Becoming a Marine Corps Rifleman is a rite of passage for all Marine Corp enlistees. The Marines believes “Every Marine is a Rifleman” and backs up this statement with a tough requirement that every Marine Corps recruit must pass a rifle skills test with an M16.http://www.marines.com/main/index/making_marines/recruit_training_matrix/marksmanship

Marksmanship is the sign of a battle ready force, and the Marine Corp wants to be ready for any battle where a skilled rifleman is a highly desired asset. Once a Marine Corp recruit qualifies as a rifleman, they must re-qualify every year to maintain their rifleman status. http://www.marines.com/main/index/making_marines/recruit_training_matrix/marksmanship Learn How to Become a Marine Corps Rifleman through this guide.

If you would like to become a Marine Corp Rifleman, you must enlist for the Marines.

Requirements include:

1. Be between 17 and 29
2. Have a high school diploma, or be in the process of obtaining onehttp://www.marines.com/main/index/making_marines/eligibility/marine-enlisted

If you meet these basic requirements, contact a Marine Corp recruiter to start the physical and paper work requirements for entry as a Marine.

During your basic training as a Marine, you will undergo 2 weeks of intense rifleman training.

Week 1: Grass Week

1. Learn rifle safety and basic marksmanship
2. Become comfortable with a rifle and develop precision
3. Learn how to fire a rifle in different positions including kneeling, standing, sitting, and laying downhttp://www.marines.com/main/index/making_marines/recruit_training/training_matrix/marksmanship

Week 2: Firing Week

1. Start using live ammunition for practice
2. Learn to fire live rounds from all positions
3. Learn to fire at ranges from 200 to 500 yards
4. Establish rifle accuracy through rapid and slow fire shotshttp://www.marines.com/main/index/making_marines/recruit_training/training_matrix/marksmanship

At the end of Marine Corp rifleman training, you will take a live examination on qualification day. Marine Corp recruits attempt to obtain a high score on different firing examinations. The highest score is 250 points. Based on the current scoring requirements, if you obtain a sufficient score on your rifleman examination, you will be a Marine Corp rifleman.

If you score high enough on your examination, you may qualify for special recognition:

1. Rifle Marksman Badge- a sign of honor that you are an accomplished marksman
2. Rifle Sharpshooter- indicates you have a high level of accuracy and precision in your shooting
3. Crossed Rifles Expert badge- the highest badge level for marksmen and a highly coveted badge in the Marine Corp