Designated Marksman (24 Hours)

Overview

Designated Marksman is designed to educate, train, and prepare a police officer with the skills to fill the tactical gap between a Patrol Rifle application and a SWAT sniper.
This comprehensive three-day class begins the journey of an officer assigned as a Designated Marksman (DM) or preparing for the role to effectively employ the tools for the job.  In-depth discussions develop understanding of rifle, optics and other equipment of the DM.  Additionally, the student will be introduced to basic range estimation, to concept of point-blank range and zero, shooting using a simulator and moving targets.  Students are challenged to make progress and engaging appropriately sized targets up to at least 300 yards.

3-day course

Experience Requirements

This course is open only to Law Enforcement and Military personnel. This is an intermediate level course. Students are expected to understand how a carbine system functions and have a basic operation knowledge of the weapon system. Rifle 103 or an equivalent course is required to attend this class.

Course Outline

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Develop an understanding of the use and deployment of Designated Marksman (DM) type weapons systems
• Develop understanding of terminology and nomenclature of scopes and DM type optics/choices
• Weapon setup
• Develop basic understanding of Ballistics and Zeroing scoped rifles
• Develop each shooter’s fundamentals of marksmanship in Unconventional (supported and unsupported) Shooting Positions
• Learn Basic Range Estimation
• Understand the Maximum Point Blank Zero concept
• Introduction to Simulator and Decision Making

Equipment List

Must haves:

• AR-type .308 or .300 BLACKOUT preferred (5.56 Rifle ok), ammunition and data combination capable of +/- 1.5 MOA precision
• Magnified optic of at least 1-4X (1-6X or 1-8X preferred for positive facial ID)
• 2-3 magazines
• Eye and ear protection
• Clothing suitable to the climate/weather
• Footwear suitable to movement and load bearing
• Water
• Load bearing pack
• Note taking material

Should haves:

• Bipod or front bag
• Sling
• Snacks
• Shooting rear bag/sock
• Suitable headgear
• Databook

Nice to haves:

• Spotting scope or at least 1X-7X binoculars
• Kestrel (or similar)
• Range finder
• Shooting mat
• Sturdy tripod
• Tools to adjust scopes, etc.
• Whatever snivel gear makes you happy!

Free loan of spotting scopes, rifle scopes and rifles are available (in limited quantities) at the Epping, NH location for those who may need to borrow them.

Ammo

• Approximately 500 Match Grade/Tactical duty rounds
• Match grade ammunition is usually available for purchase at the Epping, NH facility in the following calibers:
  • .223 (usually 75 and 77 grain)
  • .308 (168 and 175 grain)
  • .300 BO (110 grain, 125 grain)

The above is for informational purposes and the quantities and grain weights cannot be guaranteed at the time of your class - please plan ahead.

Notes

Students should expect moderate physical activity to include running from firing point to firing point with necessary equipment. Shooting from unconventional positions can be mildly strenuous.

3-day course