May 23, 2025 • 25 mins
In this episode, we aren't going to just ask and answer a bunch of questions about TC 3-22.9. No, we are going to focus on questions that are at a difficulty level that every SPC should be able to answer.
The episode is broken into 4 chapters:
The Pre-Test
The Lesson
The Re-Test
Repetition
Feel free to jump into the Pre-Test, and if you know everything, skip to the next difficulty level. If you want to know more about a question, stick around for the Lesson, where we will teach you what everything means. Then we'll re-evaluate at the Re-Test, and help you have it down consciously and sub-consciously in the Repetition chapter.
The questions we are going over are:
What does "Weapons Hold" weapon control status mean?
What does "Weapons Tight" weapon control status mean?
What does "Weapons Free" weapon control status mean?
Why does the M4 use 25 meters to zero when it's actually set at 300 meters?
What are the 3 phases of ballistics?
What are internal ballistics?
What are external ballistics?
What are terminal ballistics?
What are the five phases of rifle marksmanship training/basic rifle marksmanship (BRM)?
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome to the Board Questions Podcast where you can study for
your promotion or Soldier of theMonth board while driving,
commuting, or playing video games.
Today we will be focusing on questions about the M4 that
every E for specialist and aboveshould know as they prepare to
become NC OS and not only know their craft, but be able to
guide and teach others. Each of these episodes will
(00:23):
start with a pretest chapter andif you confidently answer every
question, move on to the next most difficult episode and test
yourself there. If you didn't stick around and
start the lesson chapter where we will teach you each of the
answers in the lesson phase, then the retest chapter will
give you a chance to try again. If you want to solidify your
(00:44):
answers subconsciously, the repetition chapter will repeat
the questions and answers, and you can solidify what you've
just learned by repeating them out loud.
Let's get started with the pretest, the pretest chapter.
Question one. What does weapons hold weapon
control status mean? Engage only if engaged or
(01:07):
ordered to engage. Question 2 What does weapons
tight weapon control status mean?
Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
Question three What does weaponsfree weapon control status mean?
(01:28):
Engage targets not positively identified as friendly?
Question 4 Why does the M4 use 25 meters to 0 when it's
actually set at 300 meters? Because the line of sight is a
straight line, and the arc that the bullet travels intersects
that line twice. Question 5 What are the three
(01:51):
phases of Ballistics? Internal, external, and
terminal. Question 6 What are internal
Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
round inside the M4 before it leaves the barrel.
Question 7. What are external Ballistics?
(02:15):
The physics of what happens to around as it flies through the
air from leaving the barrel until it touches the target.
Question 8. What are terminal Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around after it touches a target
and tears through it, deflects off of it, or flattens against
it. Question 9 What are the five
(02:37):
phases of rifle marksmanship training?
Slash Basic rifle marksmanship BRM One Preliminary marksmanship
instruction PMI 2 Downrange feedback range firing 3 Field
firing 4 Advanced rifle marksmanship arm 5 Advanced
(03:00):
optics, lasers and iron sights. Use the mnemonic PDFAA the
lesson chapter. If you feel confident in your
answers in the pretest, skip this episode and move on to the
next episode where the questionswill be a little harder.
If you want to learn more, let'sdive into the lesson chapter.
(03:21):
We will ask the question again, give you the answer, and then
explain why that is the correct answer and what it actually
means for you, the soldier. Question one.
What does weapons hold? Weapon control status mean
engage only if engaged or ordered to engage.
Weapons hold is the most restrictive of the three weapon
(03:42):
control statuses. It means soldiers may only
engage a target if they are directly fired upon or receive
an explicit order to fire. This status is typically used in
situations where friendly and civilian forces are nearby or
where absolute fire discipline is required.
Think of it as a do not fire unless fired upon rule used to
(04:04):
prevent unnecessary escalation or collateral damage.
So if you see the enemy, let them do whatever they want
except fire at you. Question 2.
What does weapons tight weapon control status mean?
Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
(04:24):
Weapons tight allows a bit more freedom than weapons hold, but
still emphasizes control. Under this status, soldiers can
engage targets, but only if theyare positively identified as
enemy forces. This prevents mistaken
engagements with friendly or neutral parties.
Positive identification usually means visual confirmation or
(04:46):
verified Intel. A simple memory aid type equals
target confirmed, so if you see someone that could be the enemy,
don't fire until you know for sure they are the enemy, but
once you do know, kill them, whether they are patrolling or
chilling in their garden. Question three.
What does weapons free, weapon control status mean?
(05:09):
Engage targets not positively identified as friendly.
Weapons Free is the least restrictive engagement status
and is often used in high threatcombat zones.
It authorizes soldiers to engageany targets that are not
positively identified as friendly.
This doesn't mean firing indiscriminately.
Rules of engagement and accountability still apply, but
(05:32):
it places the burden of recognition on not being
friendly rather than proving a target is hostile.
In short, if it's not friend, itmight be foe engage.
So if you see anyone who isn't your buddy, kill them.
Question 4. Why does the M4 use 25 meters to
0 when it's actually set at 300 meters?
(05:55):
Because the line of sight is a straight line, and the arc that
the bullet travels intersects that line twice.
The M4 is typically zeroed at 25meters not because it's the
maximum effective range, but because of the ballistic path a
bullet takes after it is fired. When you fire around, it doesn't
travel in a straight line, it follows an arc due to gravity.
(06:18):
Meanwhile, your line of sight through an optic or iron sights
is perfectly straight. The goal of zeroing is to align
that straight line of sight withthe curved path of the bullet so
the two intersect at a specific distance, in this case 300
meters. But here's where 25 meters comes
in. Due to the bullet's trajectory
and the height of the optic above the bore, usually about
(06:40):
2.6 inches, the bullet actually crosses the line of sight twice,
once as it rises and again as itfalls.
At approximately 25 meters, the bullet rises just enough to
intersect the line of sight for the first time.
After that, it continues upward,peaks, and then begins to drop
again, intersecting the line of sight a second time at about 300
(07:02):
meters. This dual intersection allows
for a practical shortcut. If a soldier zeroes the weapon
at 25 meters with the correct target configuration, usually a
scaled down silhouette, it simulates a proper 0 for 300
meters. This process saves time and
space on the range, allows for consistent sight alignment at
(07:22):
shorter distances, and ensures the weapon is battle ready for
engagements at mid range. A helpful mental image is to
picture tossing a football in a high arc.
It leaves your hand below eye level, rises above your line of
sight, and comes down to hit your target.
The 25 meter 0 is like aiming for the start of that arc,
knowing it will come back down right on point.
(07:44):
Question 5 What are the three phases of Ballistics?
Internal, external and terminal?Ballistics can be broken into
three key phases, internal, external and terminal.
These phases explain the journeyof a bullet from the moment the
trigger is pulled through flightand finally when it hits its
(08:05):
target. Internal Ballistics deals with
what happens inside the weapon. External Ballistics is about how
the bullet behaves in the air. Terminal Ballistics covers the
effects on impact. These phases are useful for
understanding everything from accuracy to penetration and
stopping power. Question 6.
(08:27):
What are internal Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
round inside the M4 before it leaves the barrel.
Internal Ballistics is the science of what happens inside
the weapon from the time the firing pin strikes the primer
until the bullet exits the barrel.
This includes the ignition of the propellant, the build up of
gas pressure, and the movement of the round through the chamber
(08:50):
and down the barrel. The consistency of this process
impacts muzzle velocity and shotto shot precision.
Question 7. What are external Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around as it flies through the
air from leaving the barrel until it touches the target.
External Ballistics refers to what happens to the round after
(09:12):
it exits the barrel and travels through the air.
This phase is influenced by gravity, wind, air resistance,
and even humidity or altitude. The bullet follows A curved
parabolic path, rising slightly before dropping due to its high
speed and lack of propulsion after leaving the weapon.
Understanding external Ballistics is essential for
(09:34):
making accurate long range shots, adjusting for elevation
and windage. Question 8 What are terminal
Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
round after it touches a target and tears through it, deflects
off of it, or flattens against it.
Terminal Ballistics is the studyof what happens when a bullet
(09:54):
makes contact with its target. This includes how the bullet
deforms, fragments, passes through, or transfers energy to
the object it strikes. Whether the round penetrates
deeply, tumbles, or flattens canbe the difference between
incapacitating a threat or failing to stop it.
This phase is often studied to understand wound channels, armor
(10:16):
penetration, or how different rounds behave upon impact.
Question 9. What are the five phases of
rifle marksmanship training? Slash.
Basic rifle marksmanship. BRM.
One preliminary marksmanship instruction.
PMI two downrange feedback, range firing, 3 field firing 4
(10:41):
advanced rifle, marksmanship arm5 advanced optics, lasers and
iron sights. Use the mnemonic PDFAA.
The five phases of BRM training help soldiers build from basic
understanding to expert level shooting skills.
The first phase is Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction PMI,
(11:03):
where soldiers learn the fundamentals, stance, breathing,
aiming and trigger control. Phase 2 is downrange feedback,
where they fire and see where rounds land.
Phase 3 field firing add stress and combat realism.
Phase 4 is advanced rifle marksmanship arm, focusing on
movement, alternate positions, and complex engagements.
(11:28):
Finally, phase 5 is advanced optics, lasers, and iron sights,
where soldiers master various sighting systems.
To remember the order, use the mnemonic PDFAA Preliminary
Downrange Field Advanced Advanced.
The Retest Chapter Now that we have learned each topic, let's
(11:48):
go over our answers in this retest chapter to make sure you
got it. Question one What does weapons
hold weapon control status mean?Engage only if engaged or
ordered to engage. Question 2 What does weapons
tight weapon control status mean?
(12:09):
Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
Question three What does weaponsfree weapon control status mean?
Engage targets not positively identified as friendly.
Question 4. Why does the M4 use 25 meters to
0 when it's actually set at 300 meters?
(12:32):
Because the line of sight is a straight line, and the arc that
the bullet travels intersects that line twice.
Question 5. What are the three phases of
Ballistics? Internal, external, and
terminal. Question 6.
What are internal Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
(12:54):
round inside the M4 before it leaves the barrel.
Question 7. What are external Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around as it flies through the
air from leaving the barrel until it touches the target.
Question 8. What are terminal Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around after it touches a target
(13:17):
and tears through it, deflects off of it, or flattens against
it. Question 9.
What are the five phases of rifle marksmanship training?
Slash Basic rifle marksmanship BRM one preliminary marksmanship
instruction PMI 2 Downrange feedback range firing 3 Field
(13:39):
firing 4 Advanced rifle marksmanship arm 5 Advanced
optics, lasers, and iron sights.Use the mnemonic PDFAA.
What does weapons hold weapon control status mean?
Engage only if engaged or ordered to engage.
What does weapons tight weapon control status mean?
(14:03):
Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
What does weapons free weapon control status mean?
Engage targets not positively identified as friendly.
Why does the M4 use 25 meters to0 when it's actually set at 300
meters? Because the line of sight is a
(14:24):
straight line, and the arc that the bullet travels intersects
that line twice. What are the three phases of
Ballistics? Internal, external, and
terminal. What are internal Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around inside the M4 before it
leaves the barrel. What are external Ballistics?
(14:45):
The physics of what happens to around as it flies through the
air from leaving the barrel until it touches the target.
What are terminal Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
round after it touches a target and tears through it, deflects
off of it, or flattens against it.
What are the five phases of rifle marksmanship training
Slash. Basic rifle marksmanship.
(15:07):
BRM One preliminary marksmanshipinstruction.
PMI Two downrange feedback rangefiring 3 field firing 4 Advanced
rifle, marksmanship arm 5 advanced optics, lasers, and
iron sights. Use the mnemonic PDFAA.
(15:31):
What does weapons hold weapon control status mean?
Engage only if engaged or ordered to engage.
What does weapons tight weapon control status mean?
Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
What does weapons free weapon control status mean?
(15:51):
Engage targets not positively identified as friendly.
Why does the M4 use 25 meters to0 when it's actually set at 300
meters? Because the line of sight is a
straight line, and the arc that the bullet travels intersects
that line twice. What are the three phases of
Ballistics? Internal, external, and
(16:13):
terminal? What are internal Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around inside the M4 before it
leaves the barrel. What are external Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around as it flies through the
air from leaving the barrel until it touches the target.
What are terminal Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
(16:35):
round after it touches a target and tears through it, deflects
off of it, or flattens against it.
What are the five phases of rifle marksmanship training?
Slash Basic rifle marksmanship BRM one preliminary marksmanship
instruction PMI 2 downrange feedback range firing 3 field
(16:57):
firing 4 advanced rifle marksmanship arm 5 advanced
optics, lasers, and iron sights.Use the mnemonic PDFAA.
What does weapons hold Weapon control status mean?
Engage only if engaged or ordered to engage.
(17:18):
What does weapons tight weapon control status mean?
Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
What does weapons free weapon control status mean?
Engage targets not positively identified as friendly.
Why does the M4 use 25 meters to0 when it's actually set at 300
(17:40):
meters? Because the line of sight is a
straight line, and the arc that the bullet travels intersects
that line twice. What are the three phases of
Ballistics? Internal, external, and
terminal. What are internal Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around inside the M4 before it
leaves the barrel. What are external Ballistics?
(18:04):
The physics of what happens to around as it flies through the
air from leaving the barrel until it touches the target.
What are terminal Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
round after it touches a target and tears through it, deflects
off of it, or flattens against it.
What are the five phases of rifle marksmanship training
Slash. Basic rifle marksmanship.
(18:26):
BRM One preliminary marksmanshipinstruction.
PMI Two downrange feedback rangefiring 3 field firing 4 Advanced
rifle, marksmanship arm 5 advanced optics, lasers, and
iron sights. Use the mnemonic PDFAA.
(18:50):
What does weapons hold weapon control status mean?
Engage only if engaged or ordered to engage.
What does weapons tight weapon control status mean?
Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
What does weapons free weapon control status mean?
(19:10):
Engage targets not positively identified as friendly.
Why does the M4 use 25 meters to0 when it's actually set at 300
meters? Because the line of sight is a
straight line, and the arc that the bullet travels intersects
that line twice. What are the three phases of
Ballistics? Internal, external, and
(19:31):
terminal? What are internal Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around inside the M4 before it
leaves the barrel. What are external Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around as it flies through the
air from leaving the barrel until it touches the target.
What are terminal Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
(19:53):
round after it touches a target and tears through it, deflects
off of it, or flattens against it.
What are the five phases of rifle marksmanship training?
Slash Basic rifle marksmanship BRM one preliminary marksmanship
instruction PMI 2 Downrange feedback range firing 3 Field
(20:15):
firing 4 Advanced rifle marksmanship arm 5 Advanced
optics, lasers, and iron sights.Use the mnemonic PDFAA.
What does weapons hold Weapon control status mean?
Engage only if engaged or ordered to engage.
(20:37):
What does weapons tight weapon control status mean?
Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
What does weapons free weapon control status mean?
Engage targets not positively identified as friendly.
Why does the M4 use 25 meters to0 when it's actually set at 300
(20:58):
meters? Because the line of sight is a
straight line, and the arc that the bullet travels intersects
that line twice. What are the three phases of
Ballistics? Internal, external, and
terminal. What are internal Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around inside the M4 before it
leaves the barrel. What are external Ballistics?
(21:22):
The physics of what happens to around as it flies through the
air from leaving the barrel until it touches the target.
What are terminal Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
round after it touches a target and tears through it, deflects
off of it, or flattens against it.
What are the five phases of rifle marksmanship training
Slash. Basic rifle marksmanship.
(21:44):
BRM One preliminary marksmanshipinstruction.
PMI Two downrange feedback rangefiring 3 field firing 4 Advanced
rifle, marksmanship arm 5 advanced optics, lasers, and
iron sights. Use the mnemonic PDFAA.
(22:08):
What does weapons hold weapon control status mean?
Engage only if engaged or ordered to engage.
What does weapons tight weapon control status mean?
Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
What does weapons free weapon control status mean?
(22:28):
Engage targets not positively identified as friendly.
Why does the M4 use 25 meters to0 when it's actually set at 300
meters? Because the line of sight is a
straight line, and the arc that the bullet travels intersects
that line twice. What are the three phases of
Ballistics? Internal, external, and
(22:50):
terminal? What are internal Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around inside the M4 before it
leaves the barrel. What are external Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around as it flies through the
air from leaving the barrel until it touches the target.
What are terminal Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
(23:12):
round after it touches a target and tears through it, deflects
off of it, or flattens against it.
What are the five phases of rifle marksmanship training?
Slash Basic rifle marksmanship BRM one preliminary marksmanship
instruction PMI 2 downrange feedback range firing 3 field
(23:34):
firing 4 advanced rifle marksmanship arm 5 advanced
optics, lasers, and iron sights.Use the mnemonic PDFAA.
What does weapons hold Weapon control status mean?
Engage only if engaged or ordered to engage.
(23:55):
What does weapons tight weapon control status mean?
Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
What does weapons free weapon control status mean?
Engage targets not positively identified as friendly.
Why does the M4 use 25 meters to0 when it's actually set at 300
(24:17):
meters? Because the line of sight is a
straight line, and the arc that the bullet travels intersects
that line twice. What are the three phases of
Ballistics? Internal, external, and
terminal. What are internal Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around inside the M4 before it
leaves the barrel. What are external Ballistics?
(24:41):
The physics of what happens to around as it flies through the
air from leaving the barrel until it touches the target.
What are terminal Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
round after it touches a target and tears through it, deflects
off of it, or flattens against it.
What are the five phases of rifle marksmanship training
Slash. Basic rifle marksmanship.
(25:03):
BRM One preliminary marksmanshipinstruction.
PMI Two downrange feedback, Range firing 3 Field firing 4
Advanced Rifle, Marksmanship arm, 5 Advanced Optics, lasers,
and iron sights. Use the mnemonic PDFAA.
Welcome to the Board Questions Podcast where you can study for
your promotion or Soldier of theMonth board while driving,
commuting, or playing video games.
Today we will be focusing on questions about the M4 that
every E for specialist and aboveshould know as they prepare to
become NC OS and not only know their craft, but be able to
guide and teach others. Each of these episodes will
(00:23):
start with a pretest chapter andif you confidently answer every
question, move on to the next most difficult episode and test
yourself there. If you didn't stick around and
start the lesson chapter where we will teach you each of the
answers in the lesson phase, then the retest chapter will
give you a chance to try again. If you want to solidify your
(00:44):
answers subconsciously, the repetition chapter will repeat
the questions and answers, and you can solidify what you've
just learned by repeating them out loud.
Let's get started with the pretest, the pretest chapter.
Question one. What does weapons hold weapon
control status mean? Engage only if engaged or
(01:07):
ordered to engage. Question 2 What does weapons
tight weapon control status mean?
Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
Question three What does weaponsfree weapon control status mean?
(01:28):
Engage targets not positively identified as friendly?
Question 4 Why does the M4 use 25 meters to 0 when it's
actually set at 300 meters? Because the line of sight is a
straight line, and the arc that the bullet travels intersects
that line twice. Question 5 What are the three
(01:51):
phases of Ballistics? Internal, external, and
terminal. Question 6 What are internal
Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
round inside the M4 before it leaves the barrel.
Question 7. What are external Ballistics?
(02:15):
The physics of what happens to around as it flies through the
air from leaving the barrel until it touches the target.
Question 8. What are terminal Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around after it touches a target
and tears through it, deflects off of it, or flattens against
it. Question 9 What are the five
(02:37):
phases of rifle marksmanship training?
Slash Basic rifle marksmanship BRM One Preliminary marksmanship
instruction PMI 2 Downrange feedback range firing 3 Field
firing 4 Advanced rifle marksmanship arm 5 Advanced
(03:00):
optics, lasers and iron sights. Use the mnemonic PDFAA the
lesson chapter. If you feel confident in your
answers in the pretest, skip this episode and move on to the
next episode where the questionswill be a little harder.
If you want to learn more, let'sdive into the lesson chapter.
(03:21):
We will ask the question again, give you the answer, and then
explain why that is the correct answer and what it actually
means for you, the soldier. Question one.
What does weapons hold? Weapon control status mean
engage only if engaged or ordered to engage.
Weapons hold is the most restrictive of the three weapon
(03:42):
control statuses. It means soldiers may only
engage a target if they are directly fired upon or receive
an explicit order to fire. This status is typically used in
situations where friendly and civilian forces are nearby or
where absolute fire discipline is required.
Think of it as a do not fire unless fired upon rule used to
(04:04):
prevent unnecessary escalation or collateral damage.
So if you see the enemy, let them do whatever they want
except fire at you. Question 2.
What does weapons tight weapon control status mean?
Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
(04:24):
Weapons tight allows a bit more freedom than weapons hold, but
still emphasizes control. Under this status, soldiers can
engage targets, but only if theyare positively identified as
enemy forces. This prevents mistaken
engagements with friendly or neutral parties.
Positive identification usually means visual confirmation or
(04:46):
verified Intel. A simple memory aid type equals
target confirmed, so if you see someone that could be the enemy,
don't fire until you know for sure they are the enemy, but
once you do know, kill them, whether they are patrolling or
chilling in their garden. Question three.
What does weapons free, weapon control status mean?
(05:09):
Engage targets not positively identified as friendly.
Weapons Free is the least restrictive engagement status
and is often used in high threatcombat zones.
It authorizes soldiers to engageany targets that are not
positively identified as friendly.
This doesn't mean firing indiscriminately.
Rules of engagement and accountability still apply, but
(05:32):
it places the burden of recognition on not being
friendly rather than proving a target is hostile.
In short, if it's not friend, itmight be foe engage.
So if you see anyone who isn't your buddy, kill them.
Question 4. Why does the M4 use 25 meters to
0 when it's actually set at 300 meters?
(05:55):
Because the line of sight is a straight line, and the arc that
the bullet travels intersects that line twice.
The M4 is typically zeroed at 25meters not because it's the
maximum effective range, but because of the ballistic path a
bullet takes after it is fired. When you fire around, it doesn't
travel in a straight line, it follows an arc due to gravity.
(06:18):
Meanwhile, your line of sight through an optic or iron sights
is perfectly straight. The goal of zeroing is to align
that straight line of sight withthe curved path of the bullet so
the two intersect at a specific distance, in this case 300
meters. But here's where 25 meters comes
in. Due to the bullet's trajectory
and the height of the optic above the bore, usually about
(06:40):
2.6 inches, the bullet actually crosses the line of sight twice,
once as it rises and again as itfalls.
At approximately 25 meters, the bullet rises just enough to
intersect the line of sight for the first time.
After that, it continues upward,peaks, and then begins to drop
again, intersecting the line of sight a second time at about 300
(07:02):
meters. This dual intersection allows
for a practical shortcut. If a soldier zeroes the weapon
at 25 meters with the correct target configuration, usually a
scaled down silhouette, it simulates a proper 0 for 300
meters. This process saves time and
space on the range, allows for consistent sight alignment at
(07:22):
shorter distances, and ensures the weapon is battle ready for
engagements at mid range. A helpful mental image is to
picture tossing a football in a high arc.
It leaves your hand below eye level, rises above your line of
sight, and comes down to hit your target.
The 25 meter 0 is like aiming for the start of that arc,
knowing it will come back down right on point.
(07:44):
Question 5 What are the three phases of Ballistics?
Internal, external and terminal?Ballistics can be broken into
three key phases, internal, external and terminal.
These phases explain the journeyof a bullet from the moment the
trigger is pulled through flightand finally when it hits its
(08:05):
target. Internal Ballistics deals with
what happens inside the weapon. External Ballistics is about how
the bullet behaves in the air. Terminal Ballistics covers the
effects on impact. These phases are useful for
understanding everything from accuracy to penetration and
stopping power. Question 6.
(08:27):
What are internal Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
round inside the M4 before it leaves the barrel.
Internal Ballistics is the science of what happens inside
the weapon from the time the firing pin strikes the primer
until the bullet exits the barrel.
This includes the ignition of the propellant, the build up of
gas pressure, and the movement of the round through the chamber
(08:50):
and down the barrel. The consistency of this process
impacts muzzle velocity and shotto shot precision.
Question 7. What are external Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around as it flies through the
air from leaving the barrel until it touches the target.
External Ballistics refers to what happens to the round after
(09:12):
it exits the barrel and travels through the air.
This phase is influenced by gravity, wind, air resistance,
and even humidity or altitude. The bullet follows A curved
parabolic path, rising slightly before dropping due to its high
speed and lack of propulsion after leaving the weapon.
Understanding external Ballistics is essential for
(09:34):
making accurate long range shots, adjusting for elevation
and windage. Question 8 What are terminal
Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
round after it touches a target and tears through it, deflects
off of it, or flattens against it.
Terminal Ballistics is the studyof what happens when a bullet
(09:54):
makes contact with its target. This includes how the bullet
deforms, fragments, passes through, or transfers energy to
the object it strikes. Whether the round penetrates
deeply, tumbles, or flattens canbe the difference between
incapacitating a threat or failing to stop it.
This phase is often studied to understand wound channels, armor
(10:16):
penetration, or how different rounds behave upon impact.
Question 9. What are the five phases of
rifle marksmanship training? Slash.
Basic rifle marksmanship. BRM.
One preliminary marksmanship instruction.
PMI two downrange feedback, range firing, 3 field firing 4
(10:41):
advanced rifle, marksmanship arm5 advanced optics, lasers and
iron sights. Use the mnemonic PDFAA.
The five phases of BRM training help soldiers build from basic
understanding to expert level shooting skills.
The first phase is Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction PMI,
(11:03):
where soldiers learn the fundamentals, stance, breathing,
aiming and trigger control. Phase 2 is downrange feedback,
where they fire and see where rounds land.
Phase 3 field firing add stress and combat realism.
Phase 4 is advanced rifle marksmanship arm, focusing on
movement, alternate positions, and complex engagements.
(11:28):
Finally, phase 5 is advanced optics, lasers, and iron sights,
where soldiers master various sighting systems.
To remember the order, use the mnemonic PDFAA Preliminary
Downrange Field Advanced Advanced.
The Retest Chapter Now that we have learned each topic, let's
(11:48):
go over our answers in this retest chapter to make sure you
got it. Question one What does weapons
hold weapon control status mean?Engage only if engaged or
ordered to engage. Question 2 What does weapons
tight weapon control status mean?
(12:09):
Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
Question three What does weaponsfree weapon control status mean?
Engage targets not positively identified as friendly.
Question 4. Why does the M4 use 25 meters to
0 when it's actually set at 300 meters?
(12:32):
Because the line of sight is a straight line, and the arc that
the bullet travels intersects that line twice.
Question 5. What are the three phases of
Ballistics? Internal, external, and
terminal. Question 6.
What are internal Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
(12:54):
round inside the M4 before it leaves the barrel.
Question 7. What are external Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around as it flies through the
air from leaving the barrel until it touches the target.
Question 8. What are terminal Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around after it touches a target
(13:17):
and tears through it, deflects off of it, or flattens against
it. Question 9.
What are the five phases of rifle marksmanship training?
Slash Basic rifle marksmanship BRM one preliminary marksmanship
instruction PMI 2 Downrange feedback range firing 3 Field
(13:39):
firing 4 Advanced rifle marksmanship arm 5 Advanced
optics, lasers, and iron sights.Use the mnemonic PDFAA.
What does weapons hold weapon control status mean?
Engage only if engaged or ordered to engage.
What does weapons tight weapon control status mean?
(14:03):
Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
What does weapons free weapon control status mean?
Engage targets not positively identified as friendly.
Why does the M4 use 25 meters to0 when it's actually set at 300
meters? Because the line of sight is a
(14:24):
straight line, and the arc that the bullet travels intersects
that line twice. What are the three phases of
Ballistics? Internal, external, and
terminal. What are internal Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around inside the M4 before it
leaves the barrel. What are external Ballistics?
(14:45):
The physics of what happens to around as it flies through the
air from leaving the barrel until it touches the target.
What are terminal Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
round after it touches a target and tears through it, deflects
off of it, or flattens against it.
What are the five phases of rifle marksmanship training
Slash. Basic rifle marksmanship.
(15:07):
BRM One preliminary marksmanshipinstruction.
PMI Two downrange feedback rangefiring 3 field firing 4 Advanced
rifle, marksmanship arm 5 advanced optics, lasers, and
iron sights. Use the mnemonic PDFAA.
(15:31):
What does weapons hold weapon control status mean?
Engage only if engaged or ordered to engage.
What does weapons tight weapon control status mean?
Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
What does weapons free weapon control status mean?
(15:51):
Engage targets not positively identified as friendly.
Why does the M4 use 25 meters to0 when it's actually set at 300
meters? Because the line of sight is a
straight line, and the arc that the bullet travels intersects
that line twice. What are the three phases of
Ballistics? Internal, external, and
(16:13):
terminal? What are internal Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around inside the M4 before it
leaves the barrel. What are external Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around as it flies through the
air from leaving the barrel until it touches the target.
What are terminal Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
(16:35):
round after it touches a target and tears through it, deflects
off of it, or flattens against it.
What are the five phases of rifle marksmanship training?
Slash Basic rifle marksmanship BRM one preliminary marksmanship
instruction PMI 2 downrange feedback range firing 3 field
(16:57):
firing 4 advanced rifle marksmanship arm 5 advanced
optics, lasers, and iron sights.Use the mnemonic PDFAA.
What does weapons hold Weapon control status mean?
Engage only if engaged or ordered to engage.
(17:18):
What does weapons tight weapon control status mean?
Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
What does weapons free weapon control status mean?
Engage targets not positively identified as friendly.
Why does the M4 use 25 meters to0 when it's actually set at 300
(17:40):
meters? Because the line of sight is a
straight line, and the arc that the bullet travels intersects
that line twice. What are the three phases of
Ballistics? Internal, external, and
terminal. What are internal Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around inside the M4 before it
leaves the barrel. What are external Ballistics?
(18:04):
The physics of what happens to around as it flies through the
air from leaving the barrel until it touches the target.
What are terminal Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
round after it touches a target and tears through it, deflects
off of it, or flattens against it.
What are the five phases of rifle marksmanship training
Slash. Basic rifle marksmanship.
(18:26):
BRM One preliminary marksmanshipinstruction.
PMI Two downrange feedback rangefiring 3 field firing 4 Advanced
rifle, marksmanship arm 5 advanced optics, lasers, and
iron sights. Use the mnemonic PDFAA.
(18:50):
What does weapons hold weapon control status mean?
Engage only if engaged or ordered to engage.
What does weapons tight weapon control status mean?
Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
What does weapons free weapon control status mean?
(19:10):
Engage targets not positively identified as friendly.
Why does the M4 use 25 meters to0 when it's actually set at 300
meters? Because the line of sight is a
straight line, and the arc that the bullet travels intersects
that line twice. What are the three phases of
Ballistics? Internal, external, and
(19:31):
terminal? What are internal Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around inside the M4 before it
leaves the barrel. What are external Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around as it flies through the
air from leaving the barrel until it touches the target.
What are terminal Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
(19:53):
round after it touches a target and tears through it, deflects
off of it, or flattens against it.
What are the five phases of rifle marksmanship training?
Slash Basic rifle marksmanship BRM one preliminary marksmanship
instruction PMI 2 Downrange feedback range firing 3 Field
(20:15):
firing 4 Advanced rifle marksmanship arm 5 Advanced
optics, lasers, and iron sights.Use the mnemonic PDFAA.
What does weapons hold Weapon control status mean?
Engage only if engaged or ordered to engage.
(20:37):
What does weapons tight weapon control status mean?
Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
What does weapons free weapon control status mean?
Engage targets not positively identified as friendly.
Why does the M4 use 25 meters to0 when it's actually set at 300
(20:58):
meters? Because the line of sight is a
straight line, and the arc that the bullet travels intersects
that line twice. What are the three phases of
Ballistics? Internal, external, and
terminal. What are internal Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around inside the M4 before it
leaves the barrel. What are external Ballistics?
(21:22):
The physics of what happens to around as it flies through the
air from leaving the barrel until it touches the target.
What are terminal Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
round after it touches a target and tears through it, deflects
off of it, or flattens against it.
What are the five phases of rifle marksmanship training
Slash. Basic rifle marksmanship.
(21:44):
BRM One preliminary marksmanshipinstruction.
PMI Two downrange feedback rangefiring 3 field firing 4 Advanced
rifle, marksmanship arm 5 advanced optics, lasers, and
iron sights. Use the mnemonic PDFAA.
(22:08):
What does weapons hold weapon control status mean?
Engage only if engaged or ordered to engage.
What does weapons tight weapon control status mean?
Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
What does weapons free weapon control status mean?
(22:28):
Engage targets not positively identified as friendly.
Why does the M4 use 25 meters to0 when it's actually set at 300
meters? Because the line of sight is a
straight line, and the arc that the bullet travels intersects
that line twice. What are the three phases of
Ballistics? Internal, external, and
(22:50):
terminal? What are internal Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around inside the M4 before it
leaves the barrel. What are external Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around as it flies through the
air from leaving the barrel until it touches the target.
What are terminal Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
(23:12):
round after it touches a target and tears through it, deflects
off of it, or flattens against it.
What are the five phases of rifle marksmanship training?
Slash Basic rifle marksmanship BRM one preliminary marksmanship
instruction PMI 2 downrange feedback range firing 3 field
(23:34):
firing 4 advanced rifle marksmanship arm 5 advanced
optics, lasers, and iron sights.Use the mnemonic PDFAA.
What does weapons hold Weapon control status mean?
Engage only if engaged or ordered to engage.
(23:55):
What does weapons tight weapon control status mean?
Engage only if target is positively identified as enemy.
What does weapons free weapon control status mean?
Engage targets not positively identified as friendly.
Why does the M4 use 25 meters to0 when it's actually set at 300
(24:17):
meters? Because the line of sight is a
straight line, and the arc that the bullet travels intersects
that line twice. What are the three phases of
Ballistics? Internal, external, and
terminal. What are internal Ballistics?
The physics of what happens to around inside the M4 before it
leaves the barrel. What are external Ballistics?
(24:41):
The physics of what happens to around as it flies through the
air from leaving the barrel until it touches the target.
What are terminal Ballistics? The physics of what happens to a
round after it touches a target and tears through it, deflects
off of it, or flattens against it.
What are the five phases of rifle marksmanship training
Slash. Basic rifle marksmanship.
(25:03):
BRM One preliminary marksmanshipinstruction.
PMI Two downrange feedback, Range firing 3 Field firing 4
Advanced Rifle, Marksmanship arm, 5 Advanced Optics, lasers,
and iron sights. Use the mnemonic PDFAA.
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