Service Rifle training drills focus on developing foundational skills: rapid target acquisition, proper weapon manipulation (safety/trigger), recoil management, and shooting from various positions. Key drills include the 1-2-3 (Baseline) Drill, Bill Drill, and target transitions, typically performed at 5–50 yards to build muscle memory.
Foundational Carbine Drills
1-2-3 Baseline Drill: A 10-round drill emphasizing quick mounting and shooting from the low ready. It includes 3 reps of 1 shot, 2 reps of 2 shots, and 1 string of 3 shots to build,6].
Baseline Up Drill: Starting from the low ready, the shooter raises the rifle, disengages the safety, and fires two rounds into the A-zone, aiming for a time of 1–2 seconds.
Bill Drill (Rifle): Fire six consecutive shots at an A-zone target, emphasizing controlling the rifle during rapid firing, proper trigger manipulation, and managing recoil.
D.O.P.E. Drill (Data on Previous Engagement): A 25-round drill focused on accuracy at varying distances (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 yards), requiring 100% hits in the A-zone.
10-Round Precision Drill: Fire 10 rounds into a 5.5-inch bullseye at 50 meters in 20 seconds to balance speed and accuracy.
Position Changes: Starting standing, then engaging a target, dropping to a kneeling, and then prone position to master stable shooting positions.
Drill Techniques and Best Practices
Target Selection: Start by aiming at small, 1×1 inch squares to refine precision, even with a red dot sight.
Low Ready Position: The rifle is held at roughly 45 degrees, looking over the top of the optic, and brought up to the eye-target line upon engagement.
Dry Fire Practice: Crucial for building muscle memory in safety manipulation, sight alignment, and trigger press before live fire.
Reloads: Practice tactical reloads (replenishing ammo before the magazine is empty) to keep the rifle topped off.
Safety Engagement: Ensure the safety is on immediately upon completing a drill or while moving, and only disengage when the muzzle is downrange and the sight is on target.