Weapon Training and Firing
What the exam tests
This domain tests weapon safety, parts and handling, range commands, marksmanship principles and the scoring of a firing practice.
Core rules
Treat every weapon as loaded until you have personally checked it. Keep the muzzle in a safe direction, keep the finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and never point a weapon at a person. On the range, follow commands such as Load, Ready, Fire, Cease fire and Unload. Marksmanship depends on stable hold, correct sight alignment, controlled breathing and smooth trigger operation. A shot fired at the wrong time or after “Cease fire” is a safety violation, not a scoring attempt.
Worked example
A cadet’s shots group low and left of the target centre. Reasoning: the group is tight, so hold and breathing are reasonably steady; the group is displaced, so the likely cause is sight setting or a consistent aim error, not random jerking. The cadet should first check the sight setting and aim picture, then correct the position. A scattered group would point more to trigger snatching or breathing faults.
Traps
Do not say “the weapon is unloaded” before checking. Do not put your finger on the trigger while moving. Do not continue firing after “Cease fire.” Do not confuse a tight but off-centre group with a loose group. Do not look at the target between shots; follow through. Do not handle a weapon without an instructor present.