The Level I Carbine course is designed to emphasize the fundamentals of marksmanship in utilizing a semi-automatic AR-15 type rifle or carbine. The course will consist of approximately 1 hour of classroom instruction on firearm safety, firearm operation, sling adjustment, sight adjustment, and the cognitive aspects of marksmanship. Classroom instruction is followed by 7 hours of progressively challenging drills that involve a variety of shooting positions, distances, and situational nuance. These drills will primarily originate from the standing position and are designed to improve both speed and accuracy. Upon completion of this course, the student will have a thorough understanding of firearm safety, firearm operation, and the ability to engage multiple targets at distances up to 100 yards from the prone, seated, kneeling, and standing positions.

Course Objective: The student will gain a high level of confidence in the safe handling and operation of an AR-15 type rifle or carbine and show substantial improvement in accuracy and speed of target engagement.

Enabling Objectives:

• General firearms safety
• Verify safe, loading, and unloading procedure
• Operation and manipulation of the AR-15 type rifle/carbine
• Sights, zeroing considerations and techniques, external ballistics, slings, and equipment placement
• Reloading and malfunction drills
• Fundamentals of rifle marksmanship
• Shooting positions
• Multiple target engagements
• Basic techniques of cleaning and lubrication

Ammo requirements: 200 rounds of rifle ammunition per person.

Prerequisite: A basic understanding of firearms safety and operation.

Training schedule: Showtime is at 8:00 am and ends at 5 pm. A one-hour period is allotted for lunch.

Individual equipment:

• Carbine with three magazines
• Knee and elbow pads (optional)
• Weapon cleaning kit (with oil for carbine)
• Rain or inclement weather gear
• Eye and ear protection (clear and shaded lens are recommended)
• Water/Snacks (1 hr lunch break)
• Hat/Gloves (rifle will get hot)
• Sunscreen (non-greasy or water-resistant recommended)
• Optical sight for carbine (optional, but highly recommended)
• Belt, LBE, or protective vest with associated magazine pouches