CHAPTER 9

ADVANCED TECHNIQUES

Some tactical situations are quite complex and require Marines to apply advanced pistol engagement techniques in order to effectively engage the enemy and survive. The ability of the Marine to rapidly shoot on the move and to turn and fire will be critical to a successful engagement.

_Note_: The procedures in this chapter are written for right-handed Marines; left-handed Marines should reverse directions as needed.

Shooting on the Move

When moving from one area of cover to another, the Marine may engage a target that presents an immediate threat. In this situation, the Marine relies on accurate fire to serve as his cover.

Moving With the Pistol

The likelihood of encountering a threat dictates how the pistol is carried while the Marine is moving. But regardless of the method of carry, the pistol’s muzzle is pointed in the same direction that the head and eyes are looking—the eyes and muzzle move as one.

When carrying the pistol in the Alert position, the pistol is tucked in close to the body, finger off the trigger. This position allows the Marine freedom of movement and still allows for a quick presentation of the pistol.

If there is a high probability of encountering a threat, the Marine carries the pistol in the Ready position while moving.

Moving: The Glide Technique

To shoot accurately while moving, the Marine cannot run or walk fast. A normal running movement produces too much bounce in the Marine’s body and makes it extremely difficult to use the sights of the pistol or to achieve the needed level of stability for accurate shooting. Therefore, the proper movement technique is similar to a glide and allows for accurate target engagement:

A lower center of gravity is achieved by keeping the knees bent and the upper body erect.

The bent knees also serve to absorb the shock generated by movement.

The feet are not lifted as high as in a normal walk or run, allowing obstructions to be kicked out of the way.

The feet and knees point in the direction of travel. If there is a need to engage a target off to the side, the Marine rotates at the waist to move the upper body in the desired direction. The upper body shooting position does not change.

The glide is not a technique that can be used for a long period of time or for long distances. Rather, the Marine can move in a normal manner until it becomes necessary to engage a target, he then slows and assumes the glide.

Engaging Targets: Using the Pistol Sights

When the Marine fires the pistol, he must concentrate on the pistol’s front sight. The adherence to the fundamentals of marksmanship becomes even more vital when both the Marine and the enemy may be moving.

Continuing to Move

A Marine continues to move no matter what happens. Continuing to move makes it difficult for the threat to engage the Marine and can be one of the Marine’s best defensive assets. When moving to cover or to a different position, the Marine should not stop to engage a target.

Reloading and Stoppages

If a stoppage occurs or a reload is required while moving, the Marine’s primary consideration is to keep moving and seek cover. Ideally, reloads and clearing stoppages are performed behind cover.

Turn and Fire

The techniques for turn and fire allow a Marine to engage a target that is not directly in front of him. The key to turn and fire is smoothness and quickness of pivoting and presentation of the pistol to engage the threat. Turn and fire is based on the principle that wherever the head goes, the body follows.

Engaging Targets 90 Degrees to the Right and Left

The Marine turns the head toward the threat and identifies the target. Once the target is identified, the Marine maintains focus on the target for the rest of the presentation.

If engaging a target 90 degrees to the right, the Marine turns toward the target by raising the left foot while pivoting on the ball of the right foot. The Marine plants the left foot once he is facing the target squarely. The stance is natural. See figure 9-1. The Marine then engages the target.

If engaging a target 90 degrees to the left, the Marine turns toward the target by raising the right foot while pivoting on the ball of the left foot. The Marine plants the right foot once he is facing the target squarely. The stance is natural. See figure 9-2. The Marine then engages the target.

[Illustration: Figure 9-1. Engaging Targets 90 Degrees to the Right.]

[Illustration: Figure 9-2. Engaging Targets 90 Degrees to the Left.]

Engaging Targets 180 Degrees to the Rear

The Marine turns the head toward the target, looking over either the right or left shoulder, and identifies the target. Once the target is identified, the Marine maintains focus on the target for the rest of the presentation. See figure 9-3 on page 9-4.

If the Marine pivots to the right to engage the target, pick up the left foot, move it across the right foot, while pivoting 180 degrees on the ball of the right foot, plant the left foot, and squarely face the target in a natural stance. See figure 9-4 on page 9-4.

If the Marine pivots to the left to engage the target, pick up the right foot, move it across the left foot, while pivoting 180 degrees on the ball of the left foot, plant the left foot, and squarely face the target in a natural shooting stance. See figure 9-5 on page 9-4.

The Marine then engages the target.

[Illustration: Figure 9-3. Engaging Targets 180 Degrees to the Rear.]

[Illustration: Figure 9-4. Engaging Targets 180 Degrees to the Rear (Right Shoulder).]

[Illustration: Figure 9-5. Engaging Targets 180 Degrees to the Rear (Left Shoulder).]