixcommands are usedin weapons handling.

1) "Load" is thecommand usedto take a weapon fromCondition 4 to Condition 3.

2) "Make Ready" is thecommand usedto take a weaponfrom Condition 3 to Condition 1.

3) "Fire" is thecommand usedto specify when Marinesmay engagetargets. Onthecommand "Fire," aim therifle,takethe rifle off safe, and pull thetrigger to

engagethetarget.

4) "CeaseFire" is thecommand usedto stop targetengagement. Onthecommand "CeaseFire," place yourtrigger finger straight alongthe receiver and placetheweapon on safe.

5) "Unload" is thecommand usedto take a weapon fromany conditionto Condition 4.

6) "Unload,Show Clear" is thecommand usedto requirea second Marineto check the weaponto verify thatno

ammuniti

on

is pr

es

entb

efor

e

ther

ifl

e

is pu

t

intoCondition 4.

c. Weapons HandlingProcedures. To faultcheck weaponshandling,thecoachensures shooters perform the procedurescorrectly andinthe proper sequence for loading, makingready, unloading, unloading and showingclear, andreloading. In addition,thecoachenforces safetyprecautions throughouttraining. In particular,thecoachshould focus his attention onthe key points coveredhere


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thathave been foundto betrend weaknesses for manyshooters. Thecommands areexecuted as follows:

1) Load. Onthecommand "Load," perform the followingsteps to takethe rifle from Condition 4 to Condition 3:

a) Ensurethe rifleis on safe,index finger isstraight and off thetrigger. Assume a tactical carryor elevatethe muzzleif possible.

b) Withdraw a magazine from theinitial load pouchas explained above. Theinitial load pouch should bethehardestto reach magazine pouch.

c) Indexthe magazine by raisingthegrip onthemagazine so theindex finger touches thetop round.Ensurethatthetop roundis present and seatedproperly inthe magazine. Lower thegrip to thebottom of the magazine by strikingthe bottom of the

magazine onthegear.

d) Fully insertthe magazineinto the magazine welluntil the magazinecatchengages the magazine. Themagazinecatch will click as itengages, whichcanbe felt or heard by the shooter. Tugdownward onthemagazineto ensureitis seated.

e) Fastenthe magazine pouch.

2) CoachingInstruction -- Load. When faultcheckingloading procedures:

a) Ensurethe shooter loads from theinitial loadpouch. If the shooter uses the magazinethat wasintended for the reloadit will cause fumbling orinability to gain access to the magazinein a timelymanner.

a) Ensurethe shooter does not slap the bottom ofthe magazine wheninsertingit. This may cause astoppage. Or the magazine, when fully filled, willdrop out of the magazine well if itis releaseddueto the weight of the rounds. This is particularlyapparentduring Tables 2, 3, and 4, when magazines

aref

ill

edw

itha

gr

ea

ter

numb

er of rou

nds. T

heshooter shouldnot relinquishcontrol of the

magazine. The shooter shouldnot releasethemagazine when seatingit and shouldtug onittoensureitis fully seated.

b) Be awarethat for all manipulations the shootermay useeither the support or firinghand. The onlytimethatthe shooter will be forcedto use onetypeof manipulation over another is whenthe loop sling


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is utilized. The slingitself will prevent supporthand manipulations whilethe slingis being used.

c) Ensurethe shooter fastens the magazine pouchsecurely after loading.

3) Make Ready. There aretwo ways to Make Ready. Onthecommand "Make Ready," perform the following steps totakethe rifle from Condition 3 to Condition 1:

a) FiringHand Manipulation:

(1) Ensuretheindex finger is straight andoff thetrigger. Drop the muzzleto theAlertCarry if position allows. Pull thecharginghandle fully to the rear withtheindex andmiddle finger of the stronghand and release.

(2) To ensure ammunitionhas beenchambered,conduct a chamber check as explained above andstrikethe forward assist.

(3) Check the sights. (This check is toensure proper BZO setting,correct rear sightaperture,etc.)

b) SupportHand Manipulation:

(1) Ensuretheindex finger is straight andoff thetrigger. Drop the muzzleto theAlertCarry if position allows. Hook the left sideof thecharginghandle withthe supporthand,retainingcontrol of the weapon withthefiringhand onthe pistol grip. Pull thecharginghandle fully to the rear and release,chambering a round.

(2) Ensurethat a roundhas beenchambered asdescribed above and strikethe forward assist.

(3) Check the sights. (This check is toensure proper BZO setting,correct rear sight

aper

tur

e,

etc.)

4) CoachingInstruction -- Make Ready. When faultcheckingthe Make Ready:

a) Ensurethe shooter pulls thecharginghandlefully to the rear and releases it. Partially pullingthecharginghandleto the rear, or short-stroking,will notchamber a round and will almostcertainlyleadto a double feed.


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b) Ensurethe shooter does not ridethecharginghandle forward as the bolt may not lock or the roundmay notchamber properly,causing a failureto feedor fire.

c) Ensurethe shooter conducts a chamber check toensure a roundhas beenchambered, and strikes theforward assistto ensurethatthe bolt locks.

d) Benefits of usingthe stronghand formanipulation are as follows; maintains supporthandplacement, maintains position, maintains loop andhasty sling placement. Disadvantages of usingthestronghand are; fine motor skill requirement, lossof firinggrip, loss of stock placement, and slowmanipulation.

e) Benefits of usingthe supporthand for

manipulations are as follows; maintains the firinggrip, faster manipulations,gross motor skill, andmore positive manipulation of thecharginghandle.Disadvantages of usingthe supporthand are; loss ofposition and loss of hasty sling placement.

5) Unload. Onthecommand "Unload," perform thefollowing steps to takethe rifle from any conditiontoCondition 4:

a) Assume a kneeling positionif possibleto aidinmanipulation, andensurethe rifleis on safe. Ensuretheindex finger is straight and off thetrigger. Thesafety will notengageif thehammer fell on anemptychamber and was not reset. Inthis case,continuetothenext step.

b) Elevatethe muzzleif possible and removethemagazine from the rifle, and retainit.

(1) The shooter may removethe magazine withthe righthand by graspingthe magazine withthe righthand anddepressingthe magazinerelease button withthe righthandthumb. Thisis theeasiesttechnique for left-handed

shoo

ters

,a

ndw

ill ma

inta

ina r

ight-

ha

ndedshooters forwardhand placement and sling

position.

(2) The shooter may also removethe magazinewiththe lefthand by graspingthe magazinewiththe lefthand anddepressingthe magazinerelease button withtheindex finger of therighthand. This will bedifficult for a left-handed shooter.


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c) Bringthe supporthand back againstthe magazinewell so the slip ring rests inthe V of thehand.Cup the supporthand under theejection port, androtatethe rifle so theejection portis facingthedeck.

d) Pull thecharginghandleto the rear withthefiringhand andcatchtheejected roundinthesupporthand.

e) Holdthecharginghandleto the rear and pressthe lower portion of the boltcatch withthe supporthand and lock the boltto the rear.

f) Putthe rifle on safeif it wouldnotgo on safeearlier.

g) Lower the muzzleto permitclear visioninto the

ejection port andchamber area. Visually andphysically inspectthechamber,the bolt face, andmagazine well to ensurethe weaponis empty andnoammunitionis present.

h) Depress the upper portion of the boltcatch andobservethe bolt moving forward on anempty chamber.

i) Closetheejection portcover.

j) Check the sights. (This check is to ensureproper BZO setting,correct rear sight aperture,tightness of thumb screws,etc.)

k) If situation permits the shooter may stand andassume a transport.

l) Returntheejected roundto the magazine.

m) Retainthe magazine.

6) CoachingInstruction -- Unload. Coaches must faultcheck unloading procedures to ensurethe shooterperforms them correctly to ensurehis weaponis inCondition 4.

a) When faultcheckingthe Unload:

(1) Ensurethe shooter places the selector leveron safe and removes the source of ammunition fromthe rifle before pullingthecharginghandletothe rear. Pullingthecharginghandle beforeremovingthe magazine may chamber a round.

(2) Ensurethe shooter brings his supporthand


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back againstthe magazine well so the slip ringrests inthe V of his hand. Ensurethe shootercups his hand under theejection port whilerotatingthe rifle so theejection portis facingdown. Ensurethe shooter catches the round andmoves his hand aroundto lock the boltto the

rear by depressingthe boltcatch.

(3) Ensurethe shooter visually and physicallyinspects thechamber, bolt face, and magazinewell,to ensurethatthey areempty andnoammunitionis present.

(4) Ensurethe shooter depresses the boltcatchand observes the bolt moving forward on anemptychamber.

b) When observing shooters onthe lineconducting anUnload attheend of a stage of fire,thecoach must

ensurethat shooters observethechamber whilethebolt moves forward on anempty chamber. If a shooterleaves the line attheend of 200-yard slow firewithoutthecoach observinghim conduct an Unload forany reason,thecoachhas two options:

(1) Ask the shooter to conductthe Unload underobservation.

(2) Ask the shooter to conduct a chamber checkto ensurethatthe weaponis in Condition 4.

7) Unload,Show Clear. Thecommand Unload,ShowClear is usedif a secondary inspectionis required.Onthecommand Unload,Show Clear, perform thefollowing steps to takethe rifle from any conditiontoCondition 4:

a) Keep theindex finger straight and off thetrigger. Assume a kneeling position, andensuretherifleis on Safe. The safety will notengageif thehammer fell on anempty chamber and was not reset. Inthis case,continueto thenext step.

b) Elevatethe muzzleif possible, removethe

maga

zinea

ndr

eta

in

it.

(1) The shooter may removethe magazine withthe righthand by graspingthe magazine withthe righthand anddepressingthe magazinerelease button withthe righthandthumb. Thisis theeasiesttechnique for left-handedshooters, and will maintain a right-handedshooters forwardhand placement and slingposition.


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(2) The shooter may also removethe magazinewiththe lefthand by graspingthe magazinewiththe lefthand anddepressingthe magazinerelease button withtheindex finger of therighthand. This will bedifficult for a left-

handed shooter.

c) Bringthe supporthand back againstthe magazinewell so the slip ring rests inthe V of thehand.Cup the supporthand under theejection port, androtatethe rifle so theejection portis facingthedeck.

d) Pull thecharginghandleto the rear withthefiringhand andcatchtheejected roundinthesupporthand.

e) Holdthecharginghandleto the rear and press

the lower portion of the boltcatch withthe supporthand and lock the boltto the rear.

f) Putthe rifle on safeif it wouldnotgo on safeearlier.

g) Placethe buttstock onthe firing side shoulderand lower the muzzleto permitclear visioninto theejection port andchamber area. Visually andphysically inspectthechamber,the bolt face, andmagazine well to ensurethe weaponis empty andnoammunitionis present.

h) A second party inspects the rifleto ensurenoammunitionis present.

i) After the secondary party acknowledges thatthereis no ammunition presentinthe weapon andthatitison Safe by announcing, Clear,depress the upperportion of the boltcatch and observethe bolt movingforward on anempty chamber.

j) Closetheejection portcover.

k) Check the sights. (This check is to ensure

proper BZ

Os

etting,

corr

ectr

ear s

ightap

er

tur

e,etc.)

l) If situation permits the shooter may stand andassume a transport.

m) Returntheejected roundto the magazine.

n) Retainthe magazine.


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8) CoachingInstruction -- Unload,Show Clear. TheUnload,Show Clear should only beconducted atthebeginning andend of a days training. (In almost allcases, shooters shouldconduct an Unloadto reinforcetheir individual responsibility for ensuringthattheyhave a Condition 4 weapon.)

a) When faultcheckingthe secondary inspection,ensure shooters holdtheir rifles to enablethechamber to beinspected andthen rotatetheir riflesover so the position of the safety lever can beinspected.

b) A key point for thecoachis to observetheshooter watchhis boltgo forward on anemptychamber. Therefore, oncethecoachhas acknowledgedthatthe weaponis clear,thecoach mustnot movetothenext shooter until observingthe shooter depressthe boltcatch, watchingthe bolt moving forward on

anempty chamber.

7. REMEDIAL ACTIONS AND APPLICATION OF FAULT CHECKING PROCEDURES.

a. Cycle of Operation. There areeight steps inthecycleof operation for the M16A2 service rifle:

1) Firing. Firing begins withthe manipulation of thetrigger, which releases the sear and allows thehammerto fall onthe firing pin. The firing pin strikes theprimer, whichignites of the propellant withinthecartridgecase,creatingthe pressurethat forces theprojectile out of the barrel.

2) Unlocking. Unlockingis the rotation of the boltuntil the locking lugs no longer align withthe lugs onthe barrel extension.

3) Extracting. Extractingis the withdrawal of thecartridgecase from thechamber by theextractor clawandthe rearward motion of the bolt.

4) Ejecting. Ejectingis theexpulsion of thecartridgecase by theejector, whichis anintegral partof the bolt, pressing outward onthecartridgecase.

This ou

twar

dpr

essur

e

is

co

ns

ta

nt,a

ndo

nce

thecartridgeenters theejection port,the outward pressure

will throw the round out of theejection port.

5) Cocking. Cockingis the resetting of thehammer onthe sear as the bolt moves rearward over thehammer.

6) Feeding. Feedingis the stripping of a round fromthe magazine by the bolt.


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7) Chambering. Chamberingis the pushing of the roundinto thechamber by the bolt.

8) Locking. Lockingis the alignment of the lockinglugs onthe bolt withthe lugs onthe barrel extension.

b. Stoppage. A stoppageis an unintentional interruptioninthecycle of operation. A stoppageis normallydiscovered whenthe rifle will not fire. Proper care,cleaning, and lubrication of the rifle and magazines canprevent most stoppages.

c. Malfunction. A malfunctionis a failure of the rifletofire satisfactorily or to perform as designed. Amalfunctiondoes notnecessarily cause aninterruptioninthecycle of operation. When a malfunction occurs,theweapon may haveto be repaired by an armorer. All stoppagesare malfunctions thoughnot all malfunctions will be a

stoppage.

d. Remedial Action. Remedial actionis the process ofinvestigatingthecause of the stoppage,clearingthestoppage, and returningthe weaponto operation.

1) Oncethe rifleceases firing,the Marine mustvisually or physically observetheejection porttoidentify the problem. The Marine must also seek coverif thetactical situation permits or requires.

2) When faultchecking remedial action,thecoachenforces safety precautions throughouttraining. Inparticular,thecoach should focus his attention onthefollowing key points thathave been foundto betrendweaknesses for many shooters. When faultcheckingremedial action procedures,ensurethe shooter alwaysinvestigates thecause of the stoppage based onobservation of the weapon.

3) The steps takento clear the weapon are based onobservation of the followingindicators:

a) Indicator The Boltis Forward or EjectionPort

Cover Clos

ed. To r

etur

n

thew

eapo

n

to op

era

tio

n:

(1) Taketheindex finger off thetrigger.Observethe bolt forward or ejection portcoverclosed.

(2) Strikethe base of the magazine withthepalm of thehandto ensureitis seated.


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(b) Lefthanded shooter using supporthand orright-handed shooter using firinghand: Righthand.

(2) Cantthe weapon slightly to the right andpull thecharginghandle fully to the rear with

the samehandthat slappedthe magazine, andreleaseit.

(3) Sightin and attemptto fire.

b) CoachingInstruction -- BoltForward. This typeof stoppagecan occur onthe first round or inthemiddle of a string of fire. If the boltis forward,it will becaused by one of four possibilities:

(1) A bad round, whichis highly unlikely.

(2) The shooter not offeringenough resistance

to recoil. If the shooter does nothavethe riflefirmly inthe shoulder,there may not beenoughresistanceto recoil to allow the weapontocompleteits cycle of operation. This is alsounlikely unless the shooter is in anextremelyunstable position.

(3) Mechanical failure of the weapon, such as ashort firing pin or weak hammer spring. If thestoppageis dueto mechanical failure, remedialaction will notgetthe weapon back into action.

(4) This stoppageis most oftencaused by theshooter notchambering a round. Ensuretheshooter performs theLoad andthe Make Readycorrectly. Ensurethe shooter always conducts achamber check to ensure a roundhas beenchambered. This stoppageis virtually eliminatedwhen a shooter conducts a chamber check.

c) Indicator The Boltis Lockedto the Rear. Toreturnthe weaponto operation:

(1) Taketheindex finger off thetrigger.Observethe bolt lockedto the rear.

(2) Conduct a speed reload as instructed.

(a) Press the magazine release button.

(b) Allow theempty magazineto drop freeof the weapon.

(c) Remove a filled magazine from a


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magazine pouch andestablish a firm, lowgrip. Insertthe filled magazineinto themagazine well andtugdownward onthemagazineto ensureitis properly seated.Do notto slap the magazine after insertionas this may cause a roundto protrude from

the magazine,causing a stoppage.

(d) Depress the boltcatchto allow theboltcarrier to move forward

(e) Sightin and attemptto fire.

e) CoachingInstruction -- BoltLockedto the Rear.This type of stoppage only occurs whenthe weaponruns out of ammunition with a magazineinserted.Ensurethe shooter fills his magazines correctly andfires a stage of fire usingthecorrectnumber ofrounds. The shooter should be familiar withthe

feeling of the weapon lockingthe boltto the rear,and be ready to execute a Speed Reloadimmediately.

f) Indicator Brass is Obstructingthe ChamberArea. This usually indicates a failureto eject,extract, or a double feed. Itis also the procedurefor removing any foreign objectthat may beimpedingfunction of the weapon. To returnthe weapontooperation:

(1) Taketheindex finger off thetrigger.Observe obstructioninthechamber area.

(2) Rotatetheejection portcover down andattemptto pull thecharginghandleto the rearand lock it.

(3) Removethe magazine.

(4) If the bolt locks to the rear,clear thestuck round by inserting a finger throughtheejection port or magazine well.

(5) If thereis a roundvisibleinthechamberanditcannot be removed by hand,depress the

boltr

el

eas

e,allow

ing

thebol

t

to

go forwar

d.Placethe buttstock ontheground and pull the

charginghandle forcefully to the rear. Thisshouldejectthe stuck cartridge.

(5) If a roundis stuck inthechamber andtheboltcannot be movedto the rear, or the boltfreezes after being senthome onthe stuck round,apply rearward pressure onthecharginghandleand forcefully slam the buttstock straightinto


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theground. Repeat until the bolt moves fullyrearward,ejectingthe stuck case.

(6) If the above actions do not removethecartridge,thecartridge rim tears off, or theweapons extractor is broken, lock the boltto

the rear. Insert a cleaning rodinto the muzzleandtap the stuck case out of thechamber.

(6) Conduct a reload. Do not usethe samemagazineif the problem appears to becaused by adefectinthe magazine. If the stoppage wascaused by a brokenextractor,havethe weaponrepaired by an armorer.

(7) Sightin and attemptto fire,if applicable.

(g) CoachingInstruction -- Brass is obstructingthechamber area.

(1) This stoppageis notvery difficultto clearas long as the proper procedureis followed,however it may take sometimeto clear a mangledcase or ruptured round.

(2) This stoppage may becaused by the shooternot offeringenough resistanceto recoil. If theshooter does nothavethe rifle firmly intheshoulder,there may not beenough resistancetorecoil,impedingthe weapons function. Mostlikely itis dueto a dirty bolt face andinsufficient lubrication.

(3) Mechanical causes, whileextremely rare,include a weak buffer spring, weak extractorspring,improperly assembledextractorspring/buffer, brokenextractor, or a brokenejector. Keep in mindthat remedial action willnotgetthe weapon back into actionif amechanical failure occurs, and must be fixed byan armorer.

(g) Indicator -- Brass is Stuck Over and BehindtheBoltFace. This stoppage will preventthe bolt from

moving,

and

its

caus

edby

thew

eapo

nfa

il

ing

to f

eedor extract properly. To returnthe weaponto

operation:

(1) Taketheindex finger off thetrigger.Observe andidentify stoppage.

(2) Attemptto placethe weapon on Safe

(3) Removethe magazine and placethe buttstock


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onthedeck.

(4) Holdthe bolt faceto the rear with asturdy, slender object (e.g. stripper clip,knife, Multi-Tool,etc.). Maintain rearwardpressure onthe bolt, and simultaneously push

forward onthecharginghandleto removetheobstructing round.

(5) Check thechamber area to ensureitisclear.

(6) Perform a Speed Reload as previouslyinstructed.

(7) Sightin and attemptto fire,if applicable.

(h) CoachingInstruction Brass Stuck Over andBehind Bolt. This is a rare butcatastrophic

stoppage. The steps must be followedexactly astaught or the shooter will makethe stoppage worse.

e. AudiblePop or Reduced Recoil. An audible pop occurswhen only a portion of the propellantis ignited, or onlythe primer is ignited. Itis normally identifiable byreduced recoil and a lower report. This is sometimesaccompanied by excessive smokeescaping from thechamberarea.

1) TrainingEnvironment. If an audible pop or reducedrecoil is experiencedduringtraining,immediately ceasefire and perform the following steps:

a) Taketheindex finger off thetrigger and pointthe rifledown range.

b) Placethe rifle on safe.

c) Raise your freehand for assistance from rangepersonnel.

2) CombatEnvironment. Inthis instance,thetacticalsituation may dictatecorrection of an audible pop orreduced recoil. To clear the rifle, perform the

following

steps

:

a) Placethe riflein Condition 4.

b) Removethe boltcarrier group.

c) Inspectthe bore for an obstruction from thechamber end.

d) Insert a cleaning rodinto the bore from the


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25

least blockedend andclear the obstruction, pushingthe roundinthedirectionthat requires the leastamount of travel for the stuck projectile. This willrequire strikingtheclearing rod with a hard objectto pushthe projectilethroughthe barrel.

e) Reassemblethe rifle.

f) Conduct a reload.

g) Sightin and attemptto fire,if applicable.

8. USER SERVICEABILITY INSPECTION

a. Function Check. A functioncheck is performedto ensurethe rifle operates properly after the weaponhas beenreassembled. To perform a functioncheck:

1) Ensurethe weaponis in Condition 4 (Magazineremoved,chamber empty, bolt forward, safety is on,ejection portcover closed).

2) Pull thecharginghandleto the rear and release.Ensurethe selector lever is onSAFE and pull thetrigger. Thehammer shouldnot fall.

3) Placethe selector lever onSEMI. Pull thetriggerandholditto the rear. Thehammer should fall. Pullthecharginghandleto the rear and release. Releasethetrigger and pull again. Thehammer should fall.

4) Pull thecharginghandleto the rear and release.Placethe selector lever on BURST. Pull thetrigger andholditto the rear. Thehammer should fall. Pull thecharginghandleto the rear threetimes and release.Releasethetrigger and pull again. Thehammer shouldfall.

5) Pull thecharginghandleto the rear and release.Placethe selector lever onSAFE.

b. User Serviceability Inspection. Thecoachisresponsible for supervising shooters intheconduct of a

user s

er

viceab

il

ity

insp

ectio

nof

their r

ifl

es.

1) Thecoach must understandthe procedures so thatifhehas to check a shooters weapon,hecandetermineifthereis a mechanical problem withthe weapon. Thisknowledgeenables thecoachto isolate a problem causedby the shooters operation of the weaponvice a truemechanical problem withthe rifle.


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2) A properly conducted user serviceability inspectioncaneliminate alibis being falsely awardedduetoshooter error rather than mechanical failure of theweapon.

3) This inspectionis performed prior to dry firing or

live firingto ensurethe rifleis in an acceptableoperatingcondition. This inspectionis done prior toany combat operation such as a patrol, being posted,etc.

4) This inspectiondoes not replace a Limited TechnicalInspection (LTI) or pre-fireinspectionconducted by aqualified armorer.

5) To perform a user serviceability inspection:

a) Conduct a functioncheck.

b) Check the rifleto ensurethe following:

(1) Thecompensator is tight.

(2) The barrel is tight.

(3) The front sight postis straight.

(4) The front sight postis adjustable.

(5) Thehandguards are serviceable.

(6) The rear sightelevation and windage knobsare adjustable andhavedistinctclicks.

(7) The stock is tight onthe lower receiver.

(8) The weaponis properly lubricated foroperational conditions.

(9) The barrel is clear of obstructions.

(10) The sling keeper can be adjusted andsecured.

c)

Ensur

ema

ga

zines ar

es

er

viceabl

e.

(1) Loadthe rifle with anempty magazine. Tugdown onthe magazineto ensureit remains seated.If one or all of the magazines can be removed,thecoach shouldinspectthe rifle and magazinesfor the following:

(a) If all magazines can be removed,themagazinecatch may be unserviceable. Direct


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the shooter to returnthe weaponto thearmorer for inspection and repair.

(b) If only one magazinecan be removed,this indicates the magazineisunserviceable. Ensurethe shooter replaces

the magazine prior to firing.

(2) Withoutdepressingthe boltcatch, pull thecharginghandleto the rear. Ensurethatthebolt locks to the rear.

(3) Depress the upper portion of the boltcatchand observethe bolt moving forward on anemptychamber. Ensurethe bolt moves completelyforward and locks in place.

(4) Repeatthese procedures with all magazines.

9. TRANSFERS

a. Show Clear Transfer. Whentime andthetacticalsituation permit,the Marine shouldtransfer the rifle usingtheShow Clear Transfer. To properly pass a rifle betweenMarines, perform the following procedures:

1) The Marinehanding off the rifle must:

a) Ensurethe rifleis on safe.

b) Removethe magazineif itis present.

c) Lock the boltto the rear.

d) Visually inspectthechamber to ensurethereisno ammunition present.

e) Leavethe bolt lockedto the rear andhandtheweaponto the other Marine, stock first.

2) The Marine receivingthe weapon must placethe riflein Condition 4 by performingthe following procedures:

a)Ensur

e

ther

ifl

e

is o

nsaf

e.

b) Visually inspectthechamber to ensurethereisno ammunition present.

c) Releasethe boltcatch and observethe boltgoingforward on anempty chamber.

d) Closetheejection portcover.


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b. CoachingInstruction -- Show Clear Transfer. When faultcheckingtheShow Clear Transfer,ensure both shootersvisually inspectthechamber to ensurethereis noammunition present. Ensurethe shooter receivingthe weaponreleases the boltcatch and observes the boltgoing forward

on anempty chamber.

c. Condition Unknown Transfer. There aretimes whenthetactical situation or timedo no permit a Show ClearTransfer of the rifle. The procedures for the ConditionUnknown Transfer areconducted by a Marine whenhetakescharge of a riflein any situation whenthecondition of therifleis unknown (e.g., an unattended rifle, a fallenMarines rifle, a rifle storedin a rack). To properly takecharge of a rifle whenits conditionis unknown,the Marinemust perform the following procedures:

1) Ensurethe rifleis on safe.

2) Conduct a chamber check to determinetheconditionof the weapon.

3) Removethe magazine and observeif ammunitionispresentinthe magazine. If time permits,counttherounds.

4) Insertthe magazineinto the magazine well.

cmc 14r fault check procedures for rifle weapons handling so

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