Moving Personnel Targets and the Combat Infantryman

The need to include moving personnel target training in the U.S. Army rifle marksmanship training program was the problem addressed in this thesis. This need was investigated to determine if such training is necessary to properly prepare a rifleman for combat. The initial phase of research was to review all current U. S. Army doctrine concerning rifle marksmanship training. This established the current extent of such training. The second phase was to review all previously conducted studies pertinent to rifle marksmanship. This established what had already been investigated and identified the actions taken as a result of the studies. The third phase was to determine the extent of moving personnel target training conducted by other U. S. organizations and by foreign countries. The final phase of research investigated the need for such training to determine if a valid requirement existed. This was accomplished through literature review and personal interviews with experienced soldiers. The findings of the study indicated that current marksmanship training doctrine does not include any practical exercise nor live fire engagement of moving personnel targets during the training of an individual rifleman.